Monthly Archives: January 2013

Batmobile Stands Out at Barrett-Jackson

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Posted in Celebrity Auto News

Last weekend, The Barrett-Jackson auction house held its first auction of the year, and there were plenty of unique automobiles for sale, including the Batmobile. The vehicle brought in an impressive $4.2 million, making up a small portion of the $223.8 million that the auction house raised over the weekend, according to AOL Autos.

There have been many different versions of the Batmobile over the years, including the flame-throwing version created by Tim Burton in the 1990s, but the original vehicle featured in the 1960s “Batman” TV show may be even more coveted by fans of the Dark Knight. While Burton’s model barely even qualified as a car, the ‘60s version was much closer to being a street-legal design. Auto customizer George Barris started the transformation with a 1955 Lincoln” target=”_self”>Lincoln Futura concept car, and then installed a clear bubble over the passenger cab and added tons of fun crime-fighting features to create the legendary ride. The vehicle, which remained in Barris’ possession until the auction, was equipped with lasers, a “Batphone,” smoke screen capabilities and other devices to stop criminals in their tracks.

There were plenty of other models that fetched prices in the millions at the annual Scottsdale, Arizona, sale. Motor Authority reports the first production 2014 Corvette Stingray sold for $1.1 million, for example. Other vehicles failed to do as well as expected – George W. Bush’s Ford F-150 only brought in $300,000 and a 1958 Corvette owned by the CEO of General Motors came up short with a winning bid of $270,000. 

Drivers looking to experience the thrill of the auction without shelling out hundreds of thousands of dollars can bid on used cars at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer has four football fields of models to choose from, and every vehicle on the lot is CARFAX certified.

 

 

Best Used Cars Under $10,000

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Posted in General Auto News

It can be difficult to choose the best car, especially when you’re on a tight budget. There are plenty of used models available that provide everything from fuel efficiency and safety to fun features and luxury, and you may even be able to find certain rides for less than you think. Here are a few options that offer versatility, reliability and quality that won’t cost more than $10,000.

Luxury for less
Just because you have a budget, doesn’t mean luxury models are out of the question. You may not be able to find a 2011 Audi A4 for less than $10,000, but you can check out the BMW 3 Series. From 1999 to 2006, this sedan was named to Car and Driver’s “10 Best” list, according to AOL Autos. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) indicates that a 2004 model in excellent condition will have an average retail price under $9,000.

Sports cars within reach
If you want nothing more than to get behind the wheel of a sporty ride, you have options. A 2006 Ford Mustang in pristine condition sells for just over $10,000, according to KBB, which means you might be able to find one that’s a bit more worn in for less. You can find sporty Volkswagen models, like the 2006 Jetta TDI, that sell for less than $10,000, as well as many other models that offer a bit more bang for your buck. 

If you are having a hard time deciding which model might be the best fit for you, you can head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has a wide selection of vehicles to choose from. You might see a car you like that you hadn’t found in your online research, and you can test drive it to make sure it’s a good fit. While it is still a good idea to research the model before you buy, you can rest easy knowing that every car at NJ Auto Auction is CARFAX certified.

Spotting Problems When Checking Your Car’s Oil

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Posted in How To

When you own a car, you need to keep up with routine maintenance in order to ensure your vehicle runs well, and one of the major aspects of car care is oil changes. The general rule of thumb is to have the oil drained and replaced every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. However, visiting an auto body shop like New Jersey Auto Auction‘s Total Car Care Center every few thousand miles is not always enough to keep the car in check. You should pop the hood and peek at the oil every week or so to make sure things are running smoothly.

First, make sure the engine is off and has had time to cool down to avoid burning yourself on the hot metal. Then, pop the hood and locate the oil dipstick. The handle is usually yellow and found toward the front of the car. Pull the dipstick out and wipe it clean with a rag or paper towel. Then, reinsert it all the way down and pull it out once more. This will give you an accurate reading of the level.

If it looks low, you should add more fluid to the oil reservoir. Be sure to check again in a few days, as a significant drop typically means there is a leak that should be addressed as soon as possible to avoid further damage to the engine.

You will also want to look at the quality of the fluid. Oil that is opaque or very dark in color should be changed soon, even if it is ahead of the scheduled maintenance. If you notice dirt, debris or flecks of metal, you may be dealing with a leak or a part that is wearing out.

For oil changes and bigger problems, the experts at the Total Car Care Center can help get your car back on the road in a timely fashion. The auto shop, affiliated with NJ Public Auto Auction, is open to the general public, making it a viable resource for drivers in the New York/New Jersey area.

Study: Being Overweight Increases Risk of Dying in Car Accidents

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Posted in General Auto News

Automotive engineers design cars, trucks and SUVs to be as safe as possible for drivers and passengers, but a recent study points out they may have left out one crucial factor. Car safety technology, such as airbags and seatbelts, are designed using the parameters of the “average” individual, which means that people who are overweight or underweight may not reap the same benefits as those who are closer to the average. 

