Monthly Archives: January 2012

Herbie the Love Bug Up For Auction

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Posted in General Auto News

Some of the most famous cars from recent memory have gone up for auction over the last several months, and another one is about to be added to the list. One of the five Volkswagen Beetles used in the Herbie the Love Bug movie franchise is set to go on the block as part of Scottsdale sales, USA Today reports.

The 1963 model was played a significant role in the Disney comedy movies, the first of which, "The Love Bug" hit theaters in 1968. There was a sequel nearly a decade later when "Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo" was released in 1977. The films followed the unlikely ascent of a Beetle through the high speed racing world. There was later a remake, "Herbie Fully Loaded," which was released in 2005.

The nearly 50-year-old automobile gets just 60 horsepower but is expected to bring in a hefty sum for the sellers. According to the publication, experts believe that it could get anywhere from $75,000 to $125,000 when it goes up for auction.

Herbie is certainly not the only car from cinematic history to go up for sale. In December, it was announced that the original General Lee that was used in the popular TV series "Dukes of Hazard" was going to be auctioned off, according to FoxNews.com. That same month, a DeLorean used in "Back to the Future III" sold for more than $540,000.

While not everyone can get behind the wheel of the car from their favorite movie, New Jersey State Auto Auction can help in other ways. With a wide variety of makes and models, you can find the perfect car for you. Additionally, all the models are Carfax certified so you know you're getting a reliable ride.

Tips to Restore Your Credit

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

The economy may have taken some steps toward recovery in 2011, but for people who suffered a credit setback over the last 12 months, it probably doesn't seem like it. Though it can be tough to build back your credit score, there are a number of ways to go about doing so, and according to Fox News, all it takes is a consistent effort.

One of the best things you can do to rebuild your record is to stay on top of your credit cards. Along with paying back loans and other expenses, keeping the balance on your credit card below 30 percent of your limit (and making payments on time) is one of the easiest ways to climb back to a better score.

In a similar vein, experts stress the benefits of using cash whenever possible. Though it might be tempting to charge purchases here and there, advisers say that using cash more often can be an effective way to give you more breathing room financially.

The news source reports that you should also be sure that your credit report is up to date and free of any errors. If you find any potential mistakes, you can lobby to have them changed, which could help you significantly in the long run.

If you have a bad credit score, it may seem like you may not be able to get an auto loan. However, at New Jersey State Auto Auction, such is not the case. Thanks to a partnership with Credit Acceptance Corporation, New Jersey Auto offers guaranteed approval in just a matter of minutes. That way, you can drive off the lot in a new car and be on your way to restoring your credit.

Age of Cars on the Road Hits Record High

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Posted in General Auto News

The recession caused a lot of people to become more frugal, and that is especially true when it comes to their cars. As a result, many motorists began to hold on to their vehicles longer than they would have previously, and the trend has apparently continued. Research firm Polk recently found that the average age of vehicles on the road is 10.8 years – an all time high.

The findings highlight a growing trend over the last five years, which has shown that drivers are more likely to invest in auto maintenance than a new car. Additionally, it suggests that they may be more likely to purchase a used car instead of a new one to save money.

When the results are deconstructed, they show that passenger cars experienced just a modest increase in age between June 2010 and June 2011, rising from an average of 11 to 11.1 years. Light trucks, however, made more substantial gains during that time with an increase of age from 10.1 to 10.4 years. While the tendency of drivers to hold on to their vehicles may hurt new car dealerships, it's good news for some other businesses.

"The increasing age of the vehicle fleet, together with the increasing length of ownership, offers significant business growth opportunity for the automotive aftermarket," said Mark Seng, global aftermarket practice leader at Polk.  "Dealer service departments and independent repair facilities, as well as aftermarket parts suppliers, will see increased business opportunity with customers in need of vehicle service."

Any driver looking to hold on to their vehicle longer will want to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center to ensure that it gets the service that it needs. The Jersey City location is open to the public and offers everything from repairs to regular maintenance.

Buying a Used Car on Limited Income

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

For people with a limited income, it may seem like buying a used car is out of the question. Regardless of your current driving situation, getting behind the wheel of a newer vehicle could be just a pipe dream until you have more money coming in. While a restricted budget certainly presents a number of challenges, MSN Autos reports that there are ways around them, it all depends on how wisely you shop.

The most important thing to consider is what type of car you can afford. While some may want to hold out for a new vehicle, buying a used car is likely the better option. Experts say that pre-owned vehicles are as reliable as ever and, depending on how old they are, can include a number of convenient features.

