Monthly Archives: December 2013

Shoppers Show Their Affinity For The Ford Mustang

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Posted in Auto Brands News

Few cars can remain relevant after decades on the road. However, not all vehicles are the Ford Mustang, which has consistently ranked as one of the most sought-after automobiles on the market. In fact, Cars.com, which provides information on used cars, recently released the results of its annual Shoppers' Choice Awards, and the timeless muscle care was its 2013 winner.

Each year, the accolade is given to a vehicle that prospective buyers rate as one of the top options. Qualities like dependability, appearance, fuel efficiency, maintenance and longevity are all considered, as the award is given to a model that delivers throughout the years. To win, a vehicle must receive great reviews and get intense interest from car shoppers. 

"The Ford Mustang remains a favorite among shoppers," said Patrick Olsen, editor-in-chief of Cars.com. "In its 50th year of production, the Mustang continues to be a sports car icon, and perhaps Ford's most recognizable car ever. It is an American classic beloved by so many Americans, and the devotion to that car showed in the voting results." 

Olsen also noted that this is not the first time the Ford Mustang has appeared on the list. The sports car won the award in 2010 and has found itself among the finalists several times, showing that shoppers have consistently ranked the model as one of the top vehicles on the market, regardless of year. For 2013, the vehicle beat out models like the Chevrolet Camaro, Honda Accord, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 for the top prize. 

Ford's Mustang is just one of many sports cars or similar appealing vehicles that drivers may want to consider when shopping for a used car. Luckily, New Jersey State Auto Auction has plenty of options that can satisfy any motorist. With hundreds of CARFAX-certified models, including from cars, trucks and vans, 

Watch Out For Odometer Fraud In Used Cars

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Posted in Auto Industry News

There are a lot of qualities drivers need to keep in mind when shopping around for a used car. One of the most important is its mileage which can have a major impact on the maintenance, cost, longevity and your personal safety. 

A recent CARFAX report examined the prevalence of odometer fraud among used cars. The data collected pointed to the fact that more than 190,000 vehicles have their odometers rolled back each year in an effort to appear as though they have covered fewer miles. That one action can have a major impact on drivers, even totaling more than $760 million in lost value and extra repair fees each year. 

"Odometer fraud is a calamity for car buyers," said Larry Gamache, CARFAX communications director. "There are serious problems that can arise from a rollback. Older, deteriorating parts lead to unexpected repairs while unperformed maintenance for the true mileage may compromise the safety and performance of these cars. Not to mention, each victim loses thousands of dollars because they pay much more than these cars are really worth." 

Drivers in states such as California, Nevada, New Mexico, New York and Texas need to be on high alert, as those were the regions with the most risk for odometer rollbacks. On average, cars had about 50,000 miles taken off, and the vehicles were likely to be about 14 or 15 years old. 

At New Jersey State Auto Auction, future buyers can browse through hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans as they search for their next ride. Those options have a well-documented history, ensuring that you are looking at vehicles from a dealer you can trust. 

Drivers Use Word-Of-Mouth Recommendations To Suggest Auto Brands

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Posted in Auto Brands News

When drivers are shopping around for a used car, they typically look at qualities like fuel efficiency, safety features and maintenance costs. Another overlooked aspect of the browsing process is recommendations from others. That is why the Boston Consulting Group put together the Brand Advocacy Index, which looks at the levels of advocacy and user recommendation among different products. 

"Consumers are positively recommending the most recommended brands to their friends, family and coworkers – often spontaneously and even when they are not customers of the brand," said Steve Knox, the co-author of the study. "Their strong financial results show the power of advocacy to drive top-line growth." 

Within the auto industry, Honda, Hyundai and Kia ranked among the top brands. While the average for the auto industry was about 50 percent, those three Asia-based automakers had the highest scores for the U.S. at 63 percent in the brand ratings. Owners of those three vehicles generally liked their investment and passed on word-of-mouth recommendations to others, which frequently encouraged fellow motorists to look into the brands and survey their options. 

"Our top position in word-of-mouth recommendation rankings of auto brands in the U.S. is attributable to positive customer experiences and our brand image," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president at Kia Motors America, as quoted by Business Korea. 

When someone recommends a specific brand or type of car, it may pique your interest. That is where NJ State Auto Auction can come into play. The lot is home to hundreds of CARFAX-certified vehicles from a variety of top brands, ensuring you'll be able to find a car, truck or van that meet your requirements. 

New Report Focuses On Vehicle Thefts During Holidays

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Posted in General Auto News

Drivers have to be aware of many issues when they're on the road, but the problems don't end when their car is parked. Vehicle thefts are a very real problem, and motorists should be taking steps to prevent this problem from arising. This even extends to holidays. A recently released study from the National Crime Information Center and the National Insurance Crime Bureau looked at trends in stolen vehicle reports across 11 major U.S. holidays and celebrations in 2012. 

