Drivers Sacrifice Safety to Save a Buck

Some motorists may be putting off auto maintenance to save money, but experts say they are doing so at their own peril. Consumer Reports points out that ignoring regular upkeep on a car can significantly reduce how safety it is and it should be a priority. However, this is not the case for many drivers.

A recent Consumer Reports poll found that 40 percent of drivers are putting off maintenance on their primary vehicle because they are trying to cut back on costs – but they shouldn't. By ignoring upkeep, they are turning a blind eye to important components such as brakes, tires and light bulbs, which puts them at risk on the road.

"The family car is the second largest purchase a consumer can make. It's also often one of the most abused," said Jeff Bartlett, Consumer Reports' deputy online automotive editor. "We expect our car to work even in the harshest conditions. So protecting that investment should be a priority, especially when it becomes a safety issue."

The research also found some interesting results concerning the confidence drivers have in the auto repair shop they choose to go to. More than half of respondents said that they completely trusted the business they visit, and 83 percent were confident that they would get the right repair for the correct price.

As a final point, the survey revealed some telling statistics about why car owners choose to get a different model. In particular, 82 percent replaced their car due to poor reliability and 67 percent did so because of safety concerns.

New Jersey State Auto Auction offers drivers easy access to its Total Car Care center so they can ensure their car is in fine working condition when it's on the road.

Give the Gift of Tires this Christmas

As Christmas draws near, many people may be looking for the perfect gift, and while a grand gesture might seem like the perfect choice, an unlikely present could be a better option. A recent survey by Hankook Tire America found that about half of respondents would like to receive new tires for Christmas this year, USA Today reports.

For some people, getting tires would not only be appreciated, but it would probably make their holiday season even brighter. The company found that 35 percent of drivers would "love" getting the gift of tires for Christmas this year. This might seem like an unusual choice for a gift, but the findings are less surprising when you consider how valuable a good set of wheels can be to both function and safety.

The findings may be even less shocking if you consider the amount of traveling people are planning on doing this holiday season. According to the publication, about 40 percent of people surveyed said that they are going on a road trip, and about half of those expecting to drive more than 500 miles.

Having good tires can be one of the most important things for drivers, and it's easy to see why. After all, they are the only parts of the car that are in constant contact with the road. Most significantly, if tires are in good working condition, they provide better safety by improving a car's ability to stop, turn and go.

Tires can also improve your gas mileage, which is especially important given the continuously high prices of gas. If tires are not filled properly or have worn treads, it means that the engine has to work harder to compensate.

Along with buying a new set of tires this holiday season, visiting New Jersey State Auto Auction can help your car's safety and gas mileage. That's because the dealer's Total Car Car center provides auto maintenance and repairs to the public.

Go Green, Buy a Used Car

Though many people assume that the only advantage of buying a used car is that it costs less, such is not the case. A lower price is certainly a significant benefit, but according to The Huffington Post, used cars tend to be the more eco-friendly option as well.

It may be true that many new cars are being built to reduce carbon emissions and improve fuel-economy, but experts say the same can be said for used cars since the push to creating greener vehicles has been going on for several years.

"Just five years ago carbon dioxide emitted per kilometer from new cars was dramatically less than from used cars," industry expert Matt Tumbridge told the website. "But the advances in engine technology that made that drop in carbon dioxide possible have now bedded into the used car market."

Tumbridge has some statistics to back up his claims as well. For instance, he points out that the Toyota Prius, one of the most eco-friendly cars in the United States, emits about 89 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer, and most are around 100 grams per kilometer. A three-year-old Smart car emits about 130 and costs significantly less.

Another reason that used cars can be greener is because many people are performing maintenance on their cars to keep them on the road longer rather than buying a new car. Retro-fitting vehicles to biodeisel, which has proven to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 20 percent, can be one way to make an old car a little more green, the website reports.

Whether you're looking to pick up a fuel-efficient used car or get some life-extending maintenance performed on your car, New Jersey State Auto Auction is the place to go. Along with a wide variety of makes and models, the dealer also offers a Total Car Care center at its Jersey City location.

Ford Kills Production of Ranger

As many manufacturers get ready to roll out their 2012 models, there are some cars that will never come off the production line again. For many vehicles, 2011 was the last year in production, and anybody who wants to get behind the wheel of one will have to head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction and pick up a used version.

One of the most well-known cars that is ending production this year is the Ford Ranger, The New York Daily News reports. This small pick-up truck was a popular alternative to the company's larger F-150 and has been around since 1984. Many people who have driven the Ranger are sad to see it go.

