TrueCar.com monitors the different trends of new car sales, including pricing, forecasting and fuel economy, and the most recent findings indicate not a lot has changed in terms of what buyers want when it comes to fuel usage. The average fuel efficiency of new cars sold in October was about 23.2 MPG, which remained unchanged from September and is up slightly from the same month in 2011 (22.2 MPG).

These findings indicate the direction car shopper leaning in any given month, and it looks as though smaller vehicles are proving to be healthy competition for larger, less fuel-efficient trucks and SUVs. TrueCar.com reports that this time of year typically sees an increase in the sale of larger vehicles, but many drivers are continuing to place emphasis on gas consumption.

"Unseasonably strong demand for small and gas-efficient vehicles balanced what would have otherwise been a drop in overall MPG due to large trucks showing some strength in the marketplace," said Jesse Toprak, senior analyst at TrueCar.com. "We anticipate a relative decline in TrueMPG for the rest of the year, as the larger SUVs and trucks claim a large market share with the weather conditions worsening and end-of-the-year deals creating attractive discounts for these segments."

While this report focuses on new cars, there are plenty of used options available for drivers looking to purchase previously-owned models. There are even alternative fuel options, such as the Toyota Prius, which has an electric as well as a gas-powered engine to reduce fuel consumption and help drivers save at the pump. New Jersey State Auto Auction features a wide selection of makes and models, so whether car shoppers are searching for fuel-efficient rides or they would prefer something bigger that may not get as many miles to the gallon, the dealer is sure to have something to suit their needs.

While it's obvious that driving drunk or texting behind the wheel are extremely dangerous for motorists, there are other behaviors that put them at risk of crashing that may not be as well-known but are just as risky. One such behavior is driving while drowsy, which can result in similar symptoms as drunk driving. A 2010 AAA Foundation study found that drowsy drivers were involved in as many as one in six fatal accidents.

While people across all age groups have admitted to getting behind the wheel when they were tired, younger drivers are more likely to engage in this risky driving behavior. In fact, recent research conducted by AAA found that approximately one in seven motorists between 16 and 24 have nodded off behind the wheel in the past year. When looking at all drivers, this rate dropped to one in 10.

"Research shows that fatigue impairs safe driving, with many symptoms causing drivers to behave in ways similar to those who are intoxicated," said AAA President and CEO Robert Darbelnet. "In preparation for the holiday driving season and with many young drivers heading home for Thanksgiving break, AAA is drawing attention to this often overlooked crash risk that is a serious threat to everyone's safety on the road."

Driving while tired can make it difficult to keep one's eyes open, and an individual may also drift into other lanes or off the road if they are struggling to stay awake while operating a vehicle. When you're sleepy behind the wheel, it can be easy for the mind to wander, which makes it difficult to pay attention to the road and signs.

In order to stay safe on the road, drivers should make sure to get plenty of rest before a long trip, bring a friend to take turns if possible and take breaks to stretch out or even nap. Getting a tuneup before a long drive can also reduce the risk of a crash, and the experts at New Jersey Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center can perform routine maintenance and address necessary repairs.

Just as the cost of used cars was beginning to drop from the high levels seen during the recession, the repercussions of Hurricane Sandy may drive them back up again. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), the sheer amount of vehicles that were destroyed or damaged beyond repair during the storm could cause an increase of as much as 1.5 percent for vehicles that are up to 8 years old.

During the recession, people held onto their vehicles longer to save money, which not only stunted car sales, but it also depleted used inventory, as those who were buying looked toward the previously owned market for financial reasons. Some 1- to 3-year-old models were selling for more than their new counterparts for a while. In the past few years, demand for used vehicles has begun to ease, bringing down prices and creating a better market for buyers.

However, the devastation caused by the recent hurricane will likely hinder the improvements for a period of time, as evidenced by the repercussions the auto industry experienced following Katrina. After the 2005 storm rocked the Gulf region, used vehicle prices jumped up an average of 3 percent, or $309, for the four months following the hurricane.

"Current estimates for insured and total losses place Hurricane Sandy on average at about one-third of the cost of Hurricane Katrina," said Jonathan Banks, executive automotive analyst with NADA Used Car Guide. "The destruction wrought by Hurricane Sandy was most severe in New York and New Jersey, and supply and demand disruptions will be especially severe in these states."

Drivers in the New York/New Jersey region who are in need of vehicles can head to NJ State Auto Auction, which carries a wide variety of makes and models. While the average price of used vehicles is expected to rise, car shoppers may still be able to find a ride that fits their budget.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, a great deal of New York and New Jersey residents have lost their homes, businesses and vehicles. Many coastal areas were hit with major flooding, with some cars and trucks completely immersed in the rushing waters brought on by the storm. In this situation, it is highly unlikely that a vehicle will be repairable after such damage, and Carfax, which provides vehicle history reports for used cars and trucks, is reporting that the vehicle flood damage caused by Sandy could surpass the 640,000 cars destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

"Carfax already receives information about flood damaged vehicles from every state impacted by Hurricane Sandy," said Larry Gamache, Carfax communications director. "Information about flood damage is reported to Carfax directly from every state DMV, as well as insurance companies, law enforcement organizations, repair facilities and many other sources."

