Monthly Archives: January 2015

Parents Must Be Role Models For Young Drivers

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Posted in General Auto News

