Monthly Archives: January 2014

Infiniti And NCAA Team Up For Charity

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Posted in Auto Brands News

Some of the most high-profile auto brands do more than just provide a means of transportation for millions of people throughout the world – they also help push along a number of charitable endeavors. That is certainly the case with Infiniti, which has recently partnered up with other big-time groups to carry out the fourth annual “Infiniti Coaches' Charity Challenge.” 

This challenge came about thanks to Infiniti, the NCAA, ESPN and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. It takes 48 head coaches from various Division I men's basketball programs and pits them in head-to-head battles during a four-round online tournament. Fans can vote for the coaches and causes they want to support, and the winning coach will see $100,000 go to the charity of his choice. 

“The Infiniti Coaches' Charity Challenge amplifies the significant contributions made by men's college basketball coaches in their own communities and across America,” said Jim Haney, the executive director of the NABC. “The Challenge engages college basketball fans across the country to join with these outstanding coaches to raise funds and awareness for those in need and has had a tremendous impact in its first three years.” 

To keep up its end of the agreement, Infiniti will be donating $349,000 throughout the challenge to charities represented by the coaches. The more votes the coaches gets in the online polls, the more funds get donated to their respective causes. 

Infiniti may be spearheading this charitable endeavor, but it still is more well known as one of the more intriguing luxury car brands on the market. If you're interested in one of the company's vehicles – or any other brand, for that matter – head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot has hundreds of CARFAX-certified vehicles that can fit any budget or range of needs. 

Auto Auction To Sell Celebrity Cars

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Posted in Celebrity Auto News

Each year, car lovers flock to Scottsdale, Ariz., for the annual Barrett-Jackson Auction. In January 2014, the 43rd running of this event will take place, providing fans and collectors alike with an opportunity to check out some of the coolest new and used vehicles in the world. 

In addition to the classic automobiles that are featured as a part of this auction, there are a number of cars that have connections to famous faces. Celebrities and auto legends alike regularly participate in this event, providing entertainment and iconic rides to the festivities. However, the cars put up for sale are without a doubt the highlight. 

"The trust that is given to Barrett-Jackson by our consignors is always humbling," said Steve Davis, president of the auction. "Our company has a long-standing tradition of working closely with our consignors. We cherish the relationships we have built with all of our consignors at the pinnacle of their careers and look forward to celebrating with them at this year's Scottsdale auction." 

Some of the biggest draws at this year's auction include a 2001 Mitsubishi Evo, which was used in the film "2 Fast 2 Furious," starring the late Paul Walker. Moviegoers who saw the award-winning film "Driving Miss Daisy" may also recognize the 1949 Hudson Commodore 8, which is going up for auction as well. Other vehicles to keep an eye on include a 2008 Bugatti Veyron owned by famed music producer Simon Cowell and a 1986 Ferrari driven by cultural icon Michael Jackson. 

The Barrett-Jackson Auction may be a bit outside of your price range, but you can find more affordable vehicles at NJ State Auto. This lot is home to hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans. It also has its own financing department, which provides buyers with the information and resources they need to decide on auto loans and other financial options. 

How To Handle Winter Breakdowns

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Posted in How To

Almost all drivers know they have to look twice when they get behind the wheel in the middle of winter. Freezing temperatures, poor visibility, slippery roads and other factors can severely inhibit the safety of all motorists on the roads, and being a defensive driver is a solid first step toward avoiding a problem. However, too often there are breakdowns or collisions that are seemingly unavoidable – largely due to black ice or the actions of others on the roads. 

If you find yourself in one of these situations, you can keep a few things in mind to make it easier to handle the aftermath. For one, make sure you take pictures or even a video of the scene. If damage has been done to your car or other property, having evidence of the harm is key. At the same time, you shouldn't abstain from immediately calling your insurance provider and, if necessary, filing a police report. Timeliness can play an important role when making an insurance claim, so you're going to want to handle the situation as quickly and efficiently as possible. 

No matter what, you should remember that safety is your top priority. Don't get out of a vehicle and wander around if there is poor visibility or you could be at risk for another accident. Keeping flashlights and reflective signs or tape in a car may be helpful, as you can alert others as to your location in a safe manner. 

Of course, you should always be taking steps to avoid a breakdown or accident altogether. Preventative measures such as auto tune ups can go a long way toward bypassing problems, but unfortunately, these steps can only take you so far. If you find yourself in need of a check-in or a consult, consider reading out to the Total Car Care Center at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The garage can provide insight as well as basic repairs. 

Certain Midsize Vehicles Are Frequent Targets For Criminals

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Posted in General Auto News

No one wants to return to a spot where they had parked and discover their vehicle has been stolen. Unfortunately for many drivers, however, this is a relatively common occurrence, with thousands of thefts happening each year. From the start of 2009 to the end of 2012, more than 31,000 automobiles were reported stolen across the U.S. As much as 70 percent of that number was comprised of midsize and large sedans, which were among the most common targets, according to data collected by the National Insurance Crime Bureau. 

