5 Benefits Of Buying Cars At An Auto Auction

You've probably a heard a lot of different things about auto auctions. Some of these rumors are likely accurate, while others are more exaggeration than fact. So what are some truths that you need to know? It certainly helps to be aware of the advantages of an auto auction, and that means you should be keeping these five perks in mind. 

1. Cut through the red tape
When you buy a car, you usually have to go through long processes and bundles of paperwork. That's not the case at an auto auction. In fact, places like NJ State Auto pride themselves on providing buyers with options that allow them to drive off the lot with their purchase as soon as possible. To help, the financing department even offers same-day credit approval, which gives you some of the monetary assistance you need to finalize a purchase. 

2. Find lower prices
Many drivers will be drawn to the great value at auto auctions. CarsDirect noted that many sticker prices at auto auctions can't be found anywhere else, and bidding options can allow drivers to save even more. When you only bid what you think a car is worth, you can avoid high prices and take advantage of great deals. 

3. Browse a high volume of vehicles
Another benefit of these auctions is that they often have a wide range of vehicles for sale. At New Jersey Auto Auction, for example, you can browse the hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans available on the lot. Not only are you able to look through many makes and models, but you can also check out cars from different age ranges. This makes it easy to find the type of car and features you want, all while staying within a budget. 

4. Speed up the process
Auto auctions often allow you to act much more quickly than traditional dealerships. You have the option to begin registration paperwork before you even get to the lot, and you can start the bidding process almost immediately. Those who don't want to waste any time can select the "buy now" option. 

5. Trust the vehicle maintenance 
If you're buying a used car at an auto auction, you know the lot has checked the vehicle over and given the machine its stamp of approval. Additionally, easy access to a vehicle history report allows you to scope out the car's past and evaluate any damage or maintenance that it has been through. The auction may also have its own car care center, which you can keep in mind in case you need any work done in the future. 

Act Fast When Buying A Used Car

Shopping around for a used car can be overwhelming for drivers – especially those who are desperate to stick to a budget. That's why it's helpful to keep a few tips and tricks in mind as you browse for vehicles. However, even that can be a problem, as there's a lot of information floating around. You can navigate these waters by keeping some key ideas in mind. 

Snatch up great deals
Carlypso, a new technology-based company focusing on car sales, recently released a study detailing some of the current trends in the auto industry. One of the biggest pieces of advice the organization had was to act quickly when you come across a good deal. If you can find a vehicle that's being offered below market value, you should pounce on it. According to the report, these cars usually sell within about 10 days of hitting the market, so there's no time to waste. The better the deal, the faster you need to move: For every 1 percent drop in price, the average speed of sale jumps by nearly 1.5 days, Carlypso reported. 

Wait out bad prices
Maybe you have a car in mind, but the price isn't exactly what you want. You have a few options in this case. Carlypso recommended waiting it out. According to the organization, used cars often enter the market at a seller-friendly price. When that doesn't garner a lot of attention, the price may drop, with some sellers even decreasing the sticker price as many as three times. Of course, this may not be much of a problem when you use an auto auction. That allows you to name your own price and only bid what you think the car is worth – a move that has potential to save you big time. 

Be smart to save money
The most important thing to do is remain calm and think through each decision. Luckily, that's easy at New Jersey State Auto Auction. This lot offers hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans, with the majority of these vehicles boasting low prices. It even has an in-house financing department ready to help drivers figure out how they will afford a used car and secure credit approval. Best of all, the finance team knows how to do all of this quickly, allowing you to jump on any deals you find. 

The Most Popular Used Cars Of 2014

With 2014 in the rearview mirror, it's time to look ahead to what 2015 has in store. This is especially true for the automotive industry, which had a stellar year for sales. Drivers were able to reap many of the benefits of these strong 12 months, as many dealerships offered low costs lower costs, special incentives and high quality – perks that are normally reserved for people who are willing to fork over a ton of cash for new models.

Now, however, motorists can tap into the many advantages provided by some of the most popular used cars on the market. But first, they have to figure out which used cars are the most sought-after. 

The biggest used vehicles of 2014
AutoTrader analyzed data to determine which models garnered the most attention throughout 2014. According to the results, the most popular used vehicle of the year was the Ford F-150. That's not surprising, as the pickup truck has reigned supreme as the most popular purchase in the U.S. for several years. 

