Tips For Below-Prime Car Buyers

Purchasing a used car is not easy, especially if you are trying to find an option that fits within your budget as a below-prime buyer. Luckily, there are a few tips that should help prospective drivers sort through used cars for sale and select just the right one, all without putting a major dent in their wallet. 

The first thing shoppers should do is set a realistic budget for themselves. This goes beyond just considering the sticker price of a car – instead, a savvy buyer will be looking at the total cost of ownership. Fuel economy, maintenance costs, rebates and loan payments are all aspects of ownership that need to be taken into account as you calculate the actual cost of a car. 

Another important step buyers should take is assessing their current credit score and loan situation. Financing can be a big help to sub-prime buyers, but it is important to put yourself in the best position to get loans by improving a credit score and making yourself an attractive candidate. 

If there's one thing below-prime buyers should do, it's research. Learning the ins and outs of a potential vehicle can help you understand the costs tied to it as well as areas where you could save. Looking into the history of a specific automobile can alert you as to crash history, reliability and similar factors that may influence your decision to purchase a car. 

No matter what your budget is, you should be able to find a suitable vehicle among the hundreds for sale at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot contains many CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, all of which offer affordable options for used car shoppers. 

‘Breaking Bad’ Vehicles Head To Auction

The critically acclaimed television show "Breaking Bad" may have come to an end Sept. 29, but fans can still take home a piece of it. Several of the used cars from the series are up for sale, including a few models that played a role in some of the show's most memorable scenes. 

"For the last several years, 'Breaking Bad' has grabbed viewers' attention every Sunday, and now as it comes to a close, many fans will want to get their hands on a piece of the show's history," said Dayna Bateman, a director at Experian Automotive. 

In total, there are 10 cars going up on the auction block, with options ranging from poor to good quality. A 2003 Pontiac Aztek, which was driven by the main character, Walter White, for the first four seasons of the show, should draw a lot of attention. However, the vehicle was crashed on set and is not in driving condition, meaning that any buyer would have to do some extensive repairs, which explains its $1,000 starting bid. 

Other vehicles are in slightly better shape. A wood-sided Jeep Wagoneer driven by Skyler White as well as a 1977 Cadillac used by Walter White during the final season should each command a pretty penny at the auction, despite their age and mediocre condition. 

Bids for the vehicles will be accepted until 12 p.m. Oct. 7. 

You may not be able to purchased one of the used cars from "Breaking Bad," but you can certainly look for your next investment at places like NJ State Auto Auction. This auction lot has hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, giving you plenty of options for selecting your next ride. 

How To Test Drive A Used Car

The test drive is an important aspect of the car shopping process. In fact, when you are looking at used cars for sale, it may be the most significant factor that influences the final decision. It is essential to approach the test drive with a clear head and a set list of capabilities that need to be evaluated. 

When test driving a car, one of the most important things to experiment with is how the vehicle handles different scenarios. That is why the drive should take place over an extended amount of time – about 45 minutes – or if possible even the course of a few days. You should also make it a point to drive in different situations and conditions, such as on the highway, on quieter residential roads and the like. 

Specifically, you should be looking at how the vehicle accelerates, brakes and corners. Paying attention to other issues, such as engine noise or miscellaneous creaks, is also necessary, as it can clue you in to potential problems. Once these areas have been addressed, you can begin focusing on things like cargo space, fuel economy and technological features that you want to find in a used car. 

Drivers also need to take their personal comfort into account. How do the seat and steering wheel feel? Are you able to comfortably access the pedals? Are the controls intuitive? All of these smaller details come together to impact the driving experience, so it is important to assess them early in the buying process. 

You can get the buying process started with a visit to New Jersey State Auto Auction. With hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans available, the auction lot is a great place for drivers on a budget to scope out a future ride. 

Auto Loans Extend To More Than 5 Years In Length

A car is a major purchase, and it's not uncommon for individuals to need some help to close the deal. Many turn to auto loans to spread out the cost of the investment, and recently this financing option has undergone an evolution that makes it more attractive to motorists. Whereas loan payments once were restricted to four years or less, the uncertain state of the economy and a surge of subprime borrowers have extended the typical financing timeline. 