According to the data, the worst day for thefts was New Year's Day. More than 2,220 cars were reported stolen Jan. 1, which edged out days like Labor Day, New Year's Eve and Memorial Day. However, this still was not as bad as other days throughout the year. There were 64 other dates that had more vehicles stolen, with the highest numbers recorded June 1, July 23 and Aug. 1. 

The best holiday with regard to vehicle thefts was Christmas, when only 1,432 cars were reported stolen. That was just ahead of Valentine's Day and Thanksgiving, which were the next-lowest days on the list. The Dec. 25 holiday boasted the lowest car theft total of any day in 2012, holiday or otherwise. 

In total, the number of vehicles stolen on the 11 holidays in 2012 reached 21,325. That is a 2.5 percent increase over 2011, when 20,800 automobiles were reported stolen on the same days. 

Whether you find yourself the victim of a car theft or simply want to take preventative measures to avoid the situation, you should consider heading to NJ State Auto Auction. The lot boasts hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, many of which offer advanced technology and great features that could enhance your driving experience. 

Drivers Turn To Carpools To Save Time and Money

Drivers Turn To Carpools To Save Time and Money

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Posted in General Auto News

Owning a car can be expensive, which is why so many motorists take steps to reduce the cost of purchasing and operating a vehicle. One of the easiest ways to do this is by choosing a used car, as you can find excellent value and high quality without busting your budget. Another way to reduce the bottom line is by carpooling. 

According to Edmunds.com, carpools offer plenty of advantages to everyone involved. For one, they frequently save time, as groups can use the high-occupancy vehicle lanes, which typically have fewer cars than others. In addition to time, carpools also saved all participants money. AAA reported that one-third of drivers involved in a carpool did so to cut back on fuel costs, and when those savings were combined with things like depreciation and maintenance expenses, car owners recouped thousands of dollars per year. 

The New Jersey Department of Transportation recommends carpooling as a way to reduce costs, vehicle wear and tear, and stress. With so many drivers commuting in and out of New York City each day, as well as to other nearby metro areas, there are plenty of opportunities to share the burden of driving and save yourself time, money and aggravation in the process. 

When you need a vehicle that is capable of handling multiple passengers, whether they are friends, family members or coworkers, you may have to invest in a used car. Luckily, places like the New Jersey State Auto Auction are well equipped to meet your needs. The lot has hundreds of CARFAX-certified used cars for sale, and you could find your next ride among these options. Whether you carpool every day or save it for special occasions, you'll want an automobile that can keep up with your needs, and you can find it at this auction lot. 

Driving With Children Can Be More Distracting Than Driving With Cellphones

Driving With Children Can Be More Distracting Than Driving With Cellphones

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Posted in General Auto News

Distracted driving is one of the most dangerous practices happening on the roads. Whether motorists are talking on cellphones, looking up directions or even struggling to find a suitable song on the radio, they often engage in activities that take their eyes and attention off the road. Recent studies show that one occurrence may be more dangerous than others, however: driving with children. 

The Monash University Accident Research Center in Australia recently conducted a study to see how distracted drivers get when they have their kids in the backseat. After monitoring a dozen families for several weeks, the researchers found that driving with children in the car was 12 times more dangerous than using a cellphone behind the wheel. Parents frequently watched kids playing in the rearview mirror, turned to pass toys or snacks, engaged in conversation or attempted to play with children.

All of these seemingly harmless acts led to a driver taking his or her eyes off the road for a significant amount of time. During a normal 16-minute drive, parents were not focused on the road for approximately three and a half minutes. 

To cut down on the distraction children pose to drivers, many families look for vehicles that have features even the youngest passengers can appreciate. Infotainment systems with DVD players and viewing screens are a popular option for many, as it aids motorists in keeping kids occupied. Similarly, having a vehicle with excess storage space in convenient locations is also helpful. These compartments can be used to store toys, snacks and other forms of entertainment for children. 

Anyone looking for a used car that has plenty of family-oriented features will want to look for options at NJ State Auto Auction. This lot is home to hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, many of which have amenities that can keep all passengers safe and happy. 

Car Color Preferences Are Divided By Gender, Study Shows

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Posted in General Auto News

There are a lot of factors that go into shopping for a used car, and sometimes the most important aspects are on the outside. Although drivers want to find a vehicle that offers dependability and excellent fuel economy, it is just as important to select a car that is comfortable and fits an individual's personality. Much of that comes down to color, which makes the exterior paint a significant consideration. 

A recent year-long study from iSeeCars.com looked at the color preferences of men and women. The website found that women were more likely to be interested in practical, neutral tones, such as silver, brown, gold or beige. Many of these hues are popular for minivans or SUVs, which could reflect the women's desire to find a family friendly option.

Conversely, men were drawn to bolder tones like red, orange, black, white and green. These colors are commonly associated with sporty vehicles, which may demonstrate that men are looking to find fun automobiles. 

