Although gas prices experienced a sharp rise throughout the first few months of the year, it looks like there is some relief in sight. The Energy Department's weekly findings showed there was a nationwide drop in gas prices, with an average gallon of gas costing around $3.87. The figure is lower than this time last year, according to the Los Angeles Times reports.

The drop marks the first time in more than two years that the price of gas was less than at the same time the previous year. It also is important given there had been considerable worry there would be no end to the rising prices.

Still, it's not a complete cause for celebration. Although the nationwide average fell 5.2 cents, there are still some places where the price per gallon is especially high. In California, for instance, the average is hovering around $4.20 per gallon, and although it's down from $4.37 earlier this year, it's still significantly higher than the rest of the country.

Additionally, the slight drop in prices may not change drivers' desire to switch to more fuel-efficient cars or change their driving behavior in order to improve their mileage. People looking to improve their efficiency should make sure their tires are properly filled at all times and try to put less strain on their car when they're on the road.

Furthermore, anybody looking to find a fuel-efficient used car in New Jersey may want to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, from compact cars to SUVs, there's the perfect ride for every consumer.

Having a car that's in need of repairs can be enough of a struggle, but going to get the problem fixed can often be difficult as well. Consumer Reports recently released a study detailing exactly what bothers drivers the most in terms of auto maintenance, and the results shed some light on what drivers should do if they're in need of repairs.

For the most part, motorists are content with the service they received when they went to a garage, with about 75 percent saying they were either "completely satisfied" or "very satisfied" with the results. However, the remaining quarter who were not so happy often cited high prices as the reason for their discontent.

Additionally, some respondents said the quality of the fix was not what they expected. In fact, around 28 percent of people who were unsatisfied with their experience said they didn't believe the problem was entirely corrected. Though this might be partly on the mechanic, experts say it is also reliant on the driver to make sure everything works before leaving the garage.

"Make an issue of it right there," Jim Travers, an associate editor with Consumer Reports Autos, told the MSNBC.com. "Don’t leave before you’re comfortable that you’ve been taken care of properly. If you leave, you start to diminish any chance that you’re going to get recourse."

Motorists likely won't have to worry about being unhappy with their experience at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center. Not only can drivers visit its team of talented mechanics for general maintenance, but they can also address more serious issues that may be affecting how their car runs.

There have been many long-held assumptions about the differences between men and women when it comes to buying cars. While their preferences may still be dissimilar, a recent study from TrueCar.com found the once wide gap between the sexes has shrunk a bit over the last year.

Perhaps least surprising was that men made up the greatest percentage of buyers of domestic-made heavy trucks and SUVs. Specifically, 73.5 percent of GMC owners were male, and 72 percent of people who bought Dodges were also men. There was a similar proportion for Land Rover, Ford and Chevrolet as well.

"Female car buyers really gravitated toward smaller, more fuel-efficient cars and crossovers," said Kristen Andersson, Senior Analyst at TrueCar.com. "It was the complete opposite for male buyers, who preferred either a fast and sporty vehicle with distinctive curb appeal or a big vehicle, like a large truck or SUV."

The most female-heavy brand was MINI, with around 46.2 percent of buyers being women. Nissan came in second at 45.7 percent while Kia was right behind at 45.6 percent. Honda and Mitsubishi rounded out the top five.

Perhaps most interesting was the disparity between male and female buyers when it came to flashy, high performance vehicles. In particular, a whopping 92.5 percent of Ferrari buyers were men, with Bentley, Maserati and Porsche all experiencing similarly high levels.

Regardless of whether you're a man or a woman, everyone can agree on the fact that a car's quality trumps all other aspects. Anybody looking for a reliable used car in New Jersey should head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models, there's something for everyone.

There has been a nationwide push to drive more eco-friendly cars, and now as gas prices continue to increase, the emphasis is even greater. While many people are trying to go green behind the wheel, some cities have been doing a better job than others, and Cars.com recently revealed which are the best.

At the top of the list was San Francisco, which probably won't surprise many people. California is often seen as one of the more progressive states in the country, and it looks like Cars.com's figures back up the assumption, at least when it comes to buying an eco-friendly vehicle.

"There's a perception that Californians are more eco-conscious, and our car shopping data shows that's true," said Cars.com editor-in-chief Patrick Olsen. "With more charging stations than any other state and dedicated car-pool lanes, it's easy to understand why manufacturers typically choose California as the place to launch their new 'green' vehicles."

