Auto Ads Dominate The Super Bowl

The Super Bowl has come and gone, and at the end of the day, the real winners of the big event are car shoppers. With so many high-profile commercials filling the ad space during the game, there was plenty of opportunities to get acquainted with some of the coolest rides in the U.S. 

AutoTrader.com tracked interest in certain makes and models throughout the game, following which brands made the biggest impact on the general public. Luxury brands like Maserati made a splash, as searches for the Ghibli model jumped more than 2,000 percent. Similarly, Jaguar experienced a 1,460 percent increase in searches following its high-profile ad, which featured three prominent English actors. 

Other vehicles, including the Audi A3, Toyota Highlander and Ford Fusion, also saw an increase in interest due to memorable commercials. According to AutoTrader, Kia came out near the top, as the brand has a whole had interest grow 150 percent in the hour after its first commercial. 

"It's not easy to achieve these kinds of large shifts in search activity at the brand level, so it's clear that these ads were doing something right," said John Kovac, the vice president of marketing at AutoTrader. "The Kia ad in particular was a great example of leveraging smart creative to shift brand perception in a very relevant, intentional way, and it definitely resonated with car shoppers." 

Commercials may be a good way to bring attention to certain brands, but ultimately, the decision about which vehicle to purchase will come down to several different factors. Although the Super Bowl ads didn't spend a lot of time delving into important qualities such as fuel efficiency, auto repair statistics and other factors, you can learn more about these aspects at NJ State Auto Auction. The lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans that can fit in a variety of budgets. 

Used Car Prices Expected To Decline In 2014

It's only a month into 2014, and some people across the country are already eager to make a change. In many instances, this is the perfect reason to begin shopping for a used car. Although the costs associated with this purchase have gone up since the recession, things finally look to be settling down for the industry, and buyers can take advantage of this slowdown. 

More people are beginning to realize the many benefits of investing in pre-owned vehicles instead of expensive new cars. Not only do these options take less of a toll on your wallet, but they still offer high-quality performance and plenty of modern features to make the driving experience a good one. 

There is more good news for buyers as well. According to the NADA Used Car Guide, the prices of these vehicles are expected to drop in the coming months, a welcome change after years of rising costs. This trend could make used cars a more attractive option for drivers who are considering a different investment, especially as motorists realize that these vehicles can provide safety and security without making a major dent in their bank account. 

"Certified pre-owned has really taken off," Tom Webb, an economist with Manheim Consulting, told CNBC. "Consumers flock to these models. People are comfortable with the guarantee. In fact, some people who used to be new-car buyers are now certified pre-owned-buyers." 

Falling prices could help some drivers find high-quality cars that fit within their budget. To see all of these offerings, head to New Jersey State Auto Auction to browse through hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans that are available for sale. The lot also has its own financing department, which is available to help buyers determine which loans and payment options are right for them.