"I thought the Ranger was here to stay, like the F-150. But times are tough," Samuel Taylor, owns a Ranger, told the newspaper. "People are making do with what they got, I guess. I'm gonna drive mine until the cows come home."

Among the biggest reasons that Ranger will no longer be produced after this year is because larger, more powerful trucks are able to provide just as much fuel-efficiency. According the publication, the F-150 gets a similar 27 miles per gallon while also offering a V6 engine.

The Ranger is certainly not the only car that is seeing an end to production this year. The Dodge Dakota, a similarly-sized pick up, also will not be available outside of used car dealers. Additionally, production of the Honda Element, Nissan Altima Hybrid and Mitsubishi Eclipse will all come to an end.

Just because new models of these cars won't be made available does not mean they will disappear from the roads. Anybody looking to pick up a Ranger, Element or any other used car can head to New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices.

Honda Dominates Most Popular Used Cars of 2011

The end of the year is often punctuated by "best of" lists and the auto world is no different. Consumer Reports recently unveiled its picks for the 10 most popular used cars of 2011 and one brand stood head and shoulders above the rest.

Honda represented four of the top five used cars this year, with the Civic coming in at the top spot. The popular Accord and CR-V finished second and third, respectively, and the Honda Pilot rounded out the top five. Even the one car that was not a Honda is owned by the company – the Acura MDX was number four.

Foreign-built cars dominated the second half of the list as well. The Toyota Camry, Highlander and RAV 4 each made an appearance as did the Suburu Forrestor. The lone American-made car, the Ford Escape, landed at number 10.

If you are planning on purchasing a used car, there are a number of things to take into consideration other than just its popularity. According to Carfax, there are a few items to look into to make sure you've found the perfect used car.

The most obvious thing to determine is what your car will be used for. In particular, if you are planning on driving with a lot of passengers, an SUV or minivan will be the best pick. However, if fuel-efficiency is more of a concern,  a smaller vehicle should come out on top.

Once that's settled, Carfax urges consumers to do as much research as possible on the models that meet their criteria so they exactly what to expect.

Going to a reliable dealer is also of the utmost importance, and you'll certainly find that with New Jersey State Auto Auction. Additionally, thanks to guaranteed credit approval, making the purchase is easy.

Toyota Prius to See Price Hike in 2012

Toyota is planning some upgrades to its Prius and RAV4's for the next year, but consumers should be ready to pony up a little more money if they want to go new. According to USA Today, the newly-design Prius could cost consumers about $1,000 more compared to last year, which could have them rushing to New Jersey State Auto Auction to get a better deal on a used vehicle.

The popular, fuel-efficient car will welcome a few changes for 2012. First and foremost, it will feature a new name, the Prius Liftback, to differentiate it between the Prius v, a bigger version that will resemble a station wagon. The price hikes will be a little different depending on which car you're looking to buy. For instance, the so-called Prius Three will cost about $25,565, up about 4.3 percent from last year.The new Prius Liftback is expected to go on sale in January.

Although it is not going to see quite as steep a price hike, Toyota's RAV4 will also cost consumers a little bit more if they want to go new in 2012. The car goes on sale tomorrow and will see about a 0.4 percent increase in price.

If you're looking to get behind the wheel of a different car in the near future but don't want to spend too much money, used cars may be the better option. This is especially true toward the end of the year, as many analysts are urging consumers to take advantage of decreasing used car prices.

New Jersey State Auto Auction is an excellent choice for consumers looking for reliable used cars. The dealer offers a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices.

Best End of the Year Used Car Deals

It's no secret that the end of the year is one of the best times to buy used cars, and that is especially true this year. The prices have dropped significantly over the last four months or so, and many industry experts are urging consumers to take action. Most cars have experienced the reduction in price, and CarGurus.com recently unveiled its list of models that will see the biggest drop.

Among the cars that will have the largest reduction in price s the 2007 Toyota Prius, which has dropped about 16 percent over the last three months. The average price of the model was nearly $18,000 in early September. Today, it costs around $15,200.

Just below the 2007 Prius is the 2007 Hyundai Accent. Though it is a little less of a decline in price (13 percent), it still comes in at an especially affordable  – just over $8,600. The 2006 Toyota Corrola also made the list dropping 10 percent from September to December.

