Most Drivers Choose Hands-Free Devices

Drivers in the Mid-Atlantic have a lot on their plate. In addition to dealing with extreme inclement weather and heavy hordes of traffic, they also have to battle distractions found within the car. Other passengers and electronics can be detrimental to safe driving, causing countless distractions and putting people at risk. As a result, a large amount of motorists are turning to new technology to help them focus on the roads. 

Understanding local laws
One of the most important things drivers can do is pay attention to the laws in their area. For instance, people in New Jersey who are caught using a hand-held device will face a hefty fine. Repeat offenders may even have their license suspended or reviewed. By staying up to date on regulations and standards, drivers can proactively practice safe driving and take advantage of advanced technologies.

"Laws on using cellphones while driving vary from state to state," said Stephanie Rahlfs, attorney-editor at FindLaw.com. "So it's important to know the applicable law in the state where you are driving. This is particularly important because cellphone laws are primary enforcement laws, meaning an officer can issue a citation for illegal use of a cellphone without any other traffic offense taking place."

Hands-free is the way to go
FindLaw.com recently conducted a survey to determine how Americans feel about electronics. The study reported that about half of U.S. drivers support laws that restrict drivers to only using hands-free cellphones. Approximately 42 percent of people think there should be a total ban on phone usage, while the other 8 percent don't want any type of restrictions. 

Keeping your hands on the wheel is important, which is why many drivers search for ways to minimize distractions. A great way to do this is with hands-free technology. Car features such as infotainment systems make it easy to follow driving directions, receive phone calls or complete other assorted tasks. While these amenities may seem like extra perks when you're shopping around, they can be a major advantage for drivers who want to stay within the law. 

Anyone looking for a vehicle with advanced tech capabilities should check out the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot houses hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans, many of which have top-notch features that help drivers stay focused on the roads. 

Subprime Auto Loans Continue To Grow

It's no surprise that some people need help affording a used car. In today's world, these high-quality options can be costly – unless drivers know where to look. Searching through auto auctions and taking advantage of opportunities to submit low bids can be a huge boon to motorists, particularly those who are facing a tight budget. But those aren't the only options. Auto financing provides all kinds of drivers with ways to afford a purchase, and as long as motorists know some of the basics regarding loans, they can put themselves in a position to get behind the wheel quickly and economically. 

Subprime loans are still growing
CNN Money reported that subprime auto loans are increasing in popularity. Currently, these subprime deals make up 30 percent of all car loans, with billions of dollars owed by borrowers. The news source noted that only 0.71 percent of these loans are in default, which is slightly higher than earlier in 2014, but that's not a sign of concern for experts. That fact may scare some, but the market is still in a good place, which is great news for future buyers. They should continue to have opportunities to secure loans and purchase a quality used car. 

Drivers must make smart decisions
Although subprime loans are experiencing a surge in popularity, it's important for drivers to understand all of the ins and outs before signing a deal. They should have a clear idea of how much they're going to be expected to pay back each month, as well as how that figure fits into a budget including gas expenses, repair costs and more. You also must take a long look at interest rates. Subprime borrowers often face higher rates and longer loan terms, which ultimately results in a bigger bottom line. Try to negotiate your way to lower numbers and a more budget-friendly final cost. 

Find help with financial matters
With big decisions looming and piles of paperwork to complete, there's a lot to consider when shopping for a used car. That's why many people reach out for help from financing experts like those at NJ State Auto Auction. This team of professionals offers guaranteed credit approval and is able to assist you in securing a loan you can manage. All you need to bring is a few forms of identification and proof of your address, and then this team can help you do the rest. 

Car Shoppers Follow Their Desires

When people shop for used cars, they typically look at a few key areas of interest. Price, fuel efficiency, repair costs and other related factors all play a role in how a prospective buyer looks at a potential purchase. But these qualities are not the only ones that matter. In fact, drivers are increasingly looking away from financial matters. 

Drivers change their strategies
When motorists are truly strapped for cash, price dictates the final decision. Nowadays, however, people are choosing their rides based on more than just the price tag. The latest AutoTrader.com survey, the 2015 Automotive Buyer Influence Study, reported that many car buyers are looking for a ride because they want one, not necessarily because they need it. Approximately 61 percent of shoppers say their most recent purchase was something they wanted.

"This is another great indicator for the overall state of the automotive industry," said Jared Rowe, president of AutoTrader.com. "When consumers start to make big purchases out of desire rather than necessity, they are clearly showing more confidence about their personal financial situations."

