Buy an Alternative Car, Get a Tax Break

President Barack Obama has made no secret of his desire for car manufacturers to provide alternative fuel options, and on Wednesday he took things one step farther. In a speech in Mount Holly, North Carolina, Obama pitched a tax credit for drivers who purchase vehicles that run on alternative fuel, Bloomberg reports.

The proposal is not surprising given Obama's focus on alternative energy, but he has made a point in recent weeks to discuss the topic given the rising gas prices. The average price of a gallon of gas is currently at around $3.76, and Obama has steadfastly maintained that more drilling is not the answer to getting the number lower. Along with offering tax breaks to families that buy alternatively-powered cars, Obama will also make things easier for cities to do the same.

"To cities and towns all across the country, what we’re going to say is, if you make a commitment to buy more advanced vehicles for your community – whether they run on electricity or biofuels or natural gas – we’ll help you cut through the red tape and build fueling stations nearby," he told the audience.

Auto manufacturers seem to have received the message. There have been a growing number of cars running on fuel sources other than gasoline. Most notably, electric cars like the Nissan Leaf and Chevy Volt grabbed headlines in 2011, but upcoming releases such as the Ford Focus Electric should raise the bar.

Though it might be some time until all vehicles on the road are running on electricity or natural gas, there are still ways to save money on fuel. Buying a car with excellent gas mileage is one easy way, and New Jersey State Auto Auction offers a wide variety of makes and models that will get you plenty of miles to the gallon.

Toyota, Chrysler Both Announce Recalls

Toyota announced a recall of nearly 700,000 cars on Thursday, citing potential problems with the airbags and brake lights. The issue affects Camrys, Venzas and Tacomas ranging from as far back as 2005 all the way through 2011 model years, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The issue in the Venza and Camry recall is that silicon grease may have made its way into the stop-lamp switch during assembly. As a result of the defect, some cars could experience problems as minor as the warning lights on the dashboard turning on. However, drivers could also experience more significant problems like the engine having trouble starting or the transmission being shifted out of park.

As for the Tacoma, the potential issue has to do with the steering wheel spiral cable. The manufacturer says that the cable can potentially rub against its container, causing friction that could disrupt the function of the driver's airbags, according to the newspaper.

Toyota is not the only major company to announce a significant recall recently. Chrysler just recalled around 210,000 Jeep Liberties from the 2004 and 2005 model years that could potentially lose their rear wheels, USA Today reports. The company says that the vehicles were constructed with rear lower control arms that potentially may rust through, which could cause a crash.

In addition to staying on top of recalls, regular auto maintenance is a crucial part of making sure your car runs smoothly. New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center is a great place to go for all of your maintenance needs, whether it be general upkeep or a repair. With a knowledgeable staff, NJ Auto makes sure you'll be able to keep driving your car for years to come.

Can I Keep My Old Car Running?

The economy may be showing signs of improvement, but drivers are still hanging on to their cars longer than ever before. The average age of a car on the road is closing in on 11 years and vehicles are surpassing the 100,000 mile mark with ease. However, keeping a car running for years requires a bit of work on your part, and there are a number of ways to ensure your old ride running a bit longer.

Perhaps most importantly, drivers should be sure to stick closely to the recommended repair schedule, CBS News reports. Almost all owner's manuals will have set intervals for regular upkeep such as getting your brakes checked and rotating your tires. The same goes for oil changes, with most manufacturers suggesting getting the procedure done every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.

How you drive your car may also have a significant impact on how long you're able to keep it running. Specifically, some experts recommend getting in some highway driving every now and then, even if it's not part of your daily routine. Start-and-stop driving can take its toll on a car, the news source reports.

There are also some complications specific to older cars that you may want to be on the lookout for. You'll want to make sure that you get your belts and hoses checked because they can be damaged by heat over time. Additionally, you may want to focus on wheel alignment and your timing belt.

Above all else, however, you need to visit a reliable mechanic. That won't be a problem at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center. With a knowledgeable staff, motorists can get everything from repairs to general maintenance.

Forbes Recommends Cars for New Families

New parents may be wary of buying a family-friendly vehicle, as this can conjure up images of "soccer mom" minivans. However, minivans are not the only vehicles well-suited for young families, and Forbes recently put together a list of appropriate options based on safety features, affordability, and style. Every one of the top 10 family cars costs less than $25,000 and is rated as a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Only one van, the Dodge Grand Caravan, made the list. The rest of the cars chosen by Forbes were smaller, crossover SUVs, wagons and even a few sedans. The Honda CR-V was among the best options for new families as well, and one new parent explained why she chose it for her family.