The affordability is not limited to just small cars, either. If you're looking for an SUV, you may want to check out the the 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan or the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid, both of which fell 10 percent.

"The key for year-end shoppers is to do ample online price research so they can move quickly when they find a great deal,' Langley Steinert, founder and CEO of CarGurus. "We expect many of these great savings opportunities we have identified to be gone by early next year, when prices will climb back up."

While the end of the year is one of the best times to buy a used car, at New Jersey State Auto Auction, prices are affordable year round. Furthermore, every model is Carfax certified so you know you're getting a reliable vehicle.

Don’t Get Left Out in the Cold this Winter, Stay Up on Maintenance

As the calendar moves closer to Christmas, it also nears one of the busiest traveling weekends of the year. Millions of motorists will take to the road to visit their families, and as is the case with any influx of travelers, industry experts anticipate a heightened need for roadside assistance and other maintenance-related issues. You may want to take your car to New Jersey State Auto Auction to ensure it's in its best condition so you're not among the stranded drivers this holiday season.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates that about 83.6 million people will drive to their holiday destinations this year. The organization predicts that around 880,000 of them will need some sort of help. The services can range from replacing batteries to changing tires and experts say such mishaps can easily be avoided.

"Whether you are planning local day trips or long distance year-end holiday travel, having your vehicle properly maintained and prepared for the rigors of holiday driving will help ensure it gets you to your destination safely and without incident," said Marshall L. Doney, the vice president of AAA Automotive.

Many of the problems that AAA is expecting to encounter can be prevented. For instance, the organization is set to deal with 104,000 cases of keys locked inside the vehicle as well as more than 95,000 changed tires. At the lower end, AAA anticipate providing gas to 11,000 people.

Although sometimes car troubles are unavoidable, you should not take the chance of suffering a preventable setback such as a dead battery or any other maintenance-related issue. New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center is the perfect place for drivers to go to be sure their car is running smoothly before a big road trip.

Honda Jacks Up Price of New CR-V

The Honda CR-V has become one of the most popular SUVs on the road today, but anybody who is considering buying a new version of the vehicle in the near future may want to put on the brakes and think about getting a used car. Honda recently announced that it is going to raise the price on some of the redesigned models, USA Today reports.

The manufacturer says the new fleet of CR-Vs, which go on sale December 16, will experience an average rise in price of about $181. However, it all depends on which model a consumer is considering buying. (lengthy) While the models with navigation actually dropped in price others can reach about $30,000.

Although the price for the new CR-V may have risen, the vehicle has certainly earned its popularity. That is why purchasing a used version o the SUV could be a great idea.

Even the industry has taken notice. The Columbus Dispatch reports that the CR-V is up for the North American Truck of the Year award and the winner will be named on January 9. It is certainly up against some tough competition though, with the BMW X3 and Land Rover Range Rover Evoque also earning nominations.

Anybody looking to get behind the wheel of a used CR-V, or any other car for that matter, may want to do so as soon as possible. Analysts predict that used car prices will continue to drop throughout the end of the year and bottom out in early January before climbing back up.

Whether you're looking for an SUV or a compact car, New Jersey State Auto Auction has plenty of makes and models at affordable prices. Furthermore, thanks to the fact that all the vehicles are Carfax certified, you know you're getting a reliable ride.

These Documents Can Get You Quickly Approved

Lenders may be becoming more apt to approve applicants for auto loans, but this can result in longer processing times than in years past. That does not mean there are no ways to expedite the process. You simply have to be prepared with the right paperwork and forms.

Experts say that one of the most important things to have ready is paperwork. You should have copies of either your W-2 forms or Federal Tax Returns, which are crucial in proving to lenders that you have an income and you'll be able to make your payments on time. Similarly, you'll probably have a year-to-date pay stub as another proof of income.

Along with providing proof of income, you will also want to bring any documentation of outstanding debt or loans that could show up on your credit report. This is especially important if there has been an update on the matter. As such, you may want to bring in your own credit report and your bank statement from the previous month. Not only will this make the process go more smoothly but it will also improve your chances of getting approved.

"Doing the groundwork before entering the loan process will allow for a smoother transaction with less frustration," said Doug Lebda, founder and CEO of LendingTree. "Although lenders are flooded with volume, borrowers who come to the table prepared will increase lender efficiency and will allow for a shorter closing timeframe."

Choosing the right lender is of the utmost importance as well, and few are more accommodating than New Jersey State Auto Auction. The business offers guaranteed approval to applicants regardless of their credit history.