NADA: New Regulations Could Mean High Prices

One of the central tenets of the Obama administration's plan for lowering fuel costs and limiting gas consumption is a mandate that would require all automakers to provide more fleets with higher gas mileage. Though it might seem like a smart plan, experts say it could result in expensive cars that drive consumers away.

The study, from the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), found the mandate could raise the average price of cars and light trucks by as much as $3,000 by 2025. Though the more expensive vehicles may help consumers save money on gas, some experts say it's not enough to justify the increase in initial costs. Some dealers also warn that more expensive cars may make banks less likely to approve drivers for auto loans.

"To work, fuel economy improvements must be affordable," industry insider Don Chalmers said at a recent press briefing. "While you can mandate what automakers must build, you can’t dictate what customers will buy, nor can you dictate if a bank will make a loan."

As a result of the increased prices, NADA believes the mandate could result in 7 million drivers being shut out of the new vehicle market. According to The New York Times, the mandate, which was made in 2010, requires all automakers to create new cars that have an average of 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016.

While the prices of new cars may be rising due to new standards, there are still many fuel-efficient used vehicles available at New Jersey State Auto Auction. Whether you're looking for a compact used Ford or a pre-owned SUV, NJ Auto has a wide variety of makes and models that will appeal to every driver.

Acura’s Avengers Vehicles Make Appearances in Hollywood and New York

Marvel Studios' latest production, The Avengers, recently premiered in Hollywood, and among the red carpet head turners was the arrival of Robert Downey Jr., who plays the affable billionaire genius-turned-hero Tony Stark. The actor showed up driving none other than Tony Stark's Acura NSX Roadster, which was designed specifically for the movie. A few of the other Avengers (Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner and Chris Hemsworth) also arrived to the premiere in Acuras. The silver screen car is dark mahogany and covered with chrome details that make it stand out in a crowd. This concept vehicle is a preliminary glimpse into the return of the NSX sports car, which has not been offered since 2005, but is due to return by 2015.

The NSX concept car, which debuted in Detroit a few months ago, also made an appearance at the New York Auto Show alongside the Avengers S.H.I.E.L.D. Acura MDX that was used in the movie. This SUV was specially-designed for the film, and its fictitious features included blue and red flashers in all the exterior lights, a night-vision HUD windshield, bulletproof tires, tinted radar-proof windows and a steering wheel with palm-scan ID. Acura placed the vehicle value at around $3.6 million, and also claimed it had a fuel economy of 302 MPG on the highway, which proved the vehicle was not actually available, despite a display that made it seem real to guests of the show.

While this highly-customized SUV will likely never exist in real life, car lovers can see it in action in the new Avengers movie, due to premiere nationwide on May 5. Those in the market for a tough SUV like the Acura MDX or a sportier model reminiscent of the NSX can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has a variety of used makes and models at affordable prices.

Many People Tailgate, Don’t Fess Up

Tailgaters are some of the most annoying drivers on the road, and while most people are probably guilty of the faux-pas sometimes, a recent survey from Michelin found they don't admit to it. Researchers discovered 74 percent of respondents said they were tailgated in the last six months, but only 11 percent admitted they themselves were guilty, according to USA Today.

The findings may seem funny at first, but the rest of the research revealed some startling facts. In addition to a finding a large amount of tailgating, Michelin also found it could be caused by the fact that people don't know how closely to follow other motorists. In fact, a whopping 47 percent are unaware of what the safe driving distance is.

For those who are unaware, most experts recommend the three-second rule for following the car in front of you. To check if you're the right distance away, pick a fixed point on the road ahead, and when the car in front of you passes it, you should pass it three seconds later.

It may seem like a rudimentary thing to remind people of, but tailgating can be the cause of some significant accidents. According to the Law Office of Michael Pines, a San Diego-based personal injury lawyer, tailgating is one of the leading causes of accidents they see behind the likes of speeding and distracted driving.

In addition to driving smartly, having a car that is up-to-date with its auto maintenance is key to being safe on the road. Anybody looking to get their car worked on should head to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center, which is home to a number of experienced and knowledgeable mechanics.

The 2013 SRT Viper Steals the Show in New York

Many cars made their North American and world debuts at the New York International Auto Show last week, but the SRT Viper stole the show. The 2013 SRT Viper is the first of its namesake to not bear the Dodge name, and its stunning design was more than enough to keep Auto Show guests mouths watering.

Designers created the car with functionality in the forefront, and also paid attention to subtle details, such as the menacing snake-like headlights and the muscled "hips" that stand out above the rear wheels. The car, much like Vipers of years past, features an extremely pronounced front-end with numerous air intake cut-outs. The roof bubbles over the driver's and passenger seats, which allows for racecar drivers wearing helmets to comfortably fit inside the decadent muscle car.

