Used Cars Show Impressive Reliability

Buying a used car doesn't have to mean sacrificing quality or value. In fact, many pre-owned vehicles can offer an excellent blend of capability and relatively low cost-to-own, making the act of purchasing and maintaining these automobiles much more manageable. 

There are many used cars for sale that are incredibly reliable, but a recent study from J.D. Power found that new models are declining in their dependability. Because many automakers have moved toward creating vehicles with better fuel economy, they have had to make tweaks with regard to the engine and transmission. Using new manufacturing strategies, in turn, has led to more problems with these aspects of the car, causing drivers to have to deal with a greater number of maintenance issues.  

"Automakers are continually looking for ways to improve fuel economy, which is a primary purchase motivator for many consumers, particularly those buying smaller vehicles," said David Sargent, vice president of global automotive at J.D. Power. "However, while striving to reduce fuel consumption, automakers must be careful not to compromise quality. Increases in such problems as engine hesitation, rough transmission shifts and lack of power indicate that this is a continuing challenge."

Although there are certainly exceptions to this trend, it does point to the fact that certain older used cars may be just as valuable of a purchase as newer ones. 

Even if you're confident that your vehicle is dependable, a problem may arise. If that happens, you can take it to NJ State Auto Auction for a closer inspection. The facility has the Total Car Care Center, which is a garage that caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have. 

Long, Harsh Winter Can Be Tough On Cars

Normally, the middle of a February is a time when most people begin to look forward to spring. Unfortunately, this year has seen a harsh winter, and the forecast doesn't show much relief for East Coast inhabitants. While that might just be a minor inconvenience for some, a long winter can really wreak havoc on cars. With freezing temperatures, inclement weather and plenty of other unexpected obstacles, the season can cause a lot of damage to a vehicle if drivers are not careful. 

"The roads become icy and unpredictable, requiring that cars, and drivers, be equipped to handle the elements," said Pamela Harlin, the spokesperson for an insurance company. "Winter never fails to surprise us with its harsh weather annually, and though many are familiar with weather-related tips, it doesn't hurt to go through a checklist to ensure motorist safety throughout the winter months." 

One tip that all drivers can take advantage of is keeping the gas tank full. Not only will this provide some peace of mind should you wind up stuck in heavy traffic, but it also ensures that condensation doesn't occur in the tank and later freeze, damaging the system. At the same time, checking that the car's battery is fully charged and free of corrosion is also an essential part of getting a vehicle running smoothly in the cold weather. 

Another helpful tip is to check the HVAC system. A car interior that is too cold can affect your alertness and grip on the steering wheel, so turn up the heat and get the defroster performing well. 

If your car needs some winter maintenance, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment at New Jersey State Auto's Total Car Care Center. The garage caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have. 

New Jersey City Is Tough On Auto Insurance

Drivers around New Jersey are typically on the lookout for the best deals available when it comes to used cars for sale. However, the cost of ownership of these vehicles goes far beyond the sticker price. Examining potential auto loans, monthly payments, fuel expenses and other costs is par for the course, but many also have to take a serious look at the average cost of auto insurance in a given location. 

NerdWallet conducted a study to determine which cities and states had the highest car insurance rates. While these figures vary greatly from region to region, there are certain areas where the rates could put a significant dent in a wallet. Detroit edged out New Orleans for the title of most expensive city, but one of the inclusions in the top five might hit a little closer to home: Newark, N.J. 

The largest city in New Jersey was found to have an average annual premium of more than $3,525, which placed it fourth on the list of most expensive areas for insurance. NerdWallet predicted that the expenses were largely due to a number of qualities, including the proximity to New York City, the dangerous snowy winters of the area and the state's policy on no-fault insurance. 

These insurance rates are an important factor to consider when searching for a used car. Drivers will be pleased to know, however, that they can find some financial relief with the help of places like New Jersey State Auto Auction. That lot is home to hundreds of Carfax-certified vehicles at relatively low prices. It also boasts a financing department that can help motorists figure out the best course of action regarding loans and car payments. 

All Car Buyers Benefit From Changing Prices

While it is still early in 2014, many reports have indicated that the prices of used cars should fall in the coming months. Edmunds.com has added another to that list, becoming the latest auto organization to predict an excellent market for potential buyers of used cars. 

Edmunds.com credits improved new models from the past several years, which are inspiring drivers – even those who still have serviceable older cars – to buy. This adds high-quality offerings to the pool of used cars on the market. 