Features dictate the decisions 
Many of these drivers don't even have a specific model in mind – they just want to get behind the wheel. The AutoTrader.com survey found that almost two-thirds of motorists don't have a set budget and instead begin researching potential cars before deciding on a price point. This method allows shoppers to zero in on certain features that appeal to them and make informed decisions based on their desires. 

Although some may think these amenities raise the price, the current landscape is very hospitable to shoppers. As more people look for new cars, they are trading in older models, which in turn floods the used car market with high-quality options. So if drivers know where to look, they can find used models loaded with attractive features – all at a price they'll like. 

How to handle finances
Even motorists under a tight budget have the freedom to find vehicles with the features they want. Once drivers select a used car from the hundreds present at New Jersey State Auto Auction, they can work with the team at the financing department to acquire auto loans and credit approval. That enables motorists to stay within a budget while still getting behind the wheel of the car they want. 

Pay Attention To Auto Recalls

Car maintenance and repairs can be a major drain on drivers. They are often costly and time consuming, which results in many motorists putting the tasks off for as long as possible. Unfortunately, the same holds true for recall notices. Although dealerships may offer to fix recall problems for free, many drivers don't bother having their vehicles looked at. In today's auto industry, that can be incredibly risky and short-sighted. 

Recalls becoming more common
Motorists experienced a record number of recalls in 2014. The New York Times reported that more than 60 million cars were recalled throughout the year – more than double the previous record high in 2004. That is troubling on its own, but many drivers are not having the issues fixed.

A recent report from Carfax found that about 46 million vehicles across the U.S. have at least one safety recall that has never been addressed. The biggest risk is with minivans and SUVs: As many as 1 in 3 vans and 1 in 5 SUVs have an outstanding recall. Approximately 5 million of these cars were bought and sold throughout the year, indicating that buyers are ignoring vehicle history and potential problems. 

Mid-Atlantic drivers must be aware
Drivers in New Jersey and surrounding states need to stay on top of their game with regard to recalls. According to the Carfax report, New Jersey is one of the states with the highest ratios of unfixed cars in the nation, only beat by West Virginia, Michigan, Mississippi and Wyoming. Additionally, Pennsylvania and New York are among the top five states with the largest number of unaddressed recalls. 

Know the vehicle history
With recalls and the corresponding lack of repairs staking a claim as one of the most important issues in the auto industry, it's essential for drivers to pay attention to the problems. That starts with examining a vehicle's history and ensuring any recalls have been addressed. You'll also have to look to the future. Make sure to complete any and all required paperwork so you know you can be contacted in the event there's a bug found on your make and model. 

At New Jersey State Auto Auction, the auction lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans. You'll be able to take a look at the vehicle history of each model and make sure there are no outstanding issues. 

What A Car Needs For A Road Trip

Now that the winter holidays are in the past and there's nothing but free weeks on the horizon, it's the perfect time to plan a road trip. While some may think that summer – with its hot temperatures and sunny days – is ideal for this type of trip, winter can be just as exciting. Accommodations may be easier to find and cheaper to secure, the roads might be less crowded, and you could get to see some unique sights. 

More drivers hit the road
Many motorists are taking advantage of the current economy and getting behind the wheel for a road trip. According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of gas is inching close to $2. It may even fall below this mark by the time February rolls around – and drivers are ready to take advantage of these low prices. The affordability of fuel is putting road trips within reach for many people, and they're jumping at the chance to explore some new destinations. 

What your car needs
You need to trust the car you're driving during a road trip, regardless of what time of year it is. Fuel efficiency is an important quality for a vehicle to have. However, the recent decline in gas prices has made this less important, so drivers are free to focus on the other amenities they want. 

What else are drivers looking for in these cars? Safety features are always an important aspect, but especially for anyone looking to make long drives in the winter. Infotainment systems may also rank highly on a wish list. Navigational tools make it easy to get around an unfamiliar area, while tech tools can connect with other gadgets to supply music and hands-free communication. Other road trippers might be more interested in comfort. Spacious backseats, ample legroom and plenty of storage compartments are all essential for anyone spending a lot of time in a vehicle. 

Finding the right match
If you feel the need to find a car that can handle a road trip, don't hesitate to check out the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans, any one of which may be capable of meeting your needs. With the help of the on-site financing department, you'll be able to secure loans and credit that won't take up all your funds and interfere with your trip. 