Under the hood, the SRT Viper is even more impressive than many may imagine. The 8.4-liter V10 engine that comes standard in this sporty car boasts 640 horsepower and 600 lb-ft. of torque, making it one of the most powerful vehicles in its class. It also features a revamped suspension to allow for better control.

The headlights feature low-profile LED dayrunners, and the turn signals mirror their shape across the top of the light. When the turn signals are used, they give the vehicle a devilish appearance similar to "angry eyebrows," one of the designers told CarBuzz. The rear lights are equally as eye-catching, and the recessed turning lights are nearly invisible, appearing black in the middle of the taillights when they're not in use instead of the typical amber associated with turn lights.

The new SRT Viper may not be in everyone's price range with an expected asking price of $100,000, but there are plenty of affordable used sports cars for the car enthusiast who is shopping on a budget. New Jersey State Auto Auction has a wide selection of makes and models from sports cars to more conservative vehicles.

Many Hybrid Drivers Go Back to Standard Gas Vehicles

Hybrid cars have been a popular choice for drivers looking to cut down on fuel costs, but results of a recent study show they may not be happy with their experience. According to the research group Polk, only about 35 percent of people who bought a hybrid car did so again for their next purchase.

The findings are bit surprising given that the number of hybrids has increased significantly over the last five years. And interestingly, when consumers went back to buy a new car, they chose a vehicle from the same brand as their hybrid, but simply switched the model. Specifically, 60 percent of Toyota hybrid owners went back to Toyota when they picked up a new vehicle.

Researchers believe the reason consumers are reticent to return to hybrid cars is that their high initial price may not pay off as much as drivers had hoped going in, and they think they could save money in other ways.

"The lineup of alternate drive vehicles and their premium price points just aren't appealing enough to consumers to give the segment the momentum it once anticipated, especially given the growing strength of fuel economy among compact and midsize competitors," said Lacey Plache, Edmunds.com chief economist.

Buying a standard vehicle that is fuel-efficient on its own and following some smart driving practices, like keeping your tires properly inflated and accelerating and braking slowly, may be effective means of improving mileage.

Whether you're looking to pick up a used hybrid or are simply hoping to purchase a more fuel-efficient model, New Jersey State Auto Auction will have the car for you. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, there is something for everyone.

KBB’s Most Comfortable Cars Under $30K

Whether you're taking an hours-long road trip or just driving down the street, comfort is important. As is the case with most cars, there are some models that simply offer a more comfortable ride than others, and according to Kelley Blue Book, some of the options that don't have to break the bank.

Though most people think they'll have to splurge to ride in the lap of luxury, that's not exactly the case. There are plenty of vehicles available that come in at under $30,000, and if you find a quality used car it may be even more affordable.

"With a multitude of Americans spending hours in their cars daily between work commutes, carpools and a host of other activities, comfort is king for many when choosing a new vehicle," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.

At the top of the list is the 2012 Chrysler 300. This powerful car not only looks the part, but comes complete with a number of attractive amenities as well. In addition to its spacious interior, the 300 has a 8.4-inch touchscreen and dual-zone auto climate control.

Along with the 300, the Volkswagen Passat has grown to be a comfortable, yet affordable car. The mid-size sedan makes the list because its is especially adept at absorbing bumps in the road, making for a smooth, easy ride.

Other cars that made the cut were the Subaru Legacy, Buick Regal and Chevrolet Cruze. Anybody looking to get behind the wheel of a comfortable pre-owned vehicle may want to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models to choose from, you'll certainly find the car you're looking for.

As Values Rise, Drivers Should Trade In Now

Many analysts were surprised when earlier this year, the value of used cars stayed relatively still. However, that's changed over the last few months as fuel-efficient pre-owned vehicles have become more in demand. If anybody is looking to trade in their vehicle, now may be the time to do it.

Of course, some cars are proving to be a bit more valuable than others. According to market analysis from Kelley Blue Book, used car values rose about 2 percent across the country during March, and one- and two-year-old fuel-efficient vehicles were especially sought after. Specifically, the value change of hybrid cars was about 10.2 percent and that of compact cars was 6.1 percent. The value of used subcompacts rose about 4.7 percent, while mid-size cars came in at 4.6 percent.

The trend has been continuing since 2009, when there started to be a dearth in the amount of used cars since more drivers were holding on their vehicles a bit longer than normal. In fact, the Los Angeles Times reports there amount of three-to-four-year-old light vehicles is almost at an all time low, so trading in your car now might be the best decision.