Although San Francisco and five other California towns made it into the top 10, the Golden State is not the only place where going green has become especially popular. At the number two spot was Madison, Wisconsin, and Portland, Oregon, came in at number four.

Even if you don't live in one of the top cities for green cars, that doesn't mean you still can't save gas. If you're looking for fuel-efficient used cars in New Jersey, you should head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers a wide variety of makes and models. Whether you're looking to downsize to a compact vehicle or want to get behind the wheel of an SUV, there's something for everyone.

Many people have speculated that high gas prices are having a significant impact on which cars consumers are buying, and results of a recent survey show just how true that assumption is. Research from Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com found 66 percent of new car shoppers in the first quarter of 2012 thought about buying a different car due to the price of gas.

The findings should not be that surprising. The same survey found that in just a span of a few months, consumer's attitudes toward gas prices worsened significantly. In the fourth quarter of 2011, around 46 percent of respondents expected gas prices to rise in the next 30 days. In the first quarter of 2012, that number rose to 76 percent. Though it seems like a dire situation, the fact that cars are getting better gas mileage than ever before may lessen the blow.

"The reality of today's economy means that many shoppers are factoring in fuel efficiency and gas prices toward the top of things they consider when choosing their next new car,"  said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for kbb.com. "Lucky for them, each year auto manufacturers work increasingly hard to improve fuel economy in their new models, with many gasoline-powered vehicles now achieving 40 mpg or higher."

In addition to looking toward a fuel-efficient new vehicle, some consumers may want to help offset the high cost of fuel by purchasing a quality used car at New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models, including cars with high gas mileage, there is the perfect vehicle for everyone.

The Ford Mustang is one of the most iconic cars in the world, but for its 50th anniversary the classic vehicle may be getting a new look. The famous design that defined the car for decades may soon be a thing of the past, which could be a shock to the many baby boomers who grew up with the Mustang, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The automaker is expected to roll out the new-look Mustang in 2014, and analysts say they hope it will appeal to a younger demographic. Though the company risks alienating the segment of the population that made the car what it is today, experts say it's a smart move on the part of Ford.

"The main goal that all automobile companies need to be successful at is, let's prepare vehicles that the next generation will want to be in, but have all the other features that will still appeal to the older generation as well," analyst Alexander Edwards told the newspaper.

Details are scarce about what the Mustang will look like, but early reports suggest it could more closely resemble a hybrid between the popular Ford Fusion and an Aston Martin. Though the look would change a bit, it will still retain the Mustangs iconic shark-nosed grille and round headlights, according to WSJ.

The Mustang is not the only car to get a fresh look in the last several years. The Volkswagen Beetle, Dodge Charger and Chevrolet Camaro have all received upgrades. As a result, drivers may have to turn to pre-owned vehicles as a way to get behind the wheel of more classic-look cars. New Jersey State Auto Auction has plenty of makes and models so consumers can find the exact vehicle they're looking for.

Whether it be due to the rising cost of gas or a desire to be more environmentally friendly, many drivers are looking for the most eco-conscious cars on the road. With that in mind, Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com recently released its picks for the best green cars of the year, and there are some very familiar names.

"With the rollercoaster of gas prices affecting consumer buying habits and pressure from the government to produce more environmentally friendly new-vehicle fleets, auto manufacturers are responding with more robust offerings in the 'green car' segment than ever before," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for kbb.com.

At the top of the list is the Toyota Prius c. The Prius has long been one of the greenest cars around, but this newer version of the popular sedan is the smallest of the family. According to kbb.com, the Prius c offers drivers an impressive 53 miles per gallon in the city. It also provides ample storage room, which makes it practical as well as eco-friendly.

Along with the Prius, the relatively new Nissan Leaf made the list as well. The much ballyhooed electric vehicle may not have enjoyed the sales it originally anticipated in 2011, but that doesn't make it any less fuel-efficient. The website says the Leaf can get 100 miles per charge and it is also made from recycled material. Other cars that made the cut were the Hyundai Elantra, Mitsubishi i and Chevrolet Malibu Eco.

Any motorists in the market for a more fuel-efficient car should head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. Thanks to a wide variety of makes and models, drivers will be able to find whatever car or SUV they're in the market for.