KBB Predicts New Car Sales Will Remain Strong in August

Car sales are a good indicator of the current economic climate, and a recent report by Kelley Blue Book (KBB) indicates that conditions are still looking positive. The industry experts at KBB predict that car sales will see a month-over-month improvement of 14.3 percent in August. The projected sales numbers are 18.7 percent ahead of the same month last year, but the report noted a slight decline in daily sales between July and August, due to a drop that typically occurs in the laters months of the year.

There is an especially noticeable surge in new car sales, and brands like Toyota and Honda are expected to have exceptionally strong numbers. This is due largely to the fact that the Japanese automakers are recovering from the earthquakes that stunted manufacturing and led to inventory shortages last year. The inventory shortages also caused used car prices to rise, which has driven consumers toward buying new cars, a trend that is still making an impact.

"Although economic jitters remain top-of-mind for many, those consumers seeking replacement vehicles continue to opt for new cars with used-car values," said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst of automotive insights for KBB. "In fact, a recent survey of KBB.com shoppers conducted by Kelley Blue Book Market INtelligence found that 53 percent of respondents indicated they were considering a new vehicle rather than used due to elevated used-car values."

However, the decision to purchase a used car versus buying a new vehicle should be carefully thought out, as there are distinct advantages to buying a used model. Previously-owned models depreciate less quickly than new cars, so when it comes time to trade in your current model, you'll likely get a higher return on your investment if you bought a used vehicle. Plus, there are still great deals to be had when it comes to buying used cars. A one-year-old model may be comparably priced to a new car, but shoppers can find a model with a few years under its belt that is affordable and reliable at NJ Auto Auction.

Porsche 911 Carrera S Chosen as Best Driver’s Car of 2012 by Motor Trend

Some cars are better than others in terms of fuel economy, others top the list when it comes to cargo space and comfort, and there are a few vehicles that are just plain fun to drive. The Porsche 911 Carrera S not only falls into the last category, but it tops the ranks, according to Motor Trend. The automotive news publication recently named the Carrera as the Best Driver's Car for 2012. To earn the title, the luxury sports car beat the competition in a series of tests, such as a 500-mile road trip, a closed-circuit driving course and a test drive by professional driver Randy Pobst at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

"Being named 'Motor Trend Best Driver's Car' is a testament to the work of the men and women in Weissach and Zuffenhausen who are so passionate about designing and building our sports cars," said Detlev von PLaten, president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. "This accomplishment shows that the 911 still has the same magic it's had for nearly 50 years, as it continues to be both a great car to drive every day on the road and on the track."

Ever since its inception, the Porsche 911 has been turning heads and receiving accolades for excellence, so it comes as little surprise that the Carrera S was chosen as the winner of this competition. While many drivers may want to get behind the wheel of a sporty, dynamic vehicle like the 911, not everyone can afford this luxury model.

Those in the market for an affordable performance vehicle may want to stop by New Jersey State Auto Auction and browse the wide selection of makes and models. The dealer carries everything from economy cars and SUVs to luxury models and sports car, making it easy for car shoppers to find the vehicle they desire.

Total Car Score Highlights Top 10 New Cars

Fall is not too far off, which means dealers across the country are gearing up to start selling vehicles from the 2013 model year, and Total Car Score compiled a list of the Top 10 All-New Cars for 2013. The list includes all-new models, such as the Dodge Dart and the Subaru FR-S, as well as those that have been completely redesigned. Models that got a makeover worthy of the Top 10 list include the Ford Escape, Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fusion. The Honda Accord, Dodge Ram 1500, Nissan Altima, Cadillac ATS and Hyundai Santa Fe completed the list.

"The average American consumer is driving an 11-year-old car. A huge slice of the public has held off on replacing their vehicles because of economic uncertainty. That means an unprecedented level of pent-up demand," said Karl Brauer, editor-in-chief of Total Car Score. "This will eventually lead to a flurry of sales as consumers replace their worn-out cars with new ones."

The Total Car Score list is a great jumping off point for drivers looking to purchase vehicles, as it highlights some of the best vehicles on the market. This can help point drivers in the right direction and give them a good perspective of what's available in their price range that suits their needs.

Not all drivers buy new cars, and those in the market for used cars who live in the New Jersey/New York area can head over to NJ Auto Auction to find the ride of their dreams. The dealer carries a wide variety of makes and models, all at affordable prices. Plus, every vehicle on the lot has been CARFAX certified, so drivers know they'll be getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride when they come to NJ Auto.

AAA Predicts Rise in Labor Day Travel

AAA experts predict approximately 33 million Americans are going to travel at least 50 miles to celebrate Labor Day this year. Some will reach their destination by air, but 85 percent of all Labor Day travelers plan to drive to their getaway destinations. The number of Americans who plan to drive this holiday weekend (28.2 million) has climbed 3.1 percent over the amount who got behind the wheel for this holiday last year.

