Monthly Archives: February 2012

Glass Cockpit, Smart Engines Among Tech Trends

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Posted in General Auto News

Over the last decade cars have not only become more fuel-efficient but they have also performed better. However, perhaps the greatest innovations of all have been in the technological realm, as vehicles come equipped with more gadgets than ever before. That likely won't change anytime soon and according to USA Today, there are a few trends that consumers should expect to see in the coming years.

Many auto experts believe that the days of physical gauges on the dashboard are numbered. In their place will be digital instruments ranging from the speedometer to the odometer to the gas gauge. This so-called "glass cockpit" has made its way into a number of more affordable models and that trend will likely only grow in the near future, according to the publication.

Engines may also become smarter as technology advances. Experts say that engines may be able to recognize certain driving patterns and change accordingly. For instance, USA Today reports that Ford has demonstrated that an engine may be able to change how much gas it uses depending on the situation – whether it be city or highway driving.

Another popular advancement will make cars safer than they ever have been. While driver assistance is common in some higher-end vehicles, analysts say that sensors warning motorists of everything from whether or not they're drifting to if there is a car in their blind spot could become commonplace.

Technological advances may make driving more enjoyable, but it does make regular maintenance even more important. Thanks to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center, that's not an issue. Located in Jersey City and open to the public, the center provides everything from scheduled upkeep to repairs to keep your car running smoothly.

Toyota Tundra, Corolla Among Best Used Cars for Under $8K

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Posted in General Auto News

Used cars can offer drivers a reliable set of wheels at a fraction of the cost of new models, but you have to know where to look. There are certainly vehicles that are simply better deals and if you're looking to keep your spending under $8,000, The Street reports that there are a few options that stand above the rest.

Kia has been rising in popularity in recent years, so it's no wonder that the 2008 Kia Rio made it on the list. Kelley Blue Book values the car at around $7,680 and given that it's just four years old, it may be the closest thing you can get to new for such an affordable price.

Anybody looking for a pickup without a steep price tag should consider the 2002 Toyota Tundra. According to the website, its KBB retail value is a modest $5,950, and although it's 10 years old, given Toyota's track record of reliable vehicles that should not be a problem – especially if you take good care of it.

"Toyota was an underdog in pickup trucks then, and it still is, but the Tundra has proven to be a good truck and it meets all the [reliability] expectations that come with a Toyota,"  Jason Allan, the kbb.com managing editor, told the website.

Similar to the Tundra, the 2002 Toyota Corolla is a good choice as well. With a price tag of just over $6,000 the Corolla is likely to remain among the most popular used cars on the road.

Regardless of what vehicle you're looking for, New Jersey State Auto Auction will have you covered. With a wide variety of makes and models there's sure to be one to suit your needs.

Common Misconceptions Regarding Motor Oil

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Posted in How To

Motor oil is one of the most important components of a car but all too often it is surrounded by myths. Knowing what's true and what's false about this vital liquid is crucial in maintaining your car, however it can sometimes be difficult to separate fact from fiction.

One of the most pervasive misconceptions surrounding motor oil is how often it needs to be changed. Most people abide by the rule that you should change it every 3,000 miles or three months – whichever you hit first. This may have been true in years past, but according to Edmunds, it's an outdated credo. There have been a lot of advancements made with motor oil and you can go by what's recommended in your auto manual. In 2010 for instance, the average recommended interval was about 7,800 miles rather than 3,000.

Another common myth is that using synthetic oil is better for your car and may actually improve your fuel economy. While synthetic products are often considered a better lubricant, there is not a lot of evidence to back up any claims of improved gas mileage and the extra money may not be worth it.

"There is a school of thought that says the synthetic oils are slipperier and allow the engine to spin easier – I don't know that I believe that," auto expert Ryan Stark told Edmunds.

While many people may change their own oil, going to a professional will ensure it's done correctly, so you may want to visit New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center to get it done. With a location in Jersey City that's open to the public, drivers can get easily get everything from repairs to general upkeep.

CUVs a Favorite Choice Among Consumers

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Posted in General Auto News

Hatchbacks have become increasingly popular in the United States, but consumers who are looking for a new or used car are still most likely to have only two options in mind – crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) or mid-size sedans. In particular, CUVs have experienced the greatest growth in consumer interest in recent years and Motor Trend does not expect the fad to die out any time soon.

When people are in the market for a new or used car, they have a growing tendency to look at vehicles in pairs. Experts say that drivers will often end up choosing between the two segments and manufacturers are apparently taking note of the change in consumer preference.

