Chevrolet Camaro Is The Most-Stolen Sports Car

While the number of cars stolen each year is dropping, all motorists are at risk for becoming the victim of a crime. In fact, there may even be some vehicles that are more prone to theft than others. A large portion of all automobiles stolen in the U.S. are high-end sports cars, and a few of these are extremely popular among car thieves. 

The National Insurance Crime Bureau has been tracking which cars are the most popular stolen vehicles for years. From 2009 through 2012, the organization recorded the make and model of automobiles reported as stolen.

According to the data, the most popular sports car stolen in the four-year time period was the Chevrolet Camaro. There were 1,509 reported thefts of this vehicle, far outpacing the 980 instances of theft for the Ford Mustang, which came in second. Close behind was the Dodge Challenger, which was in third place with 782 thefts. 

Those three were significantly ahead of the rest of the top 10. The Porsche Panamera was fourth with 103 instances and the Audi A5/S5 was fifth with 101. 

All hope is not lost when a vehicle is reported stolen. The study found that about 15 percent of compact sporty cars were never recovered after a theft – which also means that 85 percent were found. Additionally, 88 percent of midsize sporty vehicle were found. However, less than 70 percent of premium sporty cars were recovered. 

Whether you're looking for a sports car or need to replace a vehicle that has been stolen, you're going to want to be on the lookout for a good deal. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, you can search through the hundreds of CARFAX-certified used cars to find a vehicle that is perfect for your needs. 

Practice Safe Driving During Halloween Celebrations

People young and old love Halloween, but while it might be popular, this festive holiday can pose some problems for drivers. With so many motorists and pedestrians heading out for fun, everyone must take steps to stay safe on the roads, and that includes practicing safe driving habits and remaining aware of your surroundings. 

"On Halloween, drivers need to be especially vigilant between the hours of 4 p.m. and midnight, when pedestrians are most vulnerable," said Sharon Gilmartin, a research analyst for AAA. "While trick-or-treating, children may not pay attention to traffic and might cross mid-block or between parked cars, making them even more difficult to see in the dark."

Not only do families and other drivers have to watch out for trick-or-treaters, but people who head out to more mature parties also need to be prepared to handle the difficulties of the road. 

"Halloween has become an increasingly popular occasion for adults to host and attend parties where alcohol is frequently served," Gilmartin continued. "By designating a sober driver, or by choosing not to drink if driving, this holiday can remain a treat for everyone." 

All motorists can be safe by designating a sober driver, sticking to main roads instead of neighborhoods or residential areas, and driving slowly. Pedestrians should travel in groups so they are easier to spot and wear bright colors or reflective gear, which makes them more visible to motorists. 

Safe driving is one of the most important things you can do when you get behind the wheel, and it helps to have a safe vehicle. If you want to update your ride to a used car that has excellent features and modern technology, check out the options at NJ State Auto Auction. The lot is home to hundreds of CARFAX-certified vehicles that offer excellent protection and quality for drivers. 

Bad Credit Has Major Impact On Car Insurance

Buying a used car is about more than finding the vehicle with the right features. You've also got to locate the automobile that fits your budget. That goes beyond the sticker price, as drivers must also choose a car that has manageable monthly payments and insurance premiums. Unfortunately, that is a problem for many, as motorists with poor credit are forced to pay high costs for auto insurance. 

According to a report from InsuranceQuotes.com, drivers with bad credit scores can pay as much as 91 percent more than people with high scores. Even those with average scores were found to pay about 24 percent more than those with good credit. 

Other facts that play into projected insurance premiums include your age, gender, driving record and any past insurance claims made, CNN reported. 

"About 40 percent of every consumer's bottom line score will be driven by whether or not you paid your credit obligations on time," Larmont Boyd, an analyst at the Fair Isaac Corporation, told the news source. "Responsible habits, such as paying your bills on time and minimizing debt, pay off in many ways, including paying less for car insurance." 

Some states have banned insurers from using credit scores to decide insurance rates, but that is far from being a national practice. Instead, many drivers are left to find the best options for themselves – but they can take advantage of services from car dealerships if they know where to look. 

You can reap the benefits of the financing options at New Jersey State Auto Auction. Not only does the lot have hundreds of CARFAX-certified vehicles, but it also boasts its own finance department that can help you make decisions about your next investment. 

Get Young Drivers Ready For Winter Challenges

With winter quickly approaching, many drivers are getting ready to deal with rough road conditions. Although some motorists are used to handling themselves on icy roads and in situations with poor visibility, young drivers that are experiencing the season for the first time behind the wheel will not be familiar with the best practices for winter driving. 