It is important for car shoppers to be aware of flood damage when they are looking to purchase used vehicles. Not all cars caught in flood waters will be rendered undrivable, but the problems flooding can cause may become apparent down the line. Dirt and debris can work their way into the engine of a flooded car and create issues over time that may not be apparent right away. These models may sometimes make it to dealerships to be resold. Carfax is urging drivers and dealers in affected and surrounding areas to pay extra special attention to the condition of used vehicles coming in.

New Jersey Auto Auction provides Carfax history reports for every vehicle on the lot, giving drivers added assurance that they will not wind up with a car that's suffered through a flood. Drivers should also have independent mechanics inspect potential purchases prior to making a final decision, and they can look for waterlines in the engine compartment and trunk for evidence as well.

Child safety is important around the clock, especially when youngsters are riding in cars. This is why safety advocates, government agencies and health professionals place such a great deal of emphasis on the importance of using child car seats and booster seats. There are no federal guidelines on the use of such devices, but most states have regulations in place that require kids to use booster seats until they are a certain age, or reach a specific height and weight.

While all states require babies to be places in car seats, not everyone has a law regarding the use of booster seats. A recent report by researchers from the Boston Children's Hospital shows that these states have higher fatality rates among kids than those with stricter, longer-lasting child car seat laws. The study investigators looked at nearly 10,000 cases over a 10-year period and found that states with booster seat laws for kids between 4 and 6 had a 20 percent lower fatality rate among children than states without booster laws. This percentage increased to 35 percent for states with laws that pertain to kids up to age 7.

"Based on our findings, booster seat use for children under the age of 8 or 4 feet 9 inches really should go beyond casual suggestion," said lead author Dr. Rebekah Mannix of Boston Children's Division of Emergency Medicine. "It's clear that these laws save lives and we recommend all states adopt them."

In addition to ensuring kids are properly secured in a vehicle, parents should also choose a ride that is safe and reliable, which can help protect youngsters and other passengers in the event of an accident. There are many options available at New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has more than four football fields worth of certified used models to choose from.

When drivers are in search of their next vehicles, many look to safety and fuel efficiency, and a car's reliability comes into play as an important factor as well. This is why Consumer Reports recently conducted the Annual Auto Survey, which examines vehicles based on how reliable they are. The survey results revealed that certain types of vehicles fared better than others.

Specifically, all of the fuel-efficient hatchbacks and wagons that the survey examined were found to have average or above-average reliability scores. On the other end of the spectrum, upscale cars, minivans and luxury SUVs were found to have the lowest scores, which indicates that spending more for a vehicle may not always warrant the most reliable results.

Consumer Reports did not just look at vehicle classes, the survey also examined reliability by brand. Toyota and its two sub-brands, Scion and Lexus, all placed highly on the list, along with other Japanese companies Mazda, Nissan and Infiniti. Subaru and Honda were both found to have improved since last year's survey as well. Domestic brands did not see
such widespread success, as Chrysler, Dodge and Ford all dropped in the ranks. Cadillac fared well, on the other hand, moving up 14 spots since last year.

"Ford's bumpy road can be seen in the numbers," said Jake Fisher, director of automotive testing for Consumer Reports. "Sixty percent of Ford-branded models and half of Lincolns were below average in predicted reliability, and none placed above average."

These findings can help car shoppers narrow down their options when choosing their next vehicles. Once they know what cars they might like, they can head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction to check out the selection. The dealer carries a wide variety of makes and models, making it easy for drivers to find cars that suit their needs.

About a week has passed since Hurricane Sandy rocked the East Coast, and volunteers have been working hard to help those in need. Major charities and disaster relief foundations, such as the American Red Cross, have been handing out supplies and helping the thousands of individuals who have been affected by the storm. Individuals and companies across the country are rallying to contribute, and Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) recently announced it would be contributing $100,000 to the Red Cross.

"Hurricane Sandy has had a devastating impact on many people in the Northeast, including our own employees, dealers and customers, so we're pleased to work with the American Red Cross and local food banks to help those who have been affected by the disaster," said Jim O'Sullivan, President and CEO of MNAO.

The car company did not stop at that donation, as The Mazda Foundation (USA), Inc., Board of Trustees will also be sending $5,000 apiece to two New Jersey food banks. Mazda car owners from affected areas who have auto loans or leases will be exempted from any late fees, and those who lost their cars in the storm may be eligible for $500 toward the purchase of a new Mazda.

Individuals who would prefer to replace their vehicles with used models may want to check out the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer carries a variety of used makes and models, including Mazda vehicles, and every car on the lot is CARFAX certified. Drivers who buy cars at NJ State Auto can drive away with confidence, knowing they're getting behind the wheel of a reliable vehicle.