Monthly Archives: November 2011

Justin Bieber adds custom Range Rover to ever-growing fleet

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Posted in Celebrity Auto News

Justin Bieber is quickly rising up the ranks as one of the most car-obsessed celebrities. Just weeks after receiving a personalized Cadillac CTS-V from West Coast Customs, the 17-year-old "Never Say Never" star has added another impressive ride to his growing collection. According to The Sun, Bieber is now the proud owner of a customized Range Rover that cost him more than $159,000.

Included in the long-list of features in the SUV is a stereo system worth upwards of $79,000. But there is much more than just an impressive stereo. Among the other highlights are a high-performance Cosworth engine, custom paint job and a leather interior. The finished product is the work of Project Kahn, which has also customized cars for stars such as Wayne Rooney and Katie Price.

"Justin loves his motors even though he's barely old enough to drive," a source close to the situation told the newspaper. "His girlfriend Selena Gomez will be well impressed with his latest. It's the business."

Although Bieber has an ever-growing collection of impressive cars, including a Ferrari F430, he still has a long way to go to catch some of the celebrities with the biggest fleets. Perhaps the most famous car enthusiast in Hollywood right now is Jay Leno. The venerable talk show host even has a 17,000 square foot garage that houses vehicles ranging from a 1906 Baker electric car to a powerful 2006 Corvette.

Bieber may be far behind Leno, but he certainly is well on his way. His burgeoning fleet is especially impressive when one takes into consideration that he has only been on the road for little over a year.

Growing number of consumers passing up test drive

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Posted in General Auto News

There are a number of actions that experts recommend consumers take before purchasing a used car. From getting a detailed service history of the car to making sure your credit is in order most of the steps are equally important, but one of the most crucial is going ignored by many would-be drivers. A recent study conducted by LeaseTrader.com found that the number of people who do not test drive their cars has nearly doubled since 2007, The New York Times reports.

The findings seemed to back up similar experiences from dealers and industry insiders. One man, consultant Oren Weintraub, said that even though he strongly urges his customers to test drive a car before buying it, as many as one-third of these drivers decide not to do so. He believes the reason has a lot to do with the fact that people are increasingly sure of what they want.

"Generally these are people who know what they want, whether it’s because they're very brand-loyal or they’ve fallen in love with the styling of a particular model," Weintraub told the Times. "Same goes for buyers who are strictly interested in getting the best deal, and those with limited choices like a big family that needs a nine-passenger vehicle with 4-wheel drive."

While this may be the case, there are still many benefits of a test drive, especially when it comes to a used car. According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, there are a few steps you should always follow.

To start, the DMV recommends checking out everything including the mirrors, the seat adjustment controls and storage compartments. As for the drive itself, make sure you test out the car's acceleration on the highway and steering ability most of all.

Of course, visiting a reliable dealer is a great way to ensure you're getting a good deal. New Jersey State Auto Auction provides consumers with numerous makes and models at affordable prices.

Ford, BMW at the forefront of auto news this week

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Posted in General Auto News

Cars, movies and auto racing go hand-in-hand, and this week in auto news saw cars featured prominently in all three.

• For years, many police stations across the country have been using Fords as their primary cars. The manufacturer recently released new versions of the Taurus and Explorer to help meet the unique needs of police forces and Ford is ready to debut them in a very unique way. The new vehicles are going to be the pace cars at the upcomign Ford Championship Weekend races at the Homestead Miami Speedway.

Although this is not the first time that Ford has used its products as the pace cars for an auto racing event, it is the first time that their police vehicles have been involved. It's no wonder why they chose now given the impressive design of the new Explorer and Taurus.

"Both of the Police Interceptor vehicles provide the highest level of safety, performance, durability, driver convenience and comfort, and we’re excited to be able to show off these new vehicles to the millions of fans on site and watching on national television," said Lisa Teed the brand manager for Ford Police Interceptors.

• Car chases play a big role most action movies, and with the next installment of the Mission Impossible series on the way, fans are getting an early glimpse of what they can expect. Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol is set for release on December 21 and will feature an impressive line of BMWs.

Though several of the manufacturer's products will be featured in the film, one of the most prominent will be the futuristic BMW Vision EfficientDynamics, a concept car for a pair of upcoming models.

"The film allows us a wonderful opportunity to showcase not only BMW’s vision for future vehicles but to highlight some of the newest and most popular cars in our current fleet," Trudy Hardy, the manager of Marketing Communications and Consumer Events at BMW of North America.

• Although BMW will feature prominently in the Tom Cruise movie, it is not the only impressive car to be highlighted at the theaters in the coming weeks. In the upcoming movie Tower Heist, Steve McQueen's famous Ferrari 250 GT Lusso will be making an appearance, according to USA Today.