In tough economic times, people have to cut back their spending and prioritize budgets, and in most cases, vacations are among the first expenses to go. However, a recent study by AAA found Americans are not giving up their getaways so easily. The economic recovery since the recession first hit in 2008 has been slow at best, but many families are taking the growth as a hopeful sign for the future. They're starting to return to their pre-recession habits, and this includes travel.

"In the absence of strong economic growth that might fuel a significant boost in travel volume, it is an encouraging sign that Americans continue to prioritize travel," said Bill Sutherland, vice president of AAA Travel Services. "Travel is still within America's discretionary spending budget."

Drivers who are planning to take to the roads and head to the Jersey Shore or find less crowded vacation spots should be sure their cars are up to snuff before the trip. The experts at New Jersey State Auto's Total Car Care Center can perform a routine tuneup and address any necessary repairs to keep drivers safe on the roads this holiday weekend.

Negotiating Car Prices Is Easier When You Do Your Homework

The car-buying process is a lengthy one, and while the end result is typically joyous, there are a few aspects of the deal that grate on the nerves of drivers. A recent CarFinance.com survey found that negotiating price is the part most drivers look forward to the least. This can be a difficult task whether the driver is looking to purchase a new or used car, but there are some things one can do to make the negotiations run more smoothly and in their favor.

"Despite a positive lending climate and a surge in new car sales this year, the challenge of getting the best price and interest rate still preoccupy car buyers," said Jim Landy, CEO of CarFinance.com. "These factors shouldn't roadblock someone from getting the car they want, however. A little bit of homework can really help expand a customer's auto purchase and finance options, especially in this post-recession upswing."

Researching the vehicle you want to buy is crucial. When it comes to used cars, drivers can go online to find out the average sale price for similar makes and models. It is important to take the quality of the vehicle they want to buy into consideration. The market value of a used vehicle typically indicates the average selling cost of a used car in pristine condition, any minor damage, such as dents, paint chips or faulty interior amenities should, in theory, reduce the price.

When a buyer visits a dealership with a head full of knowledge about pricing for the car they want, they have firm ground to stand on when it comes to negotiations. If they visit NJ Auto Auction, they'll have even less to worry about, as all the vehicles on the lot are reasonably priced and CARFAX certified.

Drivers Should Be Extra Cautious as Kids Head Back to School

The first day of school is right around the corner, and while parents are packing backpacks and making lunches, drivers around the country need to start paying extra attention to pedestrians. Across the country, there are more than 55 million children heading back to class, and roughly 13 percent of these kids walk or ride bikes to school. It can be difficult to spot pedestrians while driving, especially when they are hidden behind parked cars and other obstructions in a driver's line of vision. This danger increases when a person is shorter, as is the case with most school children. For that reason, AAA is urging drivers to take extra precautions in the morning and afternoons when children will be making their way to and from school.

"More than 1,200 children lost their lives during these after-school hours between 2000 and 2010. And although we've seen a steady decrease in the number of tragedies each year, it's important to remember that one death is one too many," said Jennifer Huebner-Davidson, Traffic Safety Advocacy manager for AAA.

The agency recommends drivers resist the urge to put the pedal to the metal, as speed limits in school zones are reduced to protect kids. Plus, a car traveling 25 miles per hour is 66 percent less likely to kill an individual on impact than if it were going 35 miles per hour. AAA also recommends reducing distractions to ensure the driver's eyes are on the road. Even if their eyes leave the road for a second, this can be enough time for a child to step into the roadway.

Drivers should also make sure to check all their blind spots before backing up, keep an eye out for bicycles and always come to a full stop to check for kids nearing or in crosswalks. Adhering to these safety tips can help eliminate the risk of a child being hit by a car when schools open their doors for the year.

Drivers in need of a reliable ride to get the kids to school safely all year can head to NJ Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models, motorists are sure to find a ride that suits their needs.

Ford Invests In Future of Green Technology

Nearly every major automaker has at least one or two alternative fuel or electric vehicles in their fleet, and Ford recently announced it would be ramping up funds and efforts to expand their line of green vehicles. The American automaker is investing $135 million toward the design, engineering and production of its next generation of hybrid and electric cars, with much of the emphasis being placed on battery design. In fact, the company's battery testing abilities will double by 2013.

"The good news for customers is that they not only have more choice, but they have faster access to Ford's latest and greatest in fuel-saving technologies and vehicles," said Joe Bakaj, Ford's vice president of powertrain engineering. "This stems directly from our decision to deliver true power of choice by expanding our dedicated electrified vehicle team and further investing in our facilities."

Ford is also allocating a massive 285,000-square-foot research facility to focus specifically on hybrid and electric technology development. There are also a number of engineers and developers being hired to help work toward a greener future for the automaker. Ford has a few alternative energy options in its lineup already, including the Focus Electric, Fusion Hybrid and C-MAX. The 2013 Fusion Hybrid will hit dealerships this fall, and Ford is also planning to release the 2013 Fusion Energi, a plug-in version of the hybrid model that will be available in early 2013.