The NICB's findings showed there are a few makes and models of cars that are more susceptible to theft than others. Leading the pack is the Toyota Camry, which had 4,619 reported thefts from 2009 through 2012. That is more than 1,000 ahead of the second-place Chevrolet Impala, which may be attributed to the fact that the Camry is one of the most popular vehicles on the road. 

Also ranking in the top five was the Nissan Altima, Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fusion. Slightly more luxurious options such as the Dodge Charger and Chrysler 300 were included in the top 10 targets as well, but much of the list was dominated by common, affordable vehicles that are found throughout the country. 

There are many actions that play a role in keeping a vehicle safe from theft. For one, day-to-day steps such as parking in well-lit areas, covering possessions and remaining aware of your surroundings can go a long way toward avoiding problems. However, long-term actions, including getting regular tune ups to ensure security systems, remote starters and locks are working correctly are also important.

That's why drivers should schedule appointments at spots like NJ State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. The garage caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have. 

Auto Preferences Differ By Region

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Posted in Auto Brands News

Many factors impact the type of automobile a driver is looking for, and one of the most significant is geography. After all, location influences everything from maintenance issues to safety features, and it plays a major role in the selection of popular vehicles. This is even true of the Northeast, which has its own set of general preferences and popular options that much of the populace sticks to. 

Kelley Blue Book recently studied the millions of visitors who used the site to research potential cars. Users from the Northeast region were about 56 percent more likely to search for Subaru vehicles and 45 percent more likely to consider Volvo models than people from other parts of the U.S., according to the data. These motorists were also less likely to consider brands such as Ram and Scion, skipping over small sports cars and large pickup trucks in favor of crossover SUVs. 

"Seeing the key drivers motivating shoppers are topography, metropolitan density and government regulations, it is not surprising compact crossovers are preferred over full-size SUVs in the Northeast," said Arthur Henry, an analyst at Kelley Blue Book. "This shows when brand choice is layered on top of segment preferences, manufacturers like Subaru rise to the top with its four-wheel drive options, along with Volvo and its high safety ratings, which help both brands drive interest in this region." 

Even within a specific area, individual drivers will have different needs and preferences that need to be addressed. That is where locations such as NJ State Auto Auction can be extremely helpful. The lot houses hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, giving motorists plenty of options when it comes to selecting their next vehicle. 

New York Strives To Make Roads Safer

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Posted in General Auto News

Bill de Blasio, the newly inaugurated mayor of New York City, will have a lot on his plate as he begins his first year in office. One issue that is near the top of his to-do list, however, is road safety. Making sure drivers and pedestrians throughout the New York City area are protected is a problem that needs to be addressed, and the new mayor will likely make it a priority during his first few months in the position.  

The advocacy group Right of Way has led the charge for better safety conditions. Its goal, also known as Vision Zero, is to eliminate fatalities of drivers, passengers, pedestrians and bicyclists in the city within the next 10 years. 

“Achieving Vision Zero by 2024 demands decisive action starting on day one,” said Keegan Stephan, an organizer with Right of Way, as quoted by Gothamist. “There will obviously be many competing interests for de Blasio's attention when he takes office, but with people of all ages being killed in traffic across the five boroughs nearly every day, Vision Zero must remain a top priority.”

According to AutoBlog, de Blasio already has a few ideas for improving safety on the roads. Redesigning certain intersections, widening streets and sidewalks, increasing awareness and expanding slow speed zones will all likely be part of the plan. 

One large part of vehicle safety is driving a car that is functioning at a high level, with all of the little parts working as they should. Brakes, windshield wipers and everything in between need to be operating correctly, so taking a vehicle in for a tune up becomes extremely important. If your car needs a check-up, make an appointment at the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto. 

Toyota Camry Remains America’s Best-Selling Midsize Vehicle

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Toyota

There are a few vehicles that have continued to be among the most popular choices in the auto industry, despite the passing of time and technological advancements. Even with a constantly evolving landscape, the Toyota Camry has remained atop the standings as the best-selling midsize car in the U.S.

The sedan was the most popular vehicle in the country for the 12th year in a row, selling more than 408,000 units in 2013. That significantly outpaced the second-place Honda Accord, which saw a 10 percent increase in sales throughout the year. While the Camry only saw sales grow by about 1 percent compared to the year before, that was enough to put it at the front of the pack yet again. 

Much of the success of the Camry, and the entire Toyota brand as a whole, can be attributed to the overall success of the auto industry. In total, Toyota sold more than 2.2 million vehicles in 2013, which was an increase of 7.4 percent from the year before. That is good news for all kinds of car buyers, as plenty of used Toyotas will likely be entering the market in the near future – if they haven't already. 