Even 10-year-old cars can be attractive options for people operating on a limited budget. For example, MSN Autos found a 2002 Toyota Camry with about 111,000 miles that was going for $7,000 – certainly an affordable prices for a model widely regarded for its reliability.

The same can be said for minivans. Consumers looking for an affordable method of transporting their family should look into the Chrysler Town and Country. Specifically, the 2003 model fared especially well in terms of affordability and reliability, according to J.D. Power and Associates.

Choosing the right car is only the first step, and sometimes auto financing can be difficult for people with limited means as well, especially if they have poor credit history. However, at New Jersey State Auto Auction, there is no need to worry. Thanks to a partnership with the Credit Acceptance Corporation, New Jersey Auto is able to offer guaranteed credit approval in just a matter of minutes.

Used Car Prices May Rise, Best to Buy Now

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Posted in General Auto News

Anybody mulling over the purchase of a used car may want to make up their mind quickly. Kelley Blue Book expects prices of pre-owned vehicles to rise during the first quarter of 2012, and now may be the best time to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction to make a purchase.

Though prices have remained relatively flat throughout the first few weeks of the year, experts believe that the trend will not continue. In fact, forecasters say prices could rise as much as 5 percent over the next couple months, so it's best for shoppers to act fast. Certain cars will tend to be a bit more expensive than others, so choosing wisely is especially important as well.

"Consumers eyeing one of the many highly acclaimed redesigned 2011 model-year vehicles for their next used car should be prepared to pay a significant premium," said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst of automotive insights for Kelley Blue Book. "For example, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and Kia Optima currently maintain a premium higher than 40 percent versus the 2010 model-year counterpart, significantly outperforming the Honda Accord and Toyota Corolla, which weren't redesigned for model-year 2011."

The reason behind the expected price increase lies in the fact that many people are holding onto their vehicles longer than ever rather than trading them in. As a result, supply of used cars has dropped considerably while demand is still high.

Heading to New Jersey State Auto Auction can help remedy both situations. Thanks to it being an AutoTrader.com trade-in marketplace dealer, New Jersey Auto offers its customers the opportunity to get a substantial return on their car. Not only that, but it has a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices.

Hyundai Tops in Customer Loyalty

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Hyundai

Hyundai is having quite a run. Just weeks after winning the coveted North American Car of the Year award for the popular Elantra, a J.D. Power and Associates report found that the manufacturer is at the top of the list when it comes to customer loyalty. Hyundai has a 64 percent retention rate beating out stalwarts of the industry including Honda, Ford and Jeep.

The findings are especially impressive given the fact that Hyundai has been criticized over the last decade for manufacturing unreliable cars. However, officials have made a concerted effort to appeal to customers through initiatives like their Assurance Program, which guarantees buy backs for Hyundai vehicles. Not only that, but the reputation of the brand is changing as well.

"Hyundai's increased retention rate is shaped by its expanding model lineup, as well as the fact that perceptions of the brand’s quality and appeal have continued to improve during the past decade," said Raffi Festekjian, the director of automotive research at J.D. Power and Associates.

The 64 percent retention rate marks a 4 percent jump compared to 2010 and places Hyundai well above the industry average of 49 percent. Ford and Honda came in second place with 60 percent, and BMW and Kia rounded out the top five with 59 percent each.

The study also found that women and young adults are more likely to buy a different brand with their next purchase. Whether you are looking to get behind the wheel of the same make and model or if you're heading in a completely different direction, New Jersey State Auto Auction is the place to go. With a wide selection of used cars at affordable prices, there is something for everybody.

Ford Taurus Among Best Used Car Deals

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Posted in General Auto News

Used cars give prospective buyers a great way to save money while still offering a reliable ride. Though smart shoppers are likely to get a good deal, there are certain makes and models that offer more bang for the buck. Forbes recently released its list of best used cars for the money.

At the top of the list is the 2008 Ford Taurus. Despite being a longtime favorite among motorists, the car has a relatively low resale value. This is great for people looking to get behind the wheel of a reliable sedan, and the publication estimates you can find it for around $14,700.

Good deals can be found for more high-end vehicles as well. The 2008 Cadillac DTS is a great option, experts say. This luxurious ride made the cut because it offers plenty of power and safety features such as blind-spot and lane-departure warning.