What may come as a shock is the number of large trucks and SUVs that ranked highly among used car buyers. Just behind the Ford F-150 were the Jeep Wrangler and Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and even the Ford F-250 managed to snag a spot in the top five. Also demanding plenty of attention was the Ram 1500 pickup, the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Toyota Tacoma. 

"Lower gas prices and many new or refreshed entries also helped boost new truck popularity, particularly in the back half of the year," said Michelle Krebs, an AutoTrader.com senior analyst.

Looking ahead to 2015
While those vehicles may have been popular in 2014, there's no telling what trends could take root in the upcoming year. Regardless of what happens to the auto industry or the economy, however, drivers can find just what they're looking for at New Jersey State Auto Auction. This lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans available for sale. 

Even if you're not the type of driver who wants to be behind the wheel of a large SUV or pickup truck, you can find exactly what you're looking for at a competitive price. Your needs may vary depending on your situation and the market, but no matter what, you can be sure you're getting a good deal at NJ State Auto Auction

Use Holiday Cash To Buy A Used Car

Did your family members give you some cold hard cash for the holidays? For many, money is the go-to gift during the festive season, as it allows the recipient to spend it on something that truly matters to them. No matter how large or small the amount, money can help you get exactly what you want during the holidays – even if the thing you want the most is a car. 

Use money for a down payment
If you've got a nice little stack of cash left over from the holidays, it could make the perfect down payment – or at least part of one – for a used car. Even a little bit of holiday money added to your savings can reduce the amount you owe later and lower your monthly payments. If you're more concerned about making those payments on time, allocate these extra funds for later bills, whether they be for insurance premiums, loan repayment or general car maintenance. 

Let auto loans do the rest
Once you've got the down payment squared away, it's time to figure out how you're going to pay for the rest of the car. Most people turn to auto loans for help. However, some prospective drivers may think their credit score is too low or their history too unseemly to secure a loan. That's not the case at NJ State Auto, as anyone who stops by the in-house financing department will find that they're quickly and easily approved for credit. 

Trust the auto dealer
Before you can get behind the wheel of the right used car, you have to find a dealership that can help you get what you want. Few places are better at this than New Jersey State Auto Auction. Not only does the lot have hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans, but it also has a few options that allow drivers to go about the buying process in whatever way works best for them. For instance, you can bid on used cars as part of the auto auction, or you can choose to buy a model outright and drive it off the lot on the same day. It all depends on what is right for you and your bank account. 

What Cars Are Good For Teens?

Choosing the right car for a new driver is tricky. On one hand, you want to make sure they have all the features they need to stay safe on the roads, but you also don't want to have them be easily distracted by technology and infotainment systems. Then there's the price factor – insurance rates are already higher for these young motorists, and no one wants to fork over a ton of cash when teens are just getting started in the world of driving. 

For teens, certain factors matter
The British Medical Journal conducted a study on teen drivers on U.S. roads, focusing on the circumstances of dangerous crashes. Published online in the journal Injury Prevention, the results of the report showed that larger cars tend to be safer for teens. Pickup trucks and large SUVs were involved in fewer fatal crashes than their smaller counterparts. 

Similarly, cars with updated safety features were also more secure for young drivers. Amenities such as electronic stability control, rear-view cameras and side airbags were all found to be extremely advantageous in reducing the risk or severity of a crash. These features aren't limited to brand new cars, either. In fact, buyers can find some lightly used cars with these tools. 

"Larger, heavier vehicles generally provide much better crash protection than smaller, lighter ones," the researchers wrote. "Newer vehicles generally are also more likely to have better crash test ratings and important safety features such as ESC and side airbags. Parents may benefit from consumer information about vehicle choices that are both safe and economical." 

Finding the right fit
Buying a car with top-notch safety features doesn't have to be a huge blow to your bank account. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, for example, shoppers can browse hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars – most of which can be bid on and had for affordable prices. 

Of course, it's also important to teach teens the rules of the road – and the limitations of their car – so they can avoid accidents altogether. Provide new drivers with plenty of time to get used to their ride and its features. Once they know how to work different aspects of the car, these tools are less likely to cause distractions or problems on the roads. 

4 Tips For Safe Holiday Driving

The next few weeks will be filled with holiday parties, New Year's bashes and plenty of revelry. In a perfect world, these gatherings would take place nearby – or perhaps even in your own home – but in reality, you've probably got to travel for at least one of these parties. When you're on the roads in these upcoming weeks, keep a few simple driving tips in mind to stay safe and secure. 