"I like that in a small SUV, you sit higher up from the road, Liz McCorry, a new parent looking for a family car, told the news source. "In general it makes me more at ease as a driver, and is more comfortable to get in and out of."

The Kia Soul also made the grade, and this small SUV has been an IIHS Top Safety Pick since it was first introduced to the market in 2009. Since many drivers trade in new cars after about three years of ownership, it's likely that used Kia Souls will be available this year. Kelley Blue Book estimates that a used 2010 model in excellent condition will sell for around $13,300.

Whether new parents are looking for a minivan or something more modern like a Soul or a CR-V for their families, New Jersey State Auto Auction has plenty of options to choose from. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, drivers are sure to find the perfect family car.

Gas Prices May Not Change Consumer Behavior

With gas prices expected to eclipse $4 per gallon in the near future, many people fear the price of used fuel-efficient cars may experience a significant jump. Though the cost may rise a bit, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) believes it will not be enough to change consumer behavior.

Drivers have been used to high gas prices for quite some time. While many people are worried that fuel is on the way up, even at a relatively low $3.50 per gallon, motorists are still paying much more than a decade ago, and they have come to terms with that. As a result, shoppers may not change their activity that drastically.

"Considering consumers have become accustomed to gasoline prices that averaged more than $3.50 last year, this time around we don't expect to see dramatic shifts in the shopping behavior of consumers for more fuel-efficient vehicles when prices approach the $4 mark," NADA's executive automotive analyst Jonathan Banks said.

Just because drivers have become used to high gas prices doesn't mean that you shouldn't look for ways to save money at the pump wherever possible. Aside from purchasing a used car that gets good mileage, how you drive your vehicle can have a significant impact as well.

Taking care of your tires is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a fuel-efficient car. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), having properly inflated tires can increase gas mileage by as much as 3 percent.

Whether you let the price of gas affect your purchases or not, New Jersey State Auto Auction likely has the car for you. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, there is something for everybody.

Most Expensive Car in Greenwich Belongs to Tommy Hilfiger

Greenwich, Connecticut, is one of the wealthiest towns in the country, so you know the most expensive car cruising its streets has to be an impressive ride. As it turns out, that honor goes to a pretty famous name – Tommy Hilfiger. The fashion mogul's 2003 Ferrari Enzo is worth about $633,360, Forbes reports.

Despite the astronomic price tag, that's only about 70 percent of how much the car goes for on the market. It's also not the only pricey ride that Hilfiger is driving around in. He also owns a Bentley Continental, though it is worth considerably less than his Enzo – only around $126,000.

According to the publication, Hilfiger is not the only big name in the fashion world with an affinity for luxury cars. In fact, Ralph Lauren, who is considered Hilfiger's biggest rival on the runway, also rivals his impressive fleet. Most famously, he is the proud owner of a 1938 Bugatti Atlantic, which won the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2003.

Vanity Fair chronicled Ralph Lauren's collection of classic cars not too long ago, and it's certainly a sight to behold. In particular, he has a garage dedicated specifically to his collection of Ferraris, which is highlighted by a 1958 Testa Rossa. In the same room he also has Ferraris from the 60s, 70s and 90s. As for new models, he has a 2006 Bugatti Veyron and a 2010 Lamborghini Murcielago Super Veloce.

Though few people can compete with the car collections of Lauren and Hilfiger, that doesn't mean that you should put any less effort into maintaining your vehicles. New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center offers a great resource to the public, as it provides everything from general upkeep to repairs.

GM Announces Launch of Natural Gas-Powered Trucks

In an effort to take advantage of the growing call for alternative fuels, General Motors is going to introduce a line of pickup trucks powered by natural gas. GM recently announced it will release bi-fuel versions of its Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks, Fox News reports.

The most important detail about the innovative vehicles is that they give motorists the chance to drive wherever they want without having to worry about finding a fueling station that offers natural gas. As their default setting, the trucks will be powered by the natural gas, but if that tank runs out the engine will switch to gasoline. Drivers can also choose to switch to gasoline by themselves if they hit a button.

"Range anxiety is very real," Joyce Mattman, director of GM commercial product and specialty vehicles, told the news source. "We worked with the Chevy Volt team on that, and saw the same issues."

There are a number of advantages to powering cars, especially trucks, with natural gas. Perhaps most importantly, natural gas is cheaper than gasoline. This is an especially perscient issue right now, given that gas prices could surpass $4 per gallon in the very near future.