Take A Look At Recent Car Buying Trends

Shopping for a used car can be a headache and a half. Buyers often have to hunt high and low for the best deals, conducting a lot of in-depth research along the way. However, the process doesn't have to be this complicated. Some recent trends throughout the industry have pointed to a more streamlined process taking over, and much of the credit can be given to smart consumers and eager dealerships. 

People are conducting more research
To help make the entire process go faster, many drivers are making an effort to educate themselves as best they can. AutoTrader also noted that about 71 percent of used-car buyers wind up purchasing the vehicle they had in mind when they arrived at the lot, despite the fact that less than 30 percent have a specific model in mind when they start shopping. That's because they are doing more research than ever before. 

"Over the past several years of conducting this study, we've seen significant changes in car buyers' behaviors, particularly in how they are arriving at their purchase decisions," said Jared Rowe, president of AutoTrader.com. "The Internet is providing an unprecedented level of transparency for car shoppers, enabling them to make informed car buying decisions that they can be confident about."

The average buyer now spends about 16.6 hours shopping around for a car, with the bulk of that time spent online. Not only can people read professional reviews and compare vehicles, but they can even start the bidding process online, which limits the amount of time they have to spend at the dealership. 

Shoppers want a fast process
One of the most important factors for individuals is how fast the car buying experience is. According to data from AutoTrader, customer satisfaction peaks when the process takes about 90 minutes or less. As time drags on, people get unhappy, with satisfaction dropping to a below-average mark once the clock hits 2.5 hours.

Speed is a priority at NJ State Auto Auction. The facility offers same-day purchasing for customers, and the financing department is able to provide guaranteed credit approval as well. These two perks combine to make finalizing a deal incredibly easy for motorists, who can then drive off the lot behind the wheel of their new ride.

3 Reasons To Stop Idling Your Car

We've all been there: the thermometer is dropping precariously low, the snow on the car is piled high and you have no desire to sit in a freezing car. So what do you do? For most, the answer is simple – just warm up the car. This usually involves leaving the car idling as the heat kicks on and all systems get up to snuff. But is this really necessary? 

Not only is idling not required, it's downright bad for your car. Here are three reasons why you should skip idling this winter. 

1. It's bad for the environment
Leaving your car running in place releases more carbon dioxide into the environment than is necessary. The Environmental Protection Agency noted that this action contributes to air pollution by emitting excess gas into the atmosphere. These pollutants can negatively impact both the environment and your personal health, so it's in your best interest to avoid it at all costs. 

2. You're wasting money
If your health wasn't a good enough reason to stop idling, the process may be costing you money. When you leave a car running, it's essentially wasting gas by achieving zero miles per gallon. Even a few minutes of this each morning results in lower fuel economy, according to the Car Care Council. The organization also reported that idling contributed to wear and tear on a vehicle, which in turn led to more frequent servicing and costly repairs. 

3. It's not helping anyway
You may think that idling is a necessary evil. Sure, it can be harmful, but is it justified because the engine needs to be warmed up? The answer is no. While older vehicles that featured carburetors needed the time to warm up, more recent models do not. In fact, according to the Environmental Defense Fund, the best way to get cars ready for the road is just to drive them. If you start out gently on the roads and clear off your windows so they don't take as long to defrost, you'll be in good shape. 

If you're ready to get rid of an ancient car that has a carburetor and requires time to warm up, head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. This lot is home to hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans. While these options are not brand new, they still offer high quality and great features, ensuring they're ready to handle the cold weather without an extensive warm-up time. 

3 Ways To Be Smart When Used Car Shopping

Drivers need to be smart when they're shopping around for used cars. With so many different factors to consider and numbers constantly flying around, it's easy to get overwhelmed or have details lost in the shuffle. You can avoid this by keeping your eyes on the end prize and remembering these three key concepts. 

1. Get a vehicle history report
The first thing you need to do when considering a used car is obtain a vehicle history report. This will outline any past repairs or servicing a vehicle has received. It also provides insight into potential dangers. For example, you'll know if a car is running with replacement parts or when you should expect to have some kind of care needed. It'll alert you to any past damage they may inhibit performance as well. In addition to this report, ask a trusted, knowledgeable friend or professional to check the car over. They may notice something the vehicle history doesn't cover. 