While some people might recognize the classic car, they may notice that it has been changed from its original chestnut brown color to a bright red.

"It just didn't look good brown," Ratner told the publication. "So for the purpose of the movie, we made Steve McQueen's car red."

Gather service records before trade-in

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Posted in How To

Trading in your car before purchasing a used one can go a long way in helping offset any costs of the process. Not only will it put some money back in your pocket, but it will also remove any of the hassle that you may incur trying to sell the car yourself. However, if you go into it with the wrong mindset you may not get the most out of it as possible, and Wheels.ca recently offered a few tips to anybody looking to trade in their ride.

The first thing you should do before considering a trade-in is to collect any and all service records associated with the vehicle. Along with giving the buyer an accurate gauge of the condition of the car, if it has been regularly maintained you're more likely to get a higher price for it.

In a similar vein, you'll want to be open and honest about the condition of your car. If you mislead the dealer it could spell trouble down the road.

In addition to rounding up the history of your car you should also take steps to make sure that your car looks presentable, both inside and out. Vacuum it, clean it and fix any minor problems, like cracks in the windshield, to ensure that it looks as good as possible, the website reports.

You should also be sure to get an estimate on how much your car is worth before you try to sell it to the dealer, and at New Jersey State Auto Auction it could not be easier. The business is an authorized Autotrader.com Trade In Marketplace Dealership and you can get an immediate appraisal of your car before you decide to sell it. 

Two-passenger car gets 350 miles per gallon

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Posted in General Auto News

The Royal Automobile Club recently sponsored a race to find which automaker could come up with the most fuel-efficient vehicle, and despite entrants from some of the biggest names int he business it was an electric vehicle from Gordon Murray Designs that drove away the winner. According to Forbes, the small two-passenger car completed the 57.13 mile course with an impressive 350 miles per gallon.

The Future Car Challenge included entries from Volkswagen, BMW and Mercedes, but it likely doesn't surprise some people that Gordon Murray was victorious. The manufacturer has long been dedicated to trying to reduce the weight of cars through innovative means such as replacing steel parts with plastics or composites.

The winning car, dubbed the T.27, is completely electric and gets about 100 miles on a single charge. Though the mileage is comparable to other electric models such as the Nissan Leaf, the T.27's battery is much smaller, meaning it takes less time for it to fully charge, the publication reports. Not to mention, a smaller battery also means a smaller price tag.

Seeing electric cars on the road on a regular basis may still be several years off, but that doesn't mean that motorists can't practice a number of habits to make sure they save on gas. According to Edmunds.com, one of the best ways to save a significant amount of money at the pump is to curb aggressive driving. Actions such as accelerating easily and not braking so harshly can save you up to 37 percent at the pump.

Of course, getting behind the wheel of a fuel-efficient car is a good start as well. New Jersey State Auto Auction has plenty of gas-saving makes and models all at affordable prices. Sign up now.

What to check when dusting off an idle car

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Posted in How To

Any number of conditions can leave you driving a car that has not been used for months, or even years, at a time. While it may not have any outwardly noticeable problems, the mere fact that it hasn't been driven in such a long time can cause complications. According to The Globe and Mail, there area few things you should do to ensure that your car can get back on the road and operate smoothly.

First and foremost you should check on the fluid. Depending on how long your car has been sitting idle, everything from transmission fluid to wiper fluid may need to be changed and checked for leaks. A quick inspection by a mechanic can reveal any shortcomings.

As is the case with any car, safety should not be overlooked in one that has been sitting around for a while. Experts suggest checking the tires first to make sure that they are properly inflated and that their tread has not been compromised from lack of use.

According to the news source, you should also make sure that rust has not made its way into the exhaust system. This can cause a clog, which will make your car run less smoothly. To check this, experts suggest plugging the tailpipe with a cloth rag while the engine is running (wearing gloves for protection) and if if gases are trying to get around the rag, it is probably fine, but if they are coming from elsewhere it indicates a leak.

If you have a car that has been sitting idle for a significant period of time you may want to take it to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers total car care to the general public, whether it be a simple repair or regular maintenance.

Ford F-150 tops list of best selling cars for 2011

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Ford

Though the year is not yet over, the early results are in and car manufacturers have seen their best year in terms of sales since 2008. There were a few models that stood out above the rest and according to Forbes, American-made cars had a great deal of success in 2011. In fact, six of the 10 most popular models this year were made by either General Motors, Ford or Chrysler, a stark difference to last year when American-made cars represented just three of the top 10.

For the second year in a row, the best selling car of 2011 so far has been the Ford F-150. Though it has always been popular, the F-150 may have benefited in recent years thanks to Ford's push to make it more fuel-efficient. Coming in at number two behind Ford was the Chevrolet Silverado, which also had the same standing last year.