Luckily, there are ways teens can learn to handle extreme conditions. One of the best methods is to drive with parents, as this offers a chance to see the proper techniques. This may include driving in rain or snow, learning how the car breaks in wintry conditions and staying calm no matter what happens. 

"While teens who have participated in a quality driver education program are exposed to difficult driving conditions, parental guidance is essential for the long-term success of any new driver," said Sandra Maxwell, director of driver education programs for AAA. "Because parents have the unique opportunity to sit in the passenger seat and coach their teen, they have the ability to ensure lifelong safe driving habits at the critical learning-to-drive stage." 

Young people should also be versed in avoiding animals, driving on rural roads, and accommodating bikes, large trucks and motorcycles while behind the wheel. 

Teens who are just beginning their driving experience need a safe, reliable vehicle. Not only will this provide them with a great environment for learning the rules of the road, but it also offers parents some peace of mind. If you need to find such a vehicle, consider looking for a ride at NJ State Auto Auction. The lot is home to hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that are ideal for parents and their young drivers. 

Certain Used Cars Prove More Reliable Than Others

Reliability is one of the most important qualities motorists look for as they search for a used car. While many of the models in today's market boast long life spans and require little vehicle maintenance, a few brands stand out above others. 

Recently, Endurance released a list of reliable automobiles, Using data from insurance claims, the company found which vehicles needed the most frequent work over a three-year period.

The final results showed that pickup trucks were the most reliable, with only 29 percent of all claims involving the vehicles. That is particularly impressive when you consider that pickup trucks are among the most popular automobiles for drivers across the U.S., and they are frequently used in intense situations that could lead to damage. However, pickups are also engineered to be more rugged and handle these extreme scenarios, which may contribute to their durability. 

Following pickup trucks were sedans, which accounted for 34 percent of all claims, and SUVs, which made up 39 percent. Minivans were the least reliable, with 41 percent of all claims involving these passenger vehicles. 

These results may demonstrate general trends, but there are a number of opportunities for drivers to find individual models that are extremely reliable. Whether you are searching for something that will protect your entire family or provide a cost-effective mode of transportation as you go about your day-to-day life, you may want to consider vehicles that have a reputation for being reliable. 

When you're searching for a reliable used car, consider checking out the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The auction late has hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that could prove to be a worthy option for drivers. 

Consider The Benefits Of Winter Tires

Drivers all around the U.S. are getting ready to buckle down for winter driving. As leaves fall from trees and create slick roads or ice builds up on the streets, motorists have to pay extra attention to where they are driving and what is happening around them. Many of these car owners make it a point to upgrade some of the features of their vehicles so they are better suited for the season. 

Popular tire manufacturer Bridgestone is launching a challenge known as "Conquer the Cold," which aims to promote the many benefits of winter tires. These devices are specifically designed to perform in low temperatures and rough conditions. They maintain their elasticity even as the weather grows cold, gripping icy or wet surfaces with ease. 

"Winter tires provide increased traction, braking and handling in wintry conditions, all of which are important for safe driving during the winter season," said Philip Dobbs, chief marketing officer of Bridgestone Americas. "Think about it this way – a snowplow can't clear the cold. If it's cold enough to see your breath, you should consider changing to winter tires." 

Although some drivers may think their regular tires are adequate, using all-season tires means sacrificing maximum performance. This can cause motorists to have to replace tires more frequently or invest in other types of auto repair and maintenance. It may also result in less traction on the roads, which is a major safety concern for many. 

Winter tires are just the beginning of cold-weather preparations. If you want to make sure your vehicle is ready for low temperatures, take it into the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and can address any issues you may have. 

How To Have A Good Test Driving Experience

The test drive is an integral part of the car-shopping process. A good or bad experience may sway you from one vehicle to another and could have a significant impact on what you'll be driving for the foreseeable future. Before you get behind the wheel of a potential ride, however, you should know what to expect and how to approach the situation. 

Edmunds.com recommends that each driver begin a test drive by checking out the quirks of a vehicle. You should be paying attention to any minor issues you notice, as well as how comfortable the car is, because this will have a big effect on how you feel about the automobile in the long run. In many instances, this is just as important as focusing on the car's performance.

"It's a little like trying on clothes," said Philip Reed, the senior consumer advice editor for Edmunds.com. "People come in different sizes and shapes, and they have different tastes in what they want. The little things that you spot now could be major annoyances later, so don't discount any of your reactions." 