According to Fox, trucks powered by natural gas are also more environmentally friendly. Specifically, vehicles that use the fuel produce about 25 percent fewer carbon emissions than standard cars. Additionally, because about 98 percent of natural gas is produced in the United States it can help reduce dependence on foreign oil.

Though natural gas-powered vehicles are still uncommon, there are other ways to save money on gas. One such way is buying a fuel-efficient car at New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models there is something for everybody.

Chevy Volt is 2012 European Car of the Year

The Chevrolet Volt was recently named the 2012 European Car of the Year, adding yet another award to the list for the hybrid plug-in vehicle. It has also won the 2012 North American Car of the Year award, as well as accolades from Motor Trend, Automobile magazine and the Green Car Journal.

Leading automotive journalists from 23 European nations came together to determine the best newly-introduced vehicles on the market. They started with 35 different models, and narrowed the selection down to seven finalists. The judges scored each finalist in categories such as design, comfort, innovative technology, efficiency and performance.

The Volt and its European counterpart, known as the Opel Vauxhall Ampera, beat the runners up by a wide margin. The Volt and Ampera had scores of 330 points, while the Volkswagen Up! and the Ford Focus lagged behind with scores of 281 and 256, respectively.

"It is a proud moment for us and an honor to receive this award from Europe's leading jury of automotive journalists," said Susan Docherty, president and managing director of Chevrolet Europe. "Our car demonstrates that electric driving can be fun and reliable without ever compromising the owner's  lifestyle."

The Volt is able to run on gasoline, but its electric battery is capable of powering the car for 35 miles in between charges. This means drivers can use the car to get around town or back and forth from work without ever using a drop of gasoline, but they have the option to switch over if they run out of juice on the road.

Since the award-winning Volt has only been on the market for little more than a year, drivers may not be able to find used models just yet. New Jersey State Auto Auction has plenty of other choices for those looking to get behind the wheel of a fuel-efficient car.

Used Car Prices Will Reflect Rising Gas Prices, CarGurus Projects

The cost of fuel continues to climb, and a recent CarGurus forecast indicates consumers can expect to see the price tags on fuel-efficient used cars start to rise as well.

According to AAA's Daily Fuel Gauge Report, the national average on Monday, March 5 is nearly $3.77 per gallon. In a few states such as California, Illinois and New York, the average fuel cost is between $3.87 and $4.38 per gallon. When the cost of fuel rises, many drivers consider trading in their current vehicles for models with better fuel economy. This surge drives up the prices of used cars, which could make it less economical to get a different car in the long run.

"Gas prices have proven a reliable indicator of where used car prices are headed, and consumers in the market for a fuel-efficient used car this year should be mindful of that correlation," said Langley Steinert, founder and CEO of CarGurus. "The best advice for shoppers is the get ahead of the cycle by buying soon, when they will find the best deals on small, fuel-efficient used cars. Alternatively, consumers should consider waiting until the fall and winter months when there is typically less price volatility in the used car marketplace."

Whether drivers are ready to buy now, or are just starting their search for a used car, New Jersey State Auto Auction is the place to go. With a wide variety of fuel-efficient used vehicles, the dealer is sure to offer many choices for consumers, even those with less than perfect credit. Thanks to a partnership with Credit Acceptance Corporation, drivers can be approved for a loan in as little as 30 seconds.

Auto Loan Delinquencies Continue to Drop

For the ninth consecutive quarter, the number of auto loan delinquencies decreased compared to the year before. In the final quarter of 2011, the rate fell to 0.46 percent from 0.59 percent in 2010 and this gives yet another reason to be optimistic about the improving economy.

Perhaps most encouraging was that there was no seasonal rise in delinquencies for the quarter, something that usually happens during the final few months of the year. TransUnion found this was just the third time in the last decade where this was not the case. Additionally, given that there has been a growth in the number of auto loans, the fact that there has not been an increase in delinquencies is also encouraging.

"Ending the year flat is particularly interesting, because the number of new auto loans coming onto the books has consistently increased since the end of the recession, a primary driver of which has been an expansion in lending to consumers in the subprime market,"  said Peter Turek, automotive vice president in TransUnion's financial services business unit.

Don't expect anything to change, TransUnion says. There is a considerable demand for both new and used cars, which will urge prospective buyers to make their loan payments on time. Additionally, with the economy expected to continue to improve over the coming years.

Anybody in the market for a used car but concerned that their checkered credit history will prevent them from doing so need look no further than New Jersey State Auto Auction. Thanks to a partnership with the Credit Acceptance Corporation, the dealer is able to offer guaranteed credit approval so you can drive away with a used car in no time.