There are also plenty of options available to people looking for an SUV. According to Forbes, the 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer comes in both V6 and V8 models and can be driven off the lot for less than $20,000.

Finding an affordable car is not the only reason you may want to buy used. According to Edmunds, one of the biggest advantages of buying a pre-owned vehicle is that you'll save money on insurance, and some used cars may still be under factor warranty. Not only that, but if you're a savvy shopper you can find better discounts.

New Jersey State Auto Auction is a great place for anybody looking for a used car. The dealer offers a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, all of which are Carfax certified.

Take Steps Now to Help Your Car Reach 200K Miles

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Posted in How To

Despite an improving economy, many drivers are still holding on to their cars as long as possible to ensure they get the most out of their investment. It is certainly a wise decision, but sometimes motorists may be unsure about how to go about doing it. According to CarJunky.com, there are a number of day-to-day things  drivers can do to help their cars stay on the road.

Storage can play a large role in how long your car lasts. Keeping your in a garage is must, but sometimes motorists use their garage as a place to keep other household items and leave their ride out in the elements. Those without a garage should invest in a car cover and check for bugs or other pests that can get under the tarp.

How you drive your car can also play a big role in how many miles you can get out of it. According to the website, regularly accelerating and cornering too quickly can put unnecessary strain on your vehicle.

Perhaps most importantly, you cannot ignore regular maintenance. Following the schedule outlined in the owner's manual is crucial, and you should be sure to stay on top of components such as brake pads and filters.

"Giving the car an occasional wash and wax is nice but really not as important as regular maintenance," Tom Taylor, engineer and vice president of RockAuto.com, told the website. "Driving and maintaining your car as if it needs to last for at least 200,000 miles or 20 years is a smart way to preserve the value of an expensive asset."

New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center is a great resource for drivers looking to extend the life of their car. Located in Jersey City, the center is open to the public and offers everything from repairs to regular upkeep.

2012 to be a Good Year for Car Loans

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

Due to the uncertain economy, the last few years have proven to be a difficult time to get a car loan. That's about to change in 2012. As numbers improve and consumers are more likely to buy cars, it looks like lenders are also going to approve more loan applications. The Detroit Free Press reports that the average loan rate is about 1 percent lower than last year, making it the perfect time to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction to buy a used car.

"Financing will continue to be very, very affordable for most buyers," Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst for Kelley Blue Book, told the newspaper. "You might actually have better luck than you thought with 0 percent."

The sheer number of auto loans is also on the rise. Through the first three quarters of 2011, there were 14.7 million loans, according to the news source. This is especially impressive once you consider that during the same period in 2010 there were only 13 million, and in 2009 there were only 11.7 million.

The news is even good for people with credit scores that may not be up to the level they want. In the third quarter of 2011, lending to less-than-prime borrowers was up 14.8 percent compared to the same period in 2010, Experian found.

If your credit history is not as spotless as it could be, New Jersey State Auto Auction is a great option. Thanks to a partnership with the Credit Acceptance Corporation, the dealer is able to offer guaranteed approval in just a matter of minutes. Not only will you be behind the wheel of a used car, but by paying back the loan on time, you can rebuild your credit.

When You Should Get Your Car Looked At

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Posted in General Auto News

Though most people may say they know a thing or two about their car's maintenance, results of a recent study show that it might not be true. Regular upkeep is a crucial part of owning a vehicle, especially in an uncertain times, yet some people may not know how often they have to take their car to get looked at, ABC affiliate KSAT reports.

A survey by consumer reviews website Angie's List found that while 32 percent of respondents get their oil changed at the regular intervals, the same amount tend to skip more important regular service checks on their car. The refusal to do so could spell doom for your car, and there are a few warning signs that should tip off drivers it's time to take their car to a mechanic.

Warning light indicators are there for a reason and the news channel says that they should not be ignored. Though they could be indicative of a minor issue, if the check engine light or service engine light come on, it is a good idea to head to the mechanic.

How your car is driving can play a large role in determining whether you should get it serviced or not. For example, if it makes screeching or grinding noises whenever you slow down, this could be a sign that your brake pads or rotors are not functioning as they should or are worn down. Additionally, the news channel reports that if your car is vibrating or running unusually loud, it should be looked at as soon as possible.

New Jersey State Auto Auction offers anybody looking to have their car inspected by a mechanic the opportunity to do so, thanks to its Total Car Care center. Whether you need a repair or a regular check up, it is a reliable place to go.