Get in the holiday spirit
One of the easiest ways to stay safe on the roads is to be nice to others. Aggressive or hotheaded drivers can cause serious problems. Rather than put yourself in the bullseye, practice defensive driving and share the holiday spirit with others. Let drivers merge ahead of you, don't cut in front of cars and be conscious of blind spots you may be encroaching on. This will help you steer clear of potentially dangerous motorists. 

Turn your lights on
There are many types of drivers on the roads during the holidays, so make sure you are visible to all of them. Use your headlights often, even if you don't think it's that dark or difficult to see. Fellow drivers could have worse vision, more distractions or numerous other obstructions, and by following this tip, you can make it easier for these motorists to identify your car. 

Get an auto tune-up 
Never underestimate the power a tune-up can have on your car's status. Instead of blindly pulling out onto the roads, head to the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto. There, a professional can scope out your car and make sure it's ready to safely navigate the roads. This garage caters to the public and can address any issues you may have. 

Stay connected
Even if your car has been cleared by an expert, there's still a chance you could get hung up by weather or incidents with other drivers. It's important to be in a position to calmly and quickly react to these situations. AAA recommended drivers have emergency contact information on hand and easily accessible. Good phone numbers to have include some kind of roadside assistance and friend or family member who can provide a lift if necessary. Additionally, drivers should have an adaptable cellphone charger ready to go in their vehicles. In the event of an accident, a dead phone isn't much use, so make sure you're ready to communicate at all times. 

Watch Out For Extra Traffic This Year

By now, you've already heard a ton of information about who is traveling this holiday season. You've probably thought of the millions of extra drivers on the roads and shrugged it off, thinking that it's not much of a problem in your neck of the woods. But that's where you could be wrong. New Jersey and the surrounding states could be right in the middle of some heavy holiday travel. 

New Jersey residents get moving
AAA Mid-Atlantic projected that a lot of travelers will be coming from New Jersey. According to the organization's data, about 2.4 million residents are expected to get behind the wheel and drive 50 miles or more for the holidays. If that estimation is accurate, it would be a 4.4 percent increase over 2013. 

The holiday travel season runs from Tuesday, Dec. 23, to Sunday, Jan. 4, encompassing the nearly two-week span around Christmas and New Year's. That's good news for travelers, as it means they have plenty of chances to find off-peak or less congested times to drive. 

"It's going to be crowded," Tracy Noble, the spokeswoman for AAA Mid-Atlantic, told NJ.com. "But we need to keep in mind that this year's holiday travel season lasts 13 days, so it's going to be spread out."

Mapping routes through NJ 
Not only are a lot of NJ locals getting ready for road trips, but the state is also prepping for many motorists to come through. Because of its location and low gas prices, it's an attractive stop for many out-of-towners. This will add to congestion on the roads, but it shouldn't be a negative unless you wind up stuck behind a slow-moving stranger who doesn't know where they're going. 

"We will see more people coming through our state because New Jersey is a corridor state," Nobel told NJ.com. "And they will be filing up at our gas stations."

Be smart about road trips
No matter where you're going, you can protect yourself by being smart about your choices. Start by getting a tune-up to make sure every part of the car is capable of working smoothly throughout a trip.

If you think even that maintenance won't help your existing vehicle get up to snuff, consider shopping for used cars and speeding up the buying process with a trip to NJ State Auto Auction. This lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars – many of which are available to buy the same day. An in-house financing team is on hand to help sort out credit and loan issues, allowing you to get in a car and on the road quickly. 

Drivers Prepare For Winter Road Trips

With so many people ready to get behind the wheel for road trips this winter, it's only natural that there may be some hiccups along the way. However, some of the obstacles drivers encounter are likely avoidable – they just chose not to take the proactive measures to protect themselves. 

Drivers act smart before road trips
There are some motorists who are doing their best to avoid becoming a cautionary tale on the roads. The Rubber Manufacturers Association recently conducted a survey to see what these drivers are taking care of before long trips. According to the study, the majority of people – about 54 percent – check their tire pressure prior to leaving on a road trip. This helps avoid lost fuel efficiency or subpar driving performance. About one-fourth also conducted a quick tread check to make sure their tire grip was adequate. 