For example, you should take note of how easy it is to get in and out of the car. Are you liable to bang your head? Does the seat belt fit comfortably over your body? Is it easy to read the dashboard and gauges? All of these questions, as well as similar inquiries about how you can sit in the driver's seat, should be addressed during the testing period. 

Of course, the key to having a good test drive is getting behind the wheel of a quality car. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, there are hundreds of options of CARFAX-certified vehicles – and any one of them could be a viable option for your next investment. 

Distracted Driving Is More Common Than Motorists Think

It is a well-known fact that distracted driving is one of the most dangerous practices you can do behind the wheel. Many communities have launched initiatives to spread awareness about the potential impact of these behaviors, especially among teen drivers, and it seems the efforts are paying off. 

According to a study from Bridgestone's Teens Drive Smart, nearly 71 percent of young drivers felt that reading texts or emails when driving was unacceptable, and almost 80 percent thought sending messages was wrong. Despite having proper knowledge of these actions, approximately 45 percent admit to reading messages and another 37 percent continue to send them. 

"The fact [that] these actions are becoming socially unacceptable shows progress in the effort to raise awareness of the risks and consequences of distracted driving, but with this many teens admitting to engaging in the behavior privately, there is still much work to be done," said Angela Patterson, manager of the Teens Drive Smart Program. "We have to continue to reinforce that it's not OK to drive distracted alone or with others. It only takes one time to cause a crash that can injure yourself or someone else." 

One way parents can reinforce good behaviors is by setting an example. A study from the Governors Highway Safety Associations found that teens with parents who set driving rules, monitor activities and use positive driving behaviors are more likely to practice safe actions themselves, Forbes reported. Something as simple as putting a cellphone away and buckling up can make a big difference. 

Parents will undoubtedly want to do everything in their power to keep their teens safe behind the wheel, and that includes invested in a used car that offers all of the best safety features. At NJ State Auto Auction, there are hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that you can choose from, browsing until you find the right option for your family. 

Make Sure Auto Oil Is Up To Quality Standards

Most drivers know that regular vehicle maintenance is essential for continuing the smooth performance of a car. However, even the best intentions can be thwarted by the use of subpar materials like the wrong motor oil. In fact, this is one area where drivers may be unknowingly shorting their vehicles. 

The American Petroleum Institute recently conducted a study to assess the quality of motor oils used throughout the U.S. After testing more than 1,800 motor oils that were put on the market within the past five years, API found in nearly 20 percent were not up to its standards. Results of the oil examinations were compared to those of licensed oil formations to determine if the oils met the performance level they claimed. 

While some motorists may not think this is a serious issue, in reality the use of low-quality oil could spell disaster for a car. It could also be extremely costly for drivers who are not aware of what they are putting in the engine. API is taking steps to prevent that from happening. 

"API has launched a new phase in its Motor Oil Matters program that will provide the information necessary to consumers to ensure they receive the high-quality motor oils that they expect for their vehicles," said Kevin Ferrick, the manager for API's Engine Oil Licensing and Certification Systems manager.

If your vehicle needs an oil change and you are not sure how to approach the situation, schedule an appointment to bring the automobile to the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and can take care of any issues you may have. Professionals will also have a better grasp on what materials and equipment work best with your car, ensuring you are doing everything possible to extend the life of the vehicle. 

Used Car Prices Expected To Drop

For the past several years, drivers have been able to reap the rewards of a pool of high-quality used cars for sale. The improved performance and function of pre-owned vehicles on the market, combined with a low supply and high demand, caused prices of these automobiles to skyrocket. However, all signs point to these costs falling in the near future, allowing more motorists to purchase a used car. 

According to The New York Times, prices are beginning to fall from the uptick during the recession, when automakers pulled back production and created a shortage of used vehicles. The National Automotive Dealers Association predicts that the price of used cars between 1 and 3 years old will drop by at least 1.5 percent in 2013. Total sales of pre-owned automobiles could climb as high as 41 million transactions, the news source reported. 

The end of a car shortage may also mean good things for people who need to use loans and other financing options to afford a used vehicle. Whereas the short supply drove up prices, the recent drop should make payments easier to manage and could even cut back on interest rates as well. 

"It's always hard to find a good, clean used car, and it will always be that way," David W. Westcott, chairman of the National Automobile Dealers Association, told The New York Times. "But is it better now than it was three or four years ago? Absolutely." 

If you want to make your search for a used car easier, consider heading to a spot like New Jersey State Auto Auction. There, you'll find hundreds of CARFAX-certified options in one place, which can take a lot of the difficulty out of the hunt and bring you closer to finding a high-quality pre-owned vehicle.