What’s The Deal With This Acura Super Bowl Ad?

It's no secret that Jerry Seinfeld loves cars. In fact, he may be second only to talk show host Jay Leno in terms of celebrity auto enthusiasts. So it likely comes as no surprise that Seinfeld is appearing in a Super Bowl ad, but what is a bit of a shock is the brand he is appearing for. The stand-up legend is featured in the recently-released ad for Acura, a stark change given his well-known affinity for Porsche products.

The 90-second spot places Jerry in an Acura dealer in line to get the much-anticipated NSX. He wants to be the first to have the sleek concept car, but unfortunately finds himself in the number two spot behind another lucky, and stubborn, shopper. Not to be denied, Seinfeld pulls out all the stops to try to bribe the car away from his rival. He seems to finally have it until he is thwarted at the last second by a surprise guest.

It's understandable that Seinfeld would want to be the first behind the wheel of the NSX. The impressive ride made it's debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, and according to Motor Trend, it was quite a sight to behold.

The NSX has not been in the North American market since 2005, but it is back and better than ever. The V-6 engine is augmented with three electric motors which give drivers the ability to power each wheel individually. Despite the impressive features, the car is still three years away from an official release.

Seinfeld is not the only big name celebrity to already throw his hat in the Super Bowl ad ring. Earlier this week, Honda released its Ferris Bueller spoof featuring Ferris himself – Matthew Broderick.

These Repairs Will Hurt Your Wallet

Sometimes it may seem like expensive car repairs are unavoidable. After all, things happen and you just have to bite the bullet and pay for a costly fix. However, other times that is simply not the case, and the repair could have been avoided with a little preventative maintenance or by paying close attention to how your car is running. With that in mind, MSN Autos recently provided what it considers to be the most expensive car repairs you should keep an eye out for.

A catalytic converter is crucial to detoxifying exhaust emissions, which can be especially important to people looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Though many of them are built to last 15 to 20 years, sometimes a misfire or broken oxygen sensors can significantly shorten their lifespan. Due to their pricey parts, a new one can cost nearly $3,000.

The injection pump is one of the most important parts of car, as it is responsible for delivering fuel into the engine cylinders. Unfortunately, it can sometimes become clogged, which requires it to be changed. In smaller cars, the fix is not too expensive, but in SUVs and trucks it can labor intensive. Luckily, regular maintenance like routinely changing air filters can prevent the problem, the news source reports.

Cylinder failure can be one of the biggest issues a driver faces, but the good thing is that it can be caught early by addressing smaller problems like misfires. However, if the warning signs are ignored, it can lead to repair costing as much as $8,000.

"There are typically many warning signs," Art Jacobsen of CarMD.com told the news source.

Sometimes repairs are inevitable, and in that case you should head to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center. Located in Jersey City and open to the public, the center offers everything from general upkeep to fixes.

Diesel Becoming More Accepted in U.S.

Diesel-powered cars have long been popular in Europe, but they have yet to catch on in the United States. That may change in the near future, auto industry experts say, as surveys show Americans are becoming more comfortable with the idea of driving a car that runs on the alternative fuel, USA Today reports.

The growing trend is reflected by the results of a recent poll from auto-technology supplier Bosch. The company found 32 percent of respondents said they would consider purchasing a diesel-powered vehicle. While certainly not an overwhelming proportion of the population,  it is compared to 2006 when only 12 percent said the same thing.

The reason for the changing attitude may have to do with the fuel economy of diesel engines. According to the publication, they get about 30 percent better mileage on the highway, and although they may not perform as well around town, this is enough for some drivers.

Volkswagen has emerged as the leading manufacturer of diesel-powered cars in the United States. In fact, 85 percent of Volkswagen Jetta SportWagens are sold as diesel models. Additionally, 55 percent of Golfs sold are the same variety.

Though Volkswagen is currently the most popular, a number of other companies seem to be noticing the shifting trend. Many American-based manufacturers are planning on releasing diesel versions of popular models in the coming years. For instance, USA Today's Drive On blog reports that Chrysler is expected to release a diesel version of its Jeep Grand Cherokee as well as the Wrangler and Dodge Durango.

Whether you're looking for a diesel-powered car or a more traditional car, New Jersey State Auto Auction has plenty offer. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, there is certainly something for everyone.

What Automotive Fixes Can I Do by Myself?