"We're encouraged that more than half of holiday road trippers are taking steps to be tire smart and check tire pressure," said Dan Zielinski, RMA senior vice president of public affairs. "But all motorists should be checking tire pressure before every long trip. Fully loaded vehicles packed with people, luggage and holiday gifts that ride on under-inflated tires present a safety issue." 

A few other maintenance actions were common as well. About 51 percent of motorists sprung for an oil change before road trips, and another 41 percent had the brakes checked. However, 15 percent had nothing done, and that puts them and their cars at risk. 

Easy safety tips 
The RMA had a few other recommendations that drivers should take note of, specifically with regard to tire care. For instance, the organization suggested drivers take out the owner's manual to see what the optimal tire pressure is. That way, they'll have a baseline to compare readings to when measuring before long trips. Motorists should also pay attention to the temperature – if there are any wild weather swings or big plunges, it could be smart to give the tires an extra examination. 

If you're not sure what needs to be done on your ride, don't be afraid to seek some help from the professionals. The Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction, for instance, caters to the public and can address any issues you may have. Just one appointment could save you a lot of time and money by avoiding costly repairs in the middle of your trip. 

Who Is Traveling This Holiday Season?

Are you heading somewhere other than your own home for the holidays? There's a good chance you are – at least according to the latest figures from AAA. The organization recently released a report detailing the end-of-year travel forecast. 

Who's traveling? 
AAA estimated that 98.6 million Americans are going away from home for the holidays. These travelers aren't going down the street either, as this figure represents those who are journeying more than 50 miles away from home. Additionally, about 91 percent of these people will be driving to their destinations, translating to almost 90 million people on the roads from Dec. 23 to Jan. 4, according to the report. 

The organization noted that the travel volume will be the highest since 2001, when AAA began recording the data. Much of that is due to low gas prices, relatively affordable used car rates and the rebounding economy. 

"'Tis the season for holiday travel, and this year more Americans will join with friends and family to celebrate the holidays and ring in the New Year than ever before," said Marshall Doney, AAA president and chief operating officer. "While the economy continues to improve at an uneven pace, it seems more Americans are looking forward with increasing consumer confidence, rather than looking back at the recession. This is helping to drive expected travel volumes to the highest level we have seen for the year-end holidays."

Who gets stopped? 
There are many reasons why you may find your road trip sidetracked. Among the most common is car breakdowns – and those incidents will impact a fair number of drivers this winter. AAA estimated that it will have to aid more than 1.1 million drivers during the holiday season. Although some of these motorists will run into unavoidable circumstances, others may have breakdowns that could have been prevented. 

Before you head out on the highway, schedule an appointment with NJ State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. This garage caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have, even if it's just some simple preventative maintenance. The experts can make sure you have peace of mind – and a capable vehicle – before your journey begins. 

It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year To Care For Your Car

Once you take the leap and decide to buy a used car of your own, you're going to want to take care of it. It's important to take the right steps at all times of the year, but it can be especially imperative to conduct maintenance in winter. As the end of the calendar year approaches, make sure you are doing all you can to protect your car from common dangers. 

Protect it from the elements
The first thing you have to do is get your car prepped for extreme weather. Instead of just winging it this winter, take a few precautions. Start by having a stocked emergency kit and spare tire ready to go in case of emergency. You should also have the vehicle washed and waxed. The right wax can act as a sealant, keeping harmful moisture and debris away from your car's paint and body. Even if you have this barrier, you should invest in regular washes. Road salt can easily get on the body of your ride and speed up the rusting process. Washing the layers of grime away will remove the particles before they do any damage. 

Protect it from others
Unfortunately, there are some unsavory people out there who may want to get their hands on your ride. To prevent these criminals from making you a target, be sure you are taking advantage of a few practices that can deter car thieves. Start by always parking in well-lit areas. Avoid pulling your car in next to dumpsters, greenery or large trucks as well, as these can obstruct your view of the vehicle and provide cover for criminals. It's also a good idea to hide any valuables, whether they're navigation devices, recent purchases or holiday gifts, so you don't unwittingly make yourself a target. 

Protect it from yourself
Your own actions play a major role in how your car performs and ages. Instead of leaving the fate of your ride up to chance, schedule an appointment at NJ State Auto's Total Car Care Center. The experts there can address any issues you may have and make sure your car is running at an optimum level. If you ignore the necessary maintenance, however, you could be putting your vehicle at serious risk for costly problems in the near future.