A group of researchers examined data from the U.S. Fatality Analysis Reporting System from 1996 to 2008, searching through nearly 57,500 fatal traffic collisions for those that involved two vehicles and resulted in one or both drivers dying. In the 3,403 applicable accidents, roughly half the drivers were normal weight, one in three was considered overweight and 18 percent were obese. Obese drivers were more likely to die in these accidents than overweight and normal weight drivers, and this risk increased the more a driver weighed.

“The ability of passenger vehicles to protect overweight or obese occupants may have increasingly important public health implications, given the continuing obesity epidemic in the USA,” the study authors wrote. “… It may be the case that passenger vehicles are well-designed to protect normal weight vehicle occupants, but are deficient in protecting overweight or obese occupants.”

The researchers also indicated the underlying health problems that often accompany obesity may contribute to the increased risk, so the blame might not fall entirely on the design of the vehicles.

Drivers of all shapes and sizes looking to get behind the wheel of a safe, reliable ride can find what they’re looking for at New Jersey Auto Auction. The dealer carries a wide selection of makes and models, and every vehicle on the lot is CARFAX certified.

3 Easy Ways to Stay Safe on the Road This Winter

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Posted in How To

Winter is in full swing, which means drivers need to take extra precautions to keep their cars in good condition to stay safe on the road. There are many ways to winterize a car, including switching to snow tires and getting a tune-up. Here are three things you can do at home to protect yourself and your vehicle this winter.

1. Keep an eye on coolant
When the temperatures dip below freezing, the antifreeze in your car’s cooling system prevents the liquid from freezing in the pipes. If the fluid level is low, add more, but remember you need to use a mixture that is equal parts water and antifreeze. You can purchase premixed solutions, so you don’t have to worry about getting the measurements right.

2. Check your windshield wipers
Whether it’s snowing or raining, visibility is a crucial part of safe driving. In addition to making sure you have plenty of windshield washer fluid, you’ll need wipers that can effectively clean the glass. Examine the wipers currently on your car. If they are stiff or ripped, replace them. This is typically inexpensive and easy to do yourself.

3. Keep an emergency kit in your car
If your vehicle should happen to break down, you will be glad you thought ahead and prepared an emergency kit. This should include spare coats or security blankets so you can keep warm while you wait for help as well as flashlights, spare batteries and some extra cash. You might want to throw a few jugs of water into the car as well. If the engine overheats, you can add water to the radiator to get the car running again.

Drivers who need to buy used cars will find a wide selection of makes and models at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer also has a garage, the Total Car Care Center, that is open to the public and can help drivers address any automotive concerns this winter.

5 Tips to Reduce Fuel Consumption

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Posted in How To

The average price for a gallon of gas now is far lower than it has been in recent months, but this doesn’t mean you should forget about fuel efficiency all together. In fact, now is a great time to hone your good driving habits, so you’ll be prepared when fuel costs eventually increase once more. It’s also helpful to know how to conserve gas if you’re looking to buy a used car, as the fuel economy of older vehicles may not be as impressive as some newer models. Here are five ways to get the most of every drop of gasoline.

1. Drive less
This may seem obvious, but you may want to think about how often you drive. If your destination is close enough, you can always walk or ride a bike instead of driving. Consolidating trips can help improve fuel economy as well.

2. Ease up on the pedals
Accelerating quickly and braking hard burns up more fuel than if you gradually speed up and slow down. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) reports that aggressive driving reduces your mileage by as much as 33 percent at highway speeds.

3. Check your tire pressure
Underinflated tires create more friction on the road surface, so it takes more energy to keep your car moving. Maintaining the proper air pressure can improve your car’s fuel economy by 3.3 percent, according to the DOE.

4. Don’t idle
It takes far less fuel to restart a car than it does to keep the engine running. Idling for two minutes uses approximately as much gas as driving one mile, so shut off the engine when you’re parked.

5. Keep your car in tune
A car that runs well will also be fuel efficient. Make sure to get regular tune-ups and oil changes.

Drivers in the market for a fuel-efficient used model can head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has a wide selection of makes and models to choose from.

What Your Music Choice Could Say About Your Driving Skills

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Posted in Auto Industry News

When you’re driving in your car, a typical way to pass the time is to turn on some tunes. However, what you’re listening to may actually affect your driving skills.

Confused.com reports that listening to music could ultimately predict how well you drive. The UK website looked at specific songs and how drivers reacted to them. The experts foundthat a woman who listened to hip hop tended to drive more aggressively, while men jamming out to heavy metal increased their speed. Surprisingly,it was classical music that caused both men and women to drive more erratically than if they were not listening to music at all.

“Music that is noisy, upbeat and increases your heart rate is a deadly mix,” Dr. Simon Moore, a psychologist who reviewed the driving footage, told the news provider. “Fast beats can cause excitement and arousal that can lead people to concentrate more on the music than on the road. In addition, a fast tempo can cause people to subconsciously speed up to match the beat of the song. Also, listening to music you don’t like can cause stress and distraction and this also negatively affects driving.”