The average driver may not think they're qualified to perform repairs on their car. While there are certain fixes that should only be attempted by professional mechanics, there are a number of other common maintenance issues that even the least mechanically-minded car owner can perform.

One of the easiest do-it-yourself aspects of auto maintenance is checking and filling your tires. Since most gas stations have free air pumps, all you need to purchase for yourself is a tire pressure gauge and familiarize yourself with the appropriate levels. Not only is this easy, but it's important as well. Having properly inflated tires is crucial to safety because it improves handling, and according to Edmunds, inflating your tires can save you ton of money not only on service costs but on fuel economy as well. Properly-inflated tires have proven to save around $120 a year on gas.

Changing your air filter can be done in your home as well. The process takes about five minutes and only requires you to have a screwdriver and a new filter on hand. While most mechanics might suggest having a professional do it, the website suggests it's not necessary.

When a light bulb goes out, it can be more of an annoyance than anything else. Having to drive to a garage for such a simple fix may seem unnecessary and according to some experts, it is. The only obstacle is finding out how to reach the bulb in the first place, but the owner's manual can usually solve that problem.

Though there are some fixes that can be done in the comfort of your own home, for more intricate repairs and a routine check up you should head to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Car Center.

Barack Obama’s Former Car up For Sale

It's not every day you can say you've driven the same car as the Commander in Chief, but for one person that just might be the case. A car that belonged to President Barack Obama is up for sale on eBay and its owner has slapped quite a hefty price tag on it – $1 million.

The car is a 2005 Chrylser 300C that Obama drove from 2004 through the summer of 2007 while he was a junior senator from Illinois. During that time he put just 19,000 miles on its Hemi-powered engine. Despite its age and the fact that it hadn't been used much, Obama still traded it in for a Ford Escape hybrid when he began his presidential campaign, MSNBC reports.

This isn't the first time that the car has been up for sale on eBay. Several years ago, its owner Tim O’Boyle says he put it on the website but it was taken down after people jokingly ran the bidding up to $100 million. To make sure that doesn't happen, prospective buyers have to make a $2,000 deposit just to place a bid. So far the car has been up for more than a week and there have been no takers.

Obama has come a long way since his days driving the eco-friendly Ford Escape. Today he rides in the presidential limousine nicknamed The Beast, and it has certainly earned every bit of the moniker. According to Motor Authority, the car, manufactured by Cadillac, includes a number of impressive features. Among its highlights are eight-inch thick armor-plated doors, independent oxygen supply, night vision cameras and Kevlar-reinforced tires – just to name a few.

Perception Trumps Experience When Purchasing Cars

Results of a new J.D. Power and Associates study reveal why people choose their cars, and the reasons might be a bit surprising. Consumers are more likely to base their purchase on common knowledge or opinions rather than any personal experience with the vehicle in question.

The research was conducted as part of the firm's annual Avoider Study, which aims to find out why consumers stay away from certain cars while they flock to other models. A large portion of responders, 43 percent, said that their perception of a particular brand's reliability and quality is what swayed their decision.

About 38 percent said that reading a poor review was what made them stay away, while only 14 percent said that their actual experience is what made them think poorly of a particular brand. The findings indicate that some automakers should place an emphasis on changing their public perception.

"For some brands, namely those that have created marked improvements in their quality and reliability in recent years, it's even more vital to tell their improvement story, rather than just waiting for perceptions to change over time," said J.D. Power and Associates' research director Jon Osborn said.

Instead of basing your decision on reputation, you should consider several other ways to determine the quality of a used car. Of course, the test drive will be an important factor in your decision because taking a car out on the road is the only way to get a feel for how it actually operates. Not only that, but you will want to look into the car's vehicle history to understand any potential pitfalls.

Regardless of how you choose your used car, New Jersey State Auto Auction will have the vehicle for you. Additionally, since each automobile is Carfax certified you know it is a reliable choice.

Women Better at Buying Cars Than Men

When it comes to finding a good deal on used cars, the battle of the sexes seems to have beeen won by women. A new report from LeaseTrader.com found that women regularly get better prices on cars than their male counterparts and according to NPR, it is indicative of a growing trend in the auto industry.

The reason women are able to get better deals is due largely to the fact they do more research beforehand. As a result, they are better equipped to ask specific questions regarding everything from safety and performance to vehicle history. Women are also more likely to talk dealers into a lower price, experts say.