“Many car shoppers might not realize how much the new- and used-car markets feed off each other,” said Philip Reed, the consumer advice editor of Edmunds.com. “The boom in new car leases, for example, is leading to a higher number of lease returns, which adds to the growing inventory of used cars, forcing prices down.” 

In addition to lower prices, the influx of used cars for sale will give buyers a wider variety of vehicles to consider. Whether the automobiles represent more makes and models or different model years, the extra selection could allow drivers to more easily find the car of their dreams – within their budgets. 

There is one drawback to the surplus of used cars. Drivers who want to trade in their vehicles will likely be receiving lower offers in proportion to the drop in sticker prices. While this may not impact too many buyers or their decisions, it is still something that motorists should be aware of. 

Anyone searching for a used car at the right price should examine the selection of vehicles at NJ State Auto Auction. With hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, there are plenty of options that could satisfy all kinds of drivers. 

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New York Route Named A Top Winter Drive

Winter gets a bad reputation because of the cold temperatures and slick roads that plague much of the season. However, the raw beauty of the cooler months, whether it consists of plenty of open stretches of pristine snow or glistening hanging icicles, can be stunning. 

CNN recently compiled a list of best routes that drivers can enjoy in the winter. While traveling any of these paths may take some advanced planning, the pure American scenery and interesting stops nestled along the way make them especially alluring.

New York's own Lakes to Locks Passage nabbed a spot on CNN's list. Beginning in Waterford, N.Y., the route travels more than 190 miles on the Interstate 87, following the Champlain Trail for most of the way. Visitors who cruise this route have a chance to check out the views of the Erie and Champlain canals, as well as many historic sites situated on the road. Fort Ticonderoga is a popular stop, and this 18th-century locale is surrounded by a few other villages and attractions that history buffs will love. 

The route ends at the Canadian border near the St. Lawrence River, providing yet another scenic location to enjoy before turning around and heading home – or continuing north for an extended vacation to Québec. While the Lakes to Locks Passage may be a long one, it doesn't have to take too much time or money, making it one of the most traveler-friendly selections on CNN's list. 

Before setting out on any type of winter trip, drivers should make sure their vehicles can handle the rigors of the road. The Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto is one garage that can address any issues a motorists may have, allowing anyone to set out on a road trip with a high-performing automobile and plenty of peace of mind. 

Don’t Forget To Love Your Car On Valentine’s Day

Valentine's Day is a special time for many lovebirds around the country, but the holiday also marks a good time to show a vehicle some love. Now that spring is in sight and your car has made it through a rough winter, Feb. 14 may be the perfect date to start repairing any damage from the cold weather and preparing an automobile for the months ahead. 

"If you want to add more years to the relationship between you and your car, give it some extra TLC this Valentine's Day," said Rich White, the executive director of the Car Care Council. "There's no debating the value of preventative maintenance to keep your car running efficiently. By showing your car a little love now, you'll avoid the heartbreak and unexpected expense of car trouble down the road." 

Having a professional take a look at the vehicle may be your best bet, as they can expertly change the oil, check tire alignment, replace windshield wipers and examine all other aspects of your car's performance. These changes may seem relatively minor, but you'll be glad you had them completed when spring's heavy rains arrive and middling temperatures cause roads to freeze over at night. 

The changing temperatures may also affect tire pressure, so it is smart to check this monthly. Similarly, if you replaced all-season tires with a winter version, it may be almost time to switch them back. 

You may already have a date for this Valentine's Day, but that doesn't mean you should ignore your car. Use the holiday as a reminder to call and schedule an appointment for an auto tune up at NJ State Auto's Total Car Care Center. The garage at this locale caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have. 

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Make Smart Choices When Surveying Winter Damage

The winter may not be over, but for many drivers across the U.S., it can hardly get worse. Frequent snowstorms, frigid temperatures and heavy winds have wreaked havoc on traffic across the country, making it incredibly difficult to complete a daily commute or head out on an extended road trip. Even the most cautious drivers may have found themselves stuck with some kind of damage due to the extreme winter weather, and they should be especially careful when surveying their vehicles and filing claims. 

Check the policy
One of the first things drivers should do is double-check their auto insurance policy. Does the coverage extend to falling objects, such as icicles, and collisions? These factors could be important depending on the type of accident motorists were involved in, and understanding the limitations of insurance plans could go a long way toward making the entire situation easier to digest. 

Compare costs
After the insurance policy has been analyzed, drivers should do a comparison of what it would cost to file an insurance claim versus having the repair done separately. Some claims can drive up monthly payments on a car, causing the total expenses to skyrocket. If the problem is a minor one, paying out of pocket for the maintenance may save time, money and frustration in the long run. 