"The auto industry was a consistent bright spot in the economic recovery throughout 2013," said Bill Fay, a general manager at Toyota. "We expect the economy will continue to gain strength in 2014, with car sales rising to pre-recession levels." 

As the economy improves and used cars become more affordable, drivers have more options to choose from. They don't have to wait too long to find the ideal automobile, however, as there are several locations that are well-stocked with high-quality machines. 

Anyone looking for a vehicle, whether it's the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord or other popular automobile, can almost certainly find what they're looking for at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot is home to hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, all of which offer great value for drivers. 

Check Air Filters As Part Of Standard Maintenance

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Posted in General Auto News

When it comes to caring for an automobile, there are many basic maintenance tasks that can go unchecked if drivers are not aware. Although taking a car in for a tune up is one of the standard ways to make sure it is functioning properly, many drivers lack the knowledge to know when to schedule an appointment or to identify certain warning signs that could signal a problem. 

While something as simple as reading an owner's manual may clue a driver in to the maintenance that needs to be done, many motorists simply don't complete this action – and that can lead to potentially harmful problems. 

"Not following the maintenance schedule in the owner's manual is very common," Brian Hafer, the vice president of marketing for AutoMD.com, told Bankrate. "People have these repair issues because they didn't consult their owner's manual. Typically, it happens more often with younger drivers, because they just aren't aware." 

One item that needs to be consistently replaced is the air filter. This is an integral part of the engine system, and if the filter is clogged, it could lead to poor efficiency or overheating of the motor. That has the potential to be extremely costly for drivers, but it is also easily preventable. 

Checking and replacing a car's air filter is just one of the many aspects of vehicle maintenance that need to be regularly addressed. If you're in need of a professional to take care of this, consider scheduling an appointment at the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto. That garage caters to the public and is capable of handling the problems that may arise in an automobile. 

Electric Vehicles Offer Low Used Car Prices

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Posted in General Auto News

Fuel efficiency is near the top of almost every driver's wish list. After all, having a vehicle with great mileage can lead to lower fuel costs and less vehicle maintenance, which saves a significant amount of money in the long run. For this reason, electric vehicles and other alternative-fuel options may be intriguing for motorists. Many drivers will be relieved to learn that the average price of used EVs is dropping dramatically – especially compared to the cost of a new car, which can often run quite high. 

Much of the reason for this trend is because of the incentives and subsidies associated with purchasing an electric vehicle. These federal and state rebates are available to encourage consumers to buy certain automobiles, but they are only applied to new cars. As a result, the used car prices typically reflect these incentives. 

"The incentives are on new vehicles," said Jack Nerad, an analyst at Kelley Blue Book, as quoted by PlugInCars.com. "This has the effect of lowering the value of used vehicles, since you don't get the incentive when you buy used." 

For example, if a vehicle sells for $30,000 but offers a subsidy of $7,500, its used value immediately drops to $22,500. While this immediate depreciation may not be good news for owners, it can be great for buyers. Although this new price may not accurately display the quality of the vehicle, the drop still occurs, offering many buyers a chance to capitalize on great value. 

No matter what type of vehicle you're looking for, you can find great options at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot is home to hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans. These options can fit a wide range of needs for all types of drivers, and it's easy to find vehicles that fall into a budget. 

Distracted Driving Is More Common In Adults Than Teens

Winter Predictions Underline Need For Proper Maintenance

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Posted in General Auto News

Winter may have already begun, but the toughest part of the season is still ahead for much of the country. According to the Farmers' Almanac, which is correct about 80 percent of the time, much of the U.S. is expected to experience lower-than-average temperatures this winter. That, combined with above-average precipitation, could lead to heavy amounts of snow in certain areas, especially in the Northeast. This inclement weather could make up a large portion of the first quarter of the year. 

To better prepare for these expected conditions, drivers around the U.S. need to get their cars ready with tools like snow tires and other preventative maintenance. Tires are a large part of this, as the right options – which typically include snow or winter versions – offer a stronger grip on the roads. When complemented with other essential maintenance practices, drivers can rest assured that their vehicles can safely get around in even the roughest of weather. 

"No one wants to get into a hazardous winter driving situation with snow, ice, slush and cold – and then wish they had better prepared for those types of conditions," said Brandy Gadd, the brand manager for The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. "That is why we say the time to prepare your vehicle for winter is before winter arrives. Along with the antifreeze, battery check-ups and new wiper blades, an inspection of the tire tread should be a year-round practice, but especially as we prepare for potential slippery road conditions." 

If you are ready to get your car prepared for the winter, consider making an appointment at the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. The garage is capable of addressing any issues you may have.