"Our data specifically says that women not only have a larger interest in cars overall, but women today are taking a more active role in the negotiating process of a vehicle and in the car-shopping process in general," LeaseTrader's John Sternal told NPR. 

While women were concerned about reliability and quality, the same cannot be said for men. The survey revealed that they care more about aethestics and technology. The findings demonstrate the longheld perception that women are not as interested in cars as men is simply not true

"That our data illustrates a deepening relationship between women and cars comes as no surprise," LeaseTrader said in a press release.

Whether male or female, drivers can find a good deal at New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, its likely you'll find the perfect car for you. Furthermore, each vehicle is Carfax certified so you know you're getting a reliable ride.

How long can my tires last?

Though they may not get the attention that some other components of the car get, the tires are one of the most crucial aspects of a vehicle. After all, they are the only part that is contact with the ground at all times and if they are not in good shape it can put a serious dent in your car's safety. Still, some people may not know how to best maintain their tires and when it's time to get new ones.

It can be complicated to know when the time is right. Some people may judge their quality based on age and others say that tread quality is the best indicator. To get a good gage on when you should replace your tires, there are a few things you should take into consideration, Edmunds says.

Where you're driving can have a significant impact on how long your tires last. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), climate can play a substantial role in the lifespan of tires, and factors such as heat and exposure to sunlight may mean they won't last as long.

How you take care of your tires is also important to take into consideration. For one thing, if they are not properly inflated or if you drive recklessly (like occasionally running over curbs) then chances are your wheels will  wear out faster.

While there are no set NHTSA guidelines regarding the the age limit on tires, other groups are a little bit more forthcoming with information. According to Edmunds, some carmakers say that tires should be replaced after about six years, while tire manufacturers say that their products can top out at 10 years.

Lindsay Lohan Slapped With Another Driving Lawsuit

It's safe to say that Lindsay Lohan has had her fair share of troubles. Whether it be run-ins with the law or stints in rehab, the former child star has not had a smooth adulthood. That is especially true when she gets behind the wheel of a car, and now the "Mean Girls" star has found herself in hot water once again. Lohan is being sued by a woman who claims she was struck by the actress' car while she was crossing the street in  September 2010, The Associated Press reports.

The allegations stem from an incident in which Lohan struck the woman with her Maserati while she was in a crosswalk in West Hollywood. The victim wants Lohan to pay for the "injuries, pain, suffering and anguish" she faced and is also seeking compensation for time she missed from work.

This certainly is not Lohan's first trouble behind the wheel. Earlier this month, she was slapped with another lawsuit from a paparazzo who says that a vehicle carrying the actress struck him while he was trying to take pictures of her, the AP reports.

In fact, her driving troubles date back almost five years. She is still on probation as the result of a drunk driving arrest in 2007. Lohan was arrested several times that year due to suspicion of her being impaired while behind the wheel. One of those incidents resulted in a civil case settled outside of court, while another filed by three men in the car at the time may go to court later this year, according to the AP.

Though Lohan may be the most notorious bad driver, she is certainly not the only celebrity to have some vehicular issues. Perhaps most famously, Britney Spears has been accused of doing everything from driving with her infant son on her lap to excessive speeding.

What do I do When I’m Storing my Car?

Sometimes you have to store your car for a long period of time, whether it be the result of life changes or impending weather. While it might seem like an easy task, there are a number of things to take into consideration before you stow your car away, and you should take great care to prepare correctly.

One of the first things to do before you store your car is to make sure it gets washed. According to Edmunds, it might not seem important to have a clean car if it's not being used, but making sure your vehicle is free of debris and water stains can help keep its paint looking good while it's not being driven.

Along with keeping it clean, you will also want to take measures to prevent any animals from making their home in certain places of your car. Experts suggest blocking any gaps such as the exhaust pipe or an air intake with steel wool. If you're leaving town for a while, you may also want to enlist the help of someone who can check the garage sporadically while you're away – just to make sure.

Another tip that may seem counter intuitive is to fill it up with gas before you store it away. If you're planning on keeping it in the garage for the more than 30 days, a full tank of gas can prevent moisture from building up on the inside and lower the chances of seals drying out, Edmunds says.

Above all else, you will want to make sure it is up-to-date on its maintenance. Whether this means having the oil changed or getting a new battery, a well-kept car will make it through storage much better. New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center is a great place to go for services ranging from repairs to regular upkeep.