"It's one thing to say you like a color car and another to actually move forward in the used car shopping process to contact the seller about that color car," said Phony Ly, CEO of iSeeCars.com. "… These study results could suggest that women are more practical in their choices. For the most part, they may just want to buy a reasonably priced car that safely drives them around. On the other hand, for men, perhaps they may be a bit more idealistic about cars, preferring something that has speed and is fun to drive." 

Searching for a used car involves more than just looking at the paint color. Drivers who want to browse through a selection of high-quality options can head to NJ State Auto Auction. The lot is filled with CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, any of which could be a viable option for buyers. 

Hyundai Named The Most Reliable Auto Manufacturer

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Hyundai

Finding a dependable vehicle is of the utmost importance for anyone looking to buy a used car. In fact, it is one of the biggest factors for drivers, and it can certainly sway someone from one automobile to another. For the third year in a row, CarMD has created the Manufacturer & Vehicle Reliability Rankings to help motorists zero in on the most dependable models, and the findings may impact the car-shopping process for many buyers. 

When it comes to reliable automakers, Hyundai topped the list. The South Korean brand had the lowest ratio of reported incidents per cars on the road, and it also boasted a relatively low average repair cost of $312.67. Hyundai's first-place finish was an improvement on the past two years, when it came in second place, and its success pushed the reigning champion Toyota into the No. 2 spot. Toyota also had few reported problems on the roads, but its average repair cost was considerably higher – it clocked in at more than $540, which was the highest of the top 10 brands. 

Completing the top five in the list of the most dependable manufacturers was General Motors, Chrysler and Honda. GM featured the lowest average repair cost at $304.99. Despite the success of those brands, the rankings of individual models featured some other vehicles. Although the Toyota Camry was found to be the most reliable edition, Nissan stole the show after it managed to land five automobiles in the top 10. The Altima came in at No. 2, and multiple models of the Rogue and Sentra also landed on the list. 

Drivers searching for reliable models can check out the vast selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. That lot boasts hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, and many of those options are dependable, high-quality vehicles that will help keep repair costs low. 

Drivers Turn To Carpools To Save Time and Money

How To Stay Safe During The Holiday Shopping Period

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Posted in How To

Staying focused and alert on the roads is just the first step toward staying safe during the holidays. Drivers also have to be aware while in parking lots outside retail spots, as this is a popular time of the year for car thieves to strike. With so many individuals storing recent purchases in their cars, taking measures to keep all possessions secure is extremely important. 

One simple way to cut back on the risk of theft is by locking all items in the trunk or using a cargo cover. Keeping purchases out of the view of prying eyes can reduce the chances you are the victim of a theft. Additionally, using hidden storage compartments throughout a vehicle is also advantageous, as it can keep expensive gifts out of sight and away from thieves. Although these practices may be helpful, you should always try to drop things off at home as soon as possible to avoid problems.

Drivers should also consider parking away from the store entrance. Sticking to lighted areas is essential, but keeping away from the most hectic areas of a parking lot can limit potential damage to a vehicle, whether it's from runaway carriages or other automobiles. No matter where you park, however, you should use all mirrors and rearview cameras you have. These tools can be tremendously helpful when it comes to avoiding the many other shoppers and cars in a lot, and they should be taken advantage of whenever possible. 

Not all vehicles are well equipped to handle the rigors of the holiday shopping period or rugged winter driving. As such, many motorists begin looking at used cars for sale to find an option that is both safe and functional. NJ State Auto Auction has plenty of top-notch vehicles, including hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that could be the perfect choice for any driver. 

Choose A Car With Features That Benefit Your Health

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Posted in General Auto News

When shopping for a used car, drivers typically search for the best possible safety features and technology. These amenities go a long way toward making the driving experience more enjoyable, but that's not where the advantages end. Several luxuries found in used cars offer comfort and health benefits as well, and these features may be at the top of wish lists for many prospective buyers. 

For example, finding a vehicle with a thicker steering wheel can reduce the pain associated with gripping the wheel, as well as twisting and turning it. That could be extremely helpful for anyone with arthritis or joint pain, as it creates a more comfortable driving experience for anyone with health problems related to their hands. Similarly, qualities like keyless entry and ignition are also ideal for drivers who suffer from stiffness or arthritis in their fingers. 

"A 2012 survey revealed that only one in 10 senior drivers with health issues are driving a vehicle with features like keyless entry or larger dashboard controls that can assist with such conditions," said Jake Nelson, the AAA director of traffic safety advocacy and research. 

Only a small number of drivers are taking advantage of these features, but that doesn't mean they couldn't be helpful for motorists of any age. Anyone dealing with certain health issues may find that simple changes like a larger steering wheel can make a major difference in their personal comfort. 

You can find vehicles with a number of beneficial features at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot has hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that can serve as your next investment. Many of these options come with a variety of features that can offer enhanced safety as well as various other health benefits.