Though American-made cars took the top two spots, the Toyota Camry landed in third, making it the most popular passenger car. A longstanding favorite among American consumers, the Camry remained in the top five despite sliding numbers and having to contend with the devastating earthquake that rocked Japan and slowed production. With a redesign coming in 2012, it is likely to retain its spot for the time being.
The Ford Escape also made an appearance on the list at number five, signaling the American driver's need to find a more fuel-efficient SUV. The mid-size favorite is also in line for a redesign in 2012, the publication reports. Other highlights on the list were Ford Fusion (number six) and the Chevrolet Cruze at number nine.

Whether you're looking for a truck, a fuel-efficient SUV or a family car, New Jersey State Auto Auction has everything you need. All makes and models are Carfax certified so you know you will be driving away with a reliable vehicle.

How to stop your car from depreciating in value

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Posted in How To

Whether you're looking to sell your car yourself or trade it in at a later date, maintaining the resale value of your vehicleis very important. Experts say that an automobile's depreciation in value is one of the biggest expenses that car owners incur, and over the first five years of ownership it may lose 35 percent of its value. Still, that does not mean there aren't ways to stave off the depreciation of your ride, and Jacksonville news channel WJXT recently shared a few tips on how to do so.

One of the best ways to ensure that the resale value remains high is to keep stringent records of all the maintenance the vehicle received. This way when you decide to sell your car, be it to an individual or to a dealer, you can show them just how well you've taken care of it over the years.

In a similar vein, you'll want to be sure that you do provide all the maintenance that it needs. New Jersey State Auto auction offers full car service to the general public so drivers can be sure their car is running at its best and will do the same for its next owner.

Though maintenance is important, so is the look of the car. It might run smoothly, but if its outward appearance is shabby chances are you won't get top dollar for it. According to the news channel, you should make sure to perform all the routine upkeep including vacuuming the seats, regularly washing it and making sure nobody smokes inside it.

As a final proviso, the news source recommends resisting the urge to customize it. While it might seem like a personalized paint job or stereo boosts its appeal to you, chances are this may not lure in consumers.

Be on the lookout for flood-damaged cars after Hurricane Irene

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Posted in Auto Industry News

Hurricane Irene brought a swath of destruction as it made its way up the East Coast this summer, and while the power outages and flooding were certainly some of the biggest stories to come out of the storm, it may have also made a big impact on used cars. According to InsuranceJournal.com, consumers should be wary of flood-damaged cars that are making their way into the market.

Cars damaged by flood water are often much cheaper than vehicles that have not sustained similar damage, but they present a number of issues that make the discounted price not entirely worth it. In addition to costly repairs, the compromised car could also be the cause of a life threatening accident.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau reports that this August (when Irene hit) showed a surprisingly high number of flood-related vehicle claims with 11,789 reports filed. To put that in perspective, there were just 994 claims in August 2010.

According to the news source, there are a number of ways that you can avoid unknowingly purchasing a flood-damaged car. While you're inspecting your prospective purchase you should be sure to be on the lookout for any tell-tale signs of water damage – including stains, mildew, sand and silt. Additionally, rusty screws on the console area can be a dead giveaway.

Perhaps most important of all, however, is turning to a dealer that you can trust. Sellers are supposed to disclose information such as flood damage to ensure that you can make an informed decision.

Consumers need not worry if they head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, all cars, trucks and SUVs are Carfax certified so you know you're getting an accurate history about the vehicle you purchase, many of which are lower than Kelley Blue Book value.

Emergency kit, tire pressure top a car’s winter necessities

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Posted in General Auto News

As millions of people in the Northeast can attest after last week's October snowstorm, winter is fast approaching. And while there are plenty of things to do around the house to get ready for the blustery winds, mountains of snow and sub-freezing temperatures, there are just as many precautions to take when readying your car for the days ahead. By performing some routine maintenance on your ride before Jack Frost makes a permament appearance you'll save money and time later on.

There are a number of things you can do yourself to make sure your car can make it through the coming months, one of them being checking your tire pressure. Losing pressure can significantly lessen the grip your car has on icy roads and, according to MSNBC, the pressure can drop by one pound per square inch whenever the temperature drops by 10 degrees, so you should stay on top of it.

More than ever you'll want be to be sure to equip your car with an emergency kit. According to the news source, this should include the usual necessities like a tool kit, jumper cables and tire changing equipment but for the winter it should also have items like blankets, coats and gloves.

The best way to make sure that your car is prepared for the treacherous months ahead is to get it inspected by a professional to make sure all its components are up to snuff. In particular, tire treads, fluid levels and battery life are all of the utmost importance.

New Jersey State Auto Auction offers drivers with a full-service car car center that is open to the public. Located in Jersey City, the center provides you with everything you need for the winter including oil changes and new battery installation.