Some problems that normally plague drivers in the winter can be avoided with the right car. If you think it's time to shop for a used car that can meet your needs all year long, check out the wide array of choices at New Jersey State Auto Auction. There you can browse through hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans that cover a range of styles and budgets. 

Used Luxury Crossovers, SUVs Retain Good Value In 2014

The allure of a luxury vehicle is obvious: quality, comfort, performance – these high-profile automobiles tend to have it all. Unfortunately, they usually come with a hefty price tag as well. Just because new cars are expensive, however, doesn't mean drivers have to give up the dream of owning one of these automobiles. Used cars tend to offer better value thanks to their lower starting prices, providing plenty of options for prospective buyers. 

Kelley Blue Book's January Market Report noted that luxury crossovers and SUVs appear to retain the best value. Vehicles between 1 and 3 years of age are expected to see a slight price decline in 2014, as more lease offers and an increased vehicle pool will create a greater supply of the models. 

"Luxury crossovers and SUVs continue to perform well at auction, beating the luxury average in retained value for the past three model years," said Alec Gutierrez, an analyst for Kelley Blue Book. "The strong values are being driven by models such as the BMW X5 (85 percent retention for 2013), Audi Q5 (86 percent retention for 2013) and the Lexus LX (86 percent retention for 2013)." 

While these options may still cost a bit more than their standard counterparts, many drivers may find that the extra expense is worthwhile, especially considering the improved performance that comes as a result. 

Do you want a luxury vehicle without paying the typical luxury price? You may be able to find just that at NJ State Auto Auction. There, you can browse through hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, any one of which could prove to be the ideal option for your next investment. 

Subcompact Cars Have Excellent Auction Value

Investing in a pre-owned vehicle can be a smart choice for many drivers, but they must be able to find the right model – and the perfect value – before they can enjoy the open road. Luckily, there are a number of worthy options that can fit the preference and budget of a motorist. 

According to Kelley Blue Book's Market Report for January, there are a few areas where drivers will be able to find value. One of the most intriguing segments is subcompacts, as there are a number of opportunities for motorists to take advantage of low prices, high quality and excellent performance. Especially now, when more car buyers are looking to find used cars that don't cost much but still have impressive fuel efficiency, the subcompact segment is particularly appealing. 

The latest Kelley Blue Book report cited a few models that are worthy of consideration for buyers considering a used car. Among the top choices were the Fiat 500, Mazda Mazda2 and the Chevrolet Spark, which can all be found for less than $10,000. While the Ford Fiesta missed the $10,000 cutoff, it was only by a small margin, making it a good choice for drivers with a more flexible budget. 

“As long as there is strong demand for lower cost and value-focused vehicles, this group of 1- to 2-year-old vehicles with auction values that fall in the sub-$10,000 range will only continue to grow,” said Kelley Blue Book analyst Alec Gutierrez. 

Anyone in search of a subcompact car with superior value should check out the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot is home to hundreds of Carfax-certified options, including many that fill the needs of drivers who want smaller, subcompact vehicles. It also has a wide array of automobiles under $10,000, allowing shoppers to find a car without busting a budget. 

New List Identifies Most Common Car Repairs

Taking a car in for a tune up or quick repair job is fairly common. In fact, many motorists encounter these minor problems several times a year, sending them to a garage to get all of the proper work done. AutoMD.com recently compiled a list of the Top 10 Auto Repair Jobs for 2013 to see just what was plaguing used cars.

The list tracked what types of maintenance work drivers were searching for on the website, as well what kind of vehicles needed to have repairs done. Brake pad replacement claimed the top spot, edging out alternator and water pump replacements. Drivers frequently had to replace spark plugs, fuel pumps, radiators and brake rotors as well. 

While certain aspects of an automobile were the most common areas of need, the complete list also showed that many motorists are looking to fix up used cars rather than purchase a costly new one. Additionally, the cars themselves seem to be performing well, as the repairs were typically for parts that have a relatively short life expectancy. 

“This top 10 list is continuing evidence that consumers are holding and repairing their vehicles, and that the vehicles they are driving are lasting and serving their owners well,” said Brian Hafer, vice president of marketing for AutoMD.com. “The most researched repair estimates are for parts that have a shorter life span than most of today's vehicles, and certainly than the average age of the top 10 most repaired vehicles, which was 11 years.” 

Maintenance and repair matters can pop up when drivers least expect them. To remedy any problems, consider taking the vehicle in question to the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have.