While the length of a loan payment will vary from person to person based on individual financial situations, recently providers have been offering longer deals for drivers. Instead of short-term loans, which were once the norm, many motorists are embracing financing deals of five years or more. 

According to a study from Experian Automotive, the average car loan now runs about 65 months. That is longer than it was a decade ago, and as a result consumers are turning their attention to slightly more expensive vehicles. Because the payments are spread out over a longer period, the monthly rates stay low, allowing drivers to take advantage of high-quality cars without breaking the bank. 

"The days of four-year loans are rare," Ronald Montoya, the consumer advice editor of Edmunds.com, told The Salt Lake Tribune. "Consumers are getting more and more focused on monthly payments and getting into a loan cheap." 

Finding a high-quality, low-cost vehicle can make taking out an auto loan more palatable. That's why many motorists turn to places like New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has a wide selection of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that won't put a dent in their wallets. 

Best Used Cars For Teen Drivers

When a teenager is first learning how to drive, safety is of paramount importance. Parents want to make sure their child is behind the wheel of a secure, high-quality car, but they also do not want to put a big dent in their wallets. Luckily, there are some used cars for sale that offer safety without requiring Mom and Dad to go over budget. 

A list compiled by CarInsurance.com took a look at the top options for teen drivers. Each of the used models included on the list is from the year 2009 and features relatively low insurance rates as well as compact designs that lend themselves to more stability on the roads. 

Coming in at the top of the selections was the Ford Taurus. With solid fuel economy and low-cost maintenance, the Taurus is a safe and roomy choice for families. The Taurus narrowly edged out the Honda Accord, which was selected thanks to its large interior and impressive longevity. 

Drivers who want their investment to have a sleeker look may be drawn to automobiles like the Ford Fusion or Subaru Legacy. These options boast all-wheel drive capable of offering safety in all types of weather without sacrificing an attractive exterior design. Similarly, the Volkswagen Jetta provides exemplary performance and fuel economy along with solid safety features and handling. 

If you're looking for a used car that can serve and protect your teen, check out the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The auction lot has many affordable CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that can act as a safe option for young drivers. With a great collection of vehicles offering a prime balance of safety, performance and value, the facility may have just the right car for you. 

Avoid Common Mistakes When Buying A Used Car

Shopping for a used car can provide a lot of opportunities for buyers looking for value, but these motorists have to be aware of some common mistakes that can disrupt the process. These blunders can occur at any point in the search and selection of pre-owned vehicles, so drivers should pay attention to how they conduct the business transaction. 

"Buying a car is something people usually only do at most every few years, so naturally the right way to go about it isn't always top of mind," said Brian Moody, the site editor of AutoTrader.com. "But a misstep during the shopping process could turn a great deal into a money pit in the long run." 

One concept to keep in mind is that you should compile a list of the features you need and stick to it. The overwhelming amount of options available at a used car lot can cause you to consider special packages or amenities that are unnecessary, which could drive up the cost. Having a concrete list of what you want will help to keep you focused throughout the shopping experience. 

Drivers should also be sure to take the vehicle in for a mechanical inspection. A vehicle may run beautifully during a test drive but still have some issues under the hood. Having a professional take a look at the inner workings of a used car is essential for planning out future maintenance and making sure there no surprises in store. 

You can find a great used car shopping experience at NJ State Auto Auction. The auction lot is filled with CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, any of which can offer great value for drivers. 

What You Need To Get A Car Loan

Acquiring a car loan is within the realm of possibility for many drivers, but they have to be equipped with the right materials before they can apply for and receive financing help. Here are a few of the most important materials you will need as you start the process of getting an auto loan: 

Credit score
Drivers should know their credit rating before starting the process of applying for a car loan. Lenders will look at this score immediately, and having a clear picture of what your credit history is and how it affects the loans you receive will make the process go a bit more smoothly. Additionally, those drivers who find their score is less than ideal can take some time to improve the number before applying for a loan, thus improving their chances of getting the financing help they need. 

Miscellaneous 
In addition to knowing their credit score and having proof of insurance, drivers ready to apply for a loan need to arm themselves with a few other pieces of information. For example, prospective buyers need to have proof of identity and residence, which can be supplied in the form of a standard, government-issued photo identification and a utility bill with your name and address on it. Proof of income is also important and can generally be satisfied by pay stubs or bank statements. You should make sure you have all of this information before heading to a bank or dealership to begin the financing process. 