"We're calling this the supersegment, because people cross-shop these so much," Samantha Hoyt, marketing manager for the new Ford Fusion, told the publication. "It'll be Camry-Escape, Camry-Fusion, Escape-Accord, that whole CR-V-Escape, they're all shopping each other."

Ford has been especially successful in pushing its popular Escape. In advance of the release of the much-anticipated 2013 model of the CUV, Ford has sold many older models and through November 2011 had managed to sell 228,719 Escapes.

Though longtime CUV favorties like the Escape, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV-4 are still very much popular choices, Kia has been moving in on their territory. The South Korean company was recently named as the brand with the best overall cost of ownership by Kelley Blue Book thanks in no small part to its best selling CUV – the Sorento.

Whether you're looking for a used Ford, Honda or Kia, New Jersey State Auto Auction is a good place to go. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices you'll be sure to find the right car for you.

U.S. DOT announces guidelines to reduce distracted driving

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Posted in Auto Industry News

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) recently released the first federally-issued guidelines relating to in-car technology that may contribute to distracted driving. According to the National Highway traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distractions such as using cellphones, adjusting the radio or even talking to passengers, are involved in about 20 percent of car accidents.

Making calls and texting behind the wheel are two of the worst offenders, but most state laws only apply to handheld devices and hands-free technology like Bluetooth is still acceptable. Even if a driver's hands and eyes are on the road, talking on the phone takes their mind off the task at hand, which still counts as a distraction, according to the NHTSA.

The DOT is now calling for automakers to take a more practical and safety-first approach to including potentially-distracting technology in their vehicles. The guidelines recommend that automakers design their electronics to be easier and faster to use. They also call for drivers to be able to operate the technology with one hand, so the other can remain on the steering wheel when an adjustment needs to be made on the go. This does not apply to devices that aid in safety, such as lane-departure warnings and blind spot alert systems.

"Distracted driving is a dangerous and deadly habit on America's roadways – that's why I've made it a priority to encourage people to stay focused behind the wheel," said DOT Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "These guidelines are a major step forward in identifying real solutions to tackle the issue of distracted driving for drivers of all ages."

Distractions increase the risk of crashing, and if this occurs a vehicle may need a few repairs to get back to working order. Drivers can take their vehicles to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center, located in Jersey City and open to the public, for all of their mechanical needs, whether they've been in an accident or just need regular maintenance.

New Car Smell: Pleasant but Harmful?

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Posted in General Auto News

It turns out that price may not be the only reason why you should buy a used car over a new one. Results of a new study suggest that the so-called "new car smell" could actually make you sick. The scent some people find so appealing is sometimes caused by volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) that may damage your health, USA Today reports.

The research was conducted at the Ecology Center, which analyzed the materials used in the construction of the interior of new cars. It found that some models are healthier for drivers than others, with the Honda Civic having the lowest amount of dangerous chemicals of all new models. On the other hand, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport had the highest levels.

Specifically, the Outlander Sport contain a number of harsh chemicals such as bromine and antimony-based flame retardants as well as chromium-treated leather. The car's seating contained 400 parts-per-million of lead.

Although it might seem like bad news, automakers are actually taking steps correct the problem. Jeff Gearhart, research director at the Ecology Center, told USA Today that "it's a positive story, because the industry is working on" finding new materials and chemicals that may be less hazardous.

The new car smell may have a somewhat pleasant scene to some, but if it is harmful to your health, is it worth it? Automobiles that are several years old may no longer have that new car smell but will still run just as well. New Jersey State Auto Auction has plenty of used cars available to the public at affordable prices, and with a wide variety of makes and models there is something for everyone.

Toyota, Lexus the Most Dependable Brands

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Toyota

Appearance, performance and fuel-economy are all important things to consider when purchasing a car, but perhaps the greatest criteria of all is how reliable it is. After all, if your ride doesn't last very long, it doesn't matter how sleek it look or how many miles you get per tank of gas. A recent study from J.D. Power and Associates revealed what consumers feel are the most dependable cars, and Toyota dominated.

The venerable Japanese automaker was the highest-rated non-premium nameplate, and its sister brand Lexus took the top honors in the luxury sector. Additionally, another Toyota offshoot – Scion – came in fifth place after a 17-spot jump compared to last year.

"We are extremely pleased that not only did we win awards in eight of the 14 model segments, but that in two segments we finished one-two and made the podium in 12 segments overall", said Jim Lentz, President and Chief Operating Officer Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

While Toyota and Lexus were the top performers, there were some American-made brands that had high marks as well. In particular, the Ford Explorer was honored for its dependability, as were two General Motors products, the Buick Lucerne and Chevrolet Equinox.

Of course, part of a vehicle's dependability is how well you take care of it. J.D. Power says that if you own any of the cars on the list and maintain it reasonably well over its lifespan, chances are you can trade it in for a high value when the time comes.

To ensure that your car lives up to its dependability rating, you should visit New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center. Located in Jersey City and open to the public, the center provides everything from repairs to general upkeep.

Lenders More Likely To Approve Auto Loans

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

People who may have a less-than-ideal credit history but are looking to buy a used car may be in luck. Auto lenders are becoming more likely to assume greater risk as competition continues to rise in the industry, Automotive News reports.

Experts say there are a number of signs that suggest lenders are becoming more likely to approve applications from people with poor credit scores. Perhaps the most significant is that the number of subprime and nonprime auto loans has been on the rise. Experian Automotive found the number of subprime loans – loans given to people with a credit score between 550 and 619 – rose by 13.5 percent compared to last year. The same could be said for nonprime, which experienced a 10.5 percent jump, the publication reports.

Competition is also good news because lenders are becoming more likely to approve long term loans, which results in lower monthly payments. Though longer terms may have been frowned upon in the past, that's changed as drivers look to hold on to their cars longer than ever before.

"We are certainly expanding in very-long-term loans," Melinda Zabritski, the director of automotive credit for Experian, told the news source. "And we're writing longer-term loans for higher-risk customers, since those are the ones who need the longer terms to obtain a monthly payment they can afford."

Even if you're still worried about being approved with all this good news, you may want to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers guaranteed credit approval to all that apply. Thanks to a partnership with the Credit Acceptance Corporation, you'll be able to drive away from New Jersey Auto in a used car in no time.

Lexus Teams Up With SI Swimsuit Model to Launch New Car

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Posted in Celebrity Auto News

The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue hit news stands earlier this week, and one automaker in particular is using its appeal to its advantage. Lexus teamed up with SI and model Tori Praver to help gives its brand an edgier, sexier feel, according to USA Today.

The program, dubbed the TORI 500 campaign, makes clever use of their stunning spokesperson. Lexus managed to create a unique race track designed in the shape of Praver herself. To create the track, Lexus enlisted the help of photographer Bjorn Ioss, who shot Praver from above to give the track its shape. The life-size course was even used by two professional drivers behind the wheel of what else but a brand new Lexus GS Sport.

The model-inspired track is not the only thing Lexus is doing in partnership with the SI Swimsuit issues. The manufacturer also launched an iPhone app called "Supermodeled" that lets you store photos of Praver in your phone and super-impose them on your own shots. Lexus also has a four-page spread in the magazine and will be at SI events in New York and Las Vegas promoting the issue – and the GS Sport.

"What better way to help introduce the all-new GS – than with a bold new campaign featuring a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model?" said Brian Smith, Lexus VP of marketing, according to the publication. "With the new GS, there's no going back for Lexus. Instead of just looking at the pictures, consumers can share in the fun through our many campaign components, including having Tori appear in their own photos."

While you may never get to go home with a model like Praver, New Jersey State Auto Auction has plenty of other models that are right up your alley. Whether it be a used Ford Mustang or a Chevy Tahoe, there are a wide variety of choices at affordable prices.

Car Preferences Differ Between Red and Blue States

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

Car buying trends often vary from state to state. For instance, drivers in Florida are probably more likely to purchase convertibles, while those in states with harsh winters might opt for more rugged weather-ready SUVs. A recent Polk report shows that politics can also play a role in the vehicles people choose to drive.

Researchers examined vehicle buying patterns to determine if there was a difference in the buying habits of red and blue states. They found that, on average, people in opposing political states tend to take sides when it comes to cars as well. Pickup trucks made up four of the top 10 vehicles in red states, while only accounting for two spots on the list in blue states. Polk attributes this disparity to the fact that America's heartland is predominantly red. The coastal states, which are largely blue, are a more successful market for smaller cars and foreign brands.

However, there were a few common interests between red and blue state drivers. The two most popular models in all 44 states (the report excludes undecided states and Washington, D.C.) were the Ford F Series and the Chevrolet Silverado pickups. The opposing political sides also had the same top brands, although their order of popularity was different. Beginning with the number one brand, blue state drivers prefer Toyota, Ford, Honda, Chevrolet and Nissan. Motorists from red states prefer American brands first, with the Asian makes taking up the final three slots in the top five.

Regardless of your political affiliation, you can find plenty of affordable makes and models at New Jersey State Auto Auction. All of their vehicles are CARFAX certified, so you know NJ Auto isn't trying to pull the wool over your eyes like some politicians may try to do.