"The ongoing decline in the used-vehicle supply that began in 2009 has made it challenging for new-car dealers to consistently stock reliable, well-maintained used vehicles," Jonathan Banks, an analyst for the National Automobile Dealers Association, told the Times. "This means that dealers will be aggressive with trade-in offers for used vehicles that are in high consumer demand."

Anybody looking to take advantage of the high value of used cars may want to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which is an Autotrader.com Trade In Marketplace Dealership. You can get a quick appraisal on your ride and be driving away in a newer vehicle in no time.

Lenders Seeking Subprime Borrowers

Financial institutions are beginning to recover from the recession, and some of the people who stand to benefit the most are potential borrowers. Lenders are becoming increasingly likely to approve loans from subprime applicants, The New York Times reports, which could be good news for anybody looking to get behind the wheel of a used car.

To get an idea of how much the climate is improving for people with poor credit standing, you need look no further than how many credit cards were issued toward the end of 2011. In December, lenders gave out 1.1 million new cards to people who had damaged credit, which was up 12.3 percent from November. Furthermore, those borrowers accounted for 23 percent of auto loans during last quarter of 2011, according to the Times.

"It’s clear that we are returning to business as usual," Mark T. Williams, a former Federal Reserve bank examiner, told the newspaper.

A subprime borrower is someone who has a credit score of 660 or below, and the fact that lenders are becoming more likely to approve loans for this segment is good news if borrowers are looking to rebuild their credit standing. According to Experian, paying back loans on time is one of the best ways to do so, as is keeping credit card balances low and paying bills in a timely fashion.

If you're worried about being approved for a loan, you should head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. Thanks to a partnership with the Credit Acceptance Corps, NJ Auto is able to offer guaranteed credit approval, so even with a poor credit score you can drive away in a quality used car.

What Do Cheaters Drive? The Answer is Surprising

It almost goes without saying that cheating husbands and wives are not playing it safe. After all, what's more risky than going around behind your significant other's back over and over again? While the act of philandering itself may be inherently unsafe, but a study revealed that what cheaters are driving to get to their other man or woman, is actually pretty ordinary , USA Today reports.

A study conducted by AshleyMadison.com, a dating website designed for people looking for some extracurricular activity, examined the tastes of 3,600 people who use its services. It found that the most popular vehicle among cheating men was a reliable and safe Toyota, while unfaithful women prefer Hondas.

Although most people might assume an unfaithful partner would be cruising around in a luxury car, the findings suggest that there's not one type of cheater, and it could be the person you least suspect.

"Cars can represent a lifestyle, denote financial success and show personality but our survey clearly proves that people having affairs are everyday people," Noel Biderman, AshleyMadison.com's CEO, said in a statement.

Even if you move further down the list, cheaters are picking traditional favorites. The second-favorite car for both men and women was Ford, and Chevy also cracked the top three for both sexes. You'd have to go down to number five before any luxury cars popped up. Specifically, 6.4 percent of cheating men drive a BMW, while 6.6 percent of women are behind the wheel of a Mercedes.

Of course, you don't need to be a cheater to drive a reliable vehicle, and New Jersey State Auto Auction has plenty of makes and models to choose from, all of which are at affordable prices.

Ford Raises Awareness of Teen Driving Safety for Prom and Graduation Season

For most, spring is associated with flowers and warmer weather, but for many teenagers, this season is all about prom and graduation. The Governors Highway Safety Association indicates there is also an increase in car accidents due to reckless, impaired and distracted driving. The excitement of prom and graduation can lead some teen motorists to cast aside their safe driving practices and make mistakes behind the wheel.

This is why Ford Driving Skills for Life, a program created by Ford Motor Company, is providing teens across the country with free driving instruction and safety programs. Teens are four times more likely to get into car accident than older drivers, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and this risk may only be heightened when you fill a car with excitable teens on their way to prom.

"This is a time of year when many teens request, and parents provide, expanded driving privileges," said Jim Graham, manager of Ford Driving Skills for Life. "Unfortunately, safety can take a backseat to the excitement associated with the many celebrations around prom and graduation."

Ford's teen safety program will also be sending $20,000 grants to Minnesota, New York, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin to aid in funding driving courses and other safety awareness campaigns.

Parents often give their teenagers cars as graduation gifts, and when they do, they should stress the importance of safety behind the wheel. It is also a good idea for them to choose a reliable, safe ride for their kids. New Jersey State Auto Auction has a wide selection of makes and models, so parents are sure to find a safe vehicle for their teen drivers. Every vehicle on NJ Auto's lot is CARFAX certified, so parents know their kids will be getting into a reliable car.