Once you have all of the materials you need, you can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction and begin searching for a used car that fits your style and budget. The auction lot has a variety of CARFAX-certified cars, vans and trucks in price ranges that suit almost any buyer. 

Now Is The Time For Preventative Maintenance

Now that lengthy summer road trips are in the past, it is time for drivers to turn their attention to fall and winter maintenance. Cooler temperatures, slick roads and inclement weather will be here before you know it, and it is extremely important to get a leg up on regular maintenance that can prevent problems from striking in the future. 

There are a few areas of a car that drivers should be looking out in preparation for colder weather. Brakes will likely need to be replaced. Excessive use stemming from heavy summer traffic or extended road trips could wear down these gears, and you should install some fresh products to handle slick or icy roads. 

Another area that needs attention is the wipers. Not only should you be checking the wiper fluid to make sure you can clean the ice off a windshield, but you also should consider getting new blades. Driving in the winter requires heavy-duty wipers that can break through frost, wet snow, leaves and more. Having new ones installed ensures that you'll can break through this buildup to see whatever obstacles are in your way. 

Perhaps the most important aspect of a vehicle that needs to be examined is its tires. Some motorists may want to consider investing in snow tires for the winter, particularly if they anticipate lots of tough driving conditions, but others should simply be checking on the tread to see if the tires are capable of gripping slippery roads in the months ahead. 

The Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction is available to help drivers perform maintenance on their vehicles. The garage caters to the public and can help with any issues your automobile may have. 

New Used Car Labels Display Fuel Economy

Mileage is one of the most important factors motorists look to when searching for a used car. It is not easy to find the fuel economy of older vehicles, however, especially because there is so much different information available. A new program from the U.S. Energy Department and the Environmental Protection Agency aims to change that. 

The new initiative allows sellers of used cars to display labels describing the mpg ratings and carbon dioxide emissions estimates on the vehicles. These figures would be displayed in addition to the miles accumulated, which is often shown on cars for sale. Labels will be available for all automobiles produced after 1984. 

Despite the fact that these vehicles are used, the fuel economy and emissions numbers should remain accurate. As long as a car had proper maintenance throughout the course of its life, both fuel efficiency and carbon pollution should remain at a steady level. 

Prospective buyers should welcome this change. Not only will it make it easier to compare the cost of owning various automobiles, but it will also allow shoppers to be a bit more environmentally conscious as they hunt for their future ride. With more information, they are better qualified to make a decision and select a used car that offers reliability and value. 

Drivers searching for a fuel-efficient used car need to explore all of their options. One of the best to check out is New Jersey State Auto Auction, which is filled with CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans. These pre-owned vehicles can be thoroughly researched before purchase to learn anything you need to know about mileage, maintenance and repairs. 

Watch Out For Used Cars With Flood Damage

With hurricane season arriving and heavy rains approaching much of the country, floods are a common threat. However, what many people do not realize is that these rising waters can cause extreme damage to vehicles as well as other property, and in countless situations, the automobiles left on the roads are sold to unsuspecting buyers. 

According to the Federal Trade Commission, vehicles damaged by Hurricane Sandy are still being sold. CARFAX estimated that more than 212,000 automobiles that had water damage are still on the roads, with about two-thirds in 10 states, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York. Other storms and floods around the U.S. could affect cars that are then shipped to other areas and sold.  

"Our research proves that flood-damaged cars are everywhere," said Larry Gamache, the communications director at CARFAX. "It's big business for professional con men to quickly clean up and resell these cars miles from where the flooding occurred. Consumers need to look out for flooded cars no matter where they live. They're a serious danger to anyone who unknowingly buys one." 

Although many of these vehicles may look fine on the outside, there may be instances of water damage and corrosion on the inside that leads to poor performance and potentially dangerous situations. Water can also wreak havoc on an electrical system, allow mold to grow within a ventilation unit or interfere with the operation of safety features.

Drivers can rest assured that they are finding quality used cars for sale at NJ State Auto Auction. The lot carries CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, allowing prospective buyers to select an option that is both affordable and of good quality.