While Ford and other manufacturers are working to introduce more alternative options, drivers searching for used cars in New Jersey can still find hybrid and electric vehicles at NJ Auto Auction. The dealer carries a variety of makes and models at affordable prices. Plus, every vehicle on the lot is CARFAX certified, so drivers know they'll be getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride.

AAA Predicts Start-Stop Technology Will Grow More Common In Coming years

Gas prices may never drop below $3 per gallon again, but manufacturers are working to develop fuel-saving technology to help drivers save at the pump. One such useful invention is start-stop technology. This allows engines to stop running when the car is idling, say, at a red light or in stop-and-go traffic. The moment the driver touches the gas pedal, the motor roars back to life. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that every hour spent idling uses about a quarter-gallon of gasoline. A minute or two here and there may not seem like much, but this can add up over time and waste fuel.

Start-stop technology sets out to eliminate this issue, and is already used in many different models. AAA reports that it's highly likely that this gas-saving technology will become even more common on the road in coming years. By 2017, research shows as many as 8 million cars on the road will be equipped with devices that reduce engine idling.

"Engine start-stop isn't a brand new technology, but the latest systems benefit from significant advances made in the last few years," said John Nielsen, AAA's director of automotive engineering and repair. "This technology is only going to gain momentum as vehicle manufacturers work to meet the more stringent Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards set for 2016."

The federal government requires all vehicle manufacturers to have a fleetwide fuel economy of 34.1 miles per gallon by 2016, according to Popular Mechanics. Utilizing technology is the main course of action most automakers are taking to ensure they adhere to the regulations, and many companies have been incorporating these advancements into their vehicles for many years.

This means that drivers who want to find fuel-efficient models are not restricted to solely new vehicles. There are plenty of used cars that offer great fuel economy as well as new fuel saving and other technological features. Car shoppers in the New York and New jersey area can head to NJ Auto Auction, which carries a variety of used makes and models at affordable prices.

Land Rover Releases Details of 2013 Range Rover

Land Rover is one of the ultimate brands when it comes to luxury sport vehicles, and the new 2013 Range Rover is no different. The British car company recently released details of the new SUV, and it is lighter and larger than last year's version. Thanks to an aluminum unibody, the new Range Rover has shed nearly 700 pounds and has a unique, clean look that makes it appear much sleeker than the 2012 model.

"The new Range Rover preserves the essential, unique character of the vehicle – that special blend of luxury, performance and unmatched all-terrain capability," said John Edwards, Land Rover's global brand director. "However, its clean sheet design and revolutionary lightweight construction have enabled us to transform the experience for luxury vehicle customers, with a step change in comfort, refinement and handling."

Land Rover has found a way to add 4.7 inches of legroom for rear seat passengers, and interested buyers can choose an optional two-seat setup for the back to give passengers additional space for even more comfort. The automaker didn't just focus on luxury inside the car, they also put a great deal of emphasis on power. The car will come standard with a V8 engine, and the suspension system was designed specially for those who plan to take the Range Rover off the road.

Drivers who want a luxurious ride like a Range Rover, but don't want to invest in a brand new model can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer carries a variety of makes and models, including Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Jaguar. Every vehicle on the lot is CARFAX certified, so drivers know they'll be leaving the lot in a reliable luxury model.

Test Driving a Car is Crucial But Many Forego This Step

There are many different aspects of buying a car, from applying for auto loans to selecting the right vehicle. It is important for drivers to consider and research all their options before finalizing the sale, and this includes the test drive. Driving a car allows the prospective buyer to get a feel for the car and determine if they will be comfortable and happy behind the wheel for the next few years – or longer.

However, the Detroit Free Press reports that more than 10 percent of car shoppers don't test drive before they buy, according to the results of a new study. The main reason so many motorists skip this crucial step is because they have access to the internet. They can go online and read reviews by other drivers to find out things they could easily experience themselves by getting behind the wheel. While this information is invaluable in the search for the right car, there's no way for a driver to be sure they'll truly enjoy the vehicle unless they drive it themselves.

Relying on the opinions of others to choose a car is a lot like choosing not to try a food because a friend claimed to not like it. Just because one person doesn't enjoy a vehicle, doesn't mean the prospective buyer is going to feel the same way, which is much of the reason why there are so many different makes and models on the road today. If a person buys a car based on the reviews they read online and wind up hating the way it handles around corners or finds the seat to be uncomfortable, they're going to be less than pleased.

Once drivers have narrowed down their selection, they can head over to NJ State Auto and test drive a variety of makes and models. It's always a good idea to try out similar models to the vehicle a person wants to ensure they're making the right choice.