2. Focus on the big picture
When you're analyzing your budget, it helps to look beyond monthly payments. Business Insider reported that it's a common sales tactic to zero in on what a used car will cost per month. However, this strategy leaves plenty of room for hidden fees, high interest rates and other budget-busting expenses to rear their ugly heads down the road. Make sure you're taking the time to look at the bottom line. This includes all of the loans you need to take on, along with insurance costs, fuel expenses and any maintenance you may need. 

3. Finalize all financing 
Auto financing can be incredibly complicated. That's why it's necessary to find a dealership you trust. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, you start by browsing through hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans. Then, you can reach out to the on-site financing department for help. The experts there offer guaranteed credit approval and are able to quickly get you behind the wheel of the ride you want. They work fast, so you'll be able to secure the auto loans and finalize plans before driving off the lot. With no nasty surprises in the pipeline, you can rest easy and put all of your attention on your new ride. 

Car Prices Remain High, But Buyers Have Options

New cars are ordinarily expensive, but recent trends have sent prices surging beyond what is normally expected. While this may seem irrelevant for people shopping for used cars, it's still important for drivers to know, as many of the financial aspects are tied together. 

In December 2014, the average cost of brand new car models continued to rise, according to a report from Requisite Press, LLC. The data indicated that a combination of consumer confidence, low gas prices and many credit options led to climbing price of new cars. 

Prices go up in December
According to the NADA Used Car Guide, the high cost of new vehicles is beginning to affect the used car market as well. A surge of quality trade-ins, which are being sent to used car lots as owners purchase new models, has raised the average price of these pre-owned vehicles. 

"For the first time in 20 years, wholesale auction prices of used vehicles actually increased during December," said Jonathan Banks, an executive analyst for NADA Used Car Guide. "The 0.3 percent increase during the month is significant … since the average price for December the last 10 years has seen a 1.4 percent drop." 

Although the month of December saw prices grow, there are many opportunities at the beginning of 2015 for drivers to save, Requisite Press, LLC reported. An increasing supply of used cars, as well as more subprime loan offers, should help to get drivers behind the wheel of a vehicle they want. 

What you can do
The good news for drivers is that they don't have to place excessive limitations on themselves when they shop for used cars just because of high prices. USA Today noted that high demand is raising many expenses related to these pre-owned vehicles, but the sheer number of used cars on the market should keep prices in check. The NADA Used Car Guide reported that the low cost of fuel and upcoming tax refund checks will likely make a purchase more attainable. 

Those who are smart enough to go to a facility like NJ State Auto Auction can capitalize on lower prices and affordable financing options. With the help of an in-house financing department, drivers can get guaranteed credit approval, allowing them to purchase the car they want without throwing off their entire budget. 

Car Buyers Still Focus On Fuel Efficiency

What do you think of when you imagine your dream car? For some, the thoughts may revolve around slick exteriors, revving engines and bold colors. Other drivers may have some simpler ideas that focus more on affordability and reliability. No matter what you think, there's one common theme that's probably not present: stopping at gas stations. Interrupting the smooth sailing of the open road to spend money on fuel isn't a fun experience, which is why many drivers are opting for models that boast impressive fuel efficiency. 

Fuel efficiency plays a role
A recent study from J.D. Power detailed the factors that drivers consider as they look for cars. Among the most important aspects is fuel efficiency. In fact, gas mileage is the second-most popular reason drivers reject a possible purchase and is the deciding factor for about 14 percent of final decisions. 

Lower gas prices may encourage some people to look at larger vehicles that need a little more fuel to run, but for many drivers, it's only a short-term solution. Although the average price of a gallon of gas in the U.S. is down to $2.13, the potential savings aren't enough to get motorists to take a leap of faith. 

"Consumers know that, although gas prices are low today, the cost of fuel will likely increase during the time they own their vehicle," said Arianne Walker, senior director, automotive media and marketing at J.D. Power. "Clearly, consumers are considering the total cost of ownership when selecting their new vehicle." 

Price still reigns supreme
Ultimately, the majority of drivers still make the decision based on the price of a vehicle. But sticking to a budget doesn't have to mean sacrificing quality. At NJ State Auto Auction, shoppers can browse through hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans until they find one that tickles their fancy. Then they can embark on the buying process in whatever way they want, whether it involves bidding for the vehicle or making an immediate offer to drive the car right off the lot. 

The team at NJ State Auto knows that budgets matter. That's why interested buyers can receive help from the on-site financing department. These experts can get you same-day, guaranteed credit approval, allowing you to quickly get behind the wheel of your ride without coughing up a ton of cash.