Listening to music may not onlyaffect your driving skills, it could be dangerous. The Globe and Mail reports that listening to music while driving could cause an accident, because the driver is distracted.

In the event of a car crash, you may need to find a new vehicle quick. Luckily, New Jersey Auto Auction can help, as it has a number of vehicles within its fleet. Visiting the establishment may help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

Polk announces automotive loyalty awards

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Posted in Uncategorized

Buying a car is a very personal decision. Sure, cost and practicality can come into play when choosing what vehicle to buy, but ultimately the customer relies on his or her intuition. That’s why car companies put such a focus on developing brand loyalty with their consumers. People who have a good experience with one car may be more likely to purchase another from the brand, so it’s crucial that manufacturers really hone in on customer needs.

Recently, Polk announced the winners of its Automotive Loyalty Awards, which looked at how loyal customers were to specific automakers. The recognition awards have been presented for 17 years, and the Ford F-Series has taken home theprize for the past 15 in the Mid-/Full-size category. Ford also won the Overall Loyalty to Manufacturer and Overall Loyalty to Make awards.

Some of the other big winners included the Chrysler Town & Country, the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class and the Honda Civic.

“As manufacturers work to retain customers in this incredibly competitive market, we’re seeing increased activity surrounding customer engagement, which is beginning to resonate with consumers,” said Brad Smith, director of Polk’s Loyalty Management Practice. “Our automotive OEM and agency customers are developing new loyalty programs within their organizations, and as a result we’re seeing increases in repurchase loyalty.”

Consumers can become brand loyal at any time. People in the used car market may want to keep these awards in mind, as some of the winners could make for a great purchase. Luckily, New Jersey Auto Auction offers all kinds of car brands, so potential buyers are sure to find the makerthat they had in mind.

Cold weather could leave you in a bit of trouble

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Posted in General Auto News

Winter is here, and many drivers have been warned to keep up with car maintenance in an effort to prepare for the frosty temperatures. However, it seems as though Mother Nature is putting some people in quite a predicament.

Reno news affiliate KOLO8 reports that some motorists are finding themselves stranded due to the cold weather. The news provider indicates that the Nevada Highway Patrol has experienced an influx of calls from drivers who were stranded on the road due to the chilly temperatures.

“In these bitterly cold mornings, it doesn’t take long for a motorist sitting in a vehicle that’s stranded – no heat no ability to stay warm-it doesn’t take long for that person to get cold,” Trooper Chuck Allen told the news provider.

Allen continued that it’s important people take their care in for regularmaintenance to lessen their chances of being stuck on the road. Some of the tips he suggested include making sure tires are properly inflated and examining the tire’s tread.

There are other ways that drivers can make sure they are prepared for the cold weather. Weather.com reports you’ll want to check your brakes, ignition and fan belts. You should also have a pair of jumper cables and tire chains stored in your vehiclein the event of a winter emergency.

Being prepared on the winter roads is key, but some people may not feel safe in their vehicles. Luckily, New Jersey State Auto Auction has a number of used cars available for people to choose from. This way, individuals who are in need of a new set of wheels will not be forced to break the bank, and they can feel better prepared to battle the winter roads in a reliable ride.

Volkswagen Breaks Four-Decade Sales Record In 2012

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Posted in Auto Industry News

Many consumers have seen the clever commercials for Volkswagen‘s “sign and drive” deal, and apparently a few people did more than just watch. It was recently announced that the German automaker recently surpassed its American sales for the first time in 40 years.

Autoblog.com reports the company behind the VW Bug, Bus and Rabbit sold a total of 586,286 vehicles in 2012 alone, surpassing the four-decade-old record by a total of 2,899 cars. Breaking it down even further, the brand sold 438,000 in Volkswagen’s and 139,000 in Audi vehicles – an increase of 35.1 percent and 18.5 percent respectively.

Volkswagen is also behind a few ultra luxury brands including Bentley, which had a total of 2,315 sales in 2012, a growth of 23.3 percent. Close to 520 units of Lamborghinis were sold for a 52.9 percent increase, while the Bugatti was predicted to be “right on track.”

The Jetta proved to be the most popular ride in the Volkswagen lineup with 170,000 models sold, while the Passat was right behind it with 117,000 bought in 212.

“Our employees and our dealer and supplier partners have worked very hard to establish foundations for success in the U.S. market, and they deserve so much credit for setting this new record,” said Jonathan Browning, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “We are pleased to see all of our brands contributing to growth and setting this new landmark.”

Those in the New Jersey/New York Area who are in the market for a Volkswagen, but who cannot afford to buy new, might want to head down to the New Jersey State Auto Auction to find a more affordable and still reliable used model. The inventory is always changing so consumers can check back frequently to find the Jetta, Passat or Golf of their dreams. Plus, every car on the lot is Carfax certified, so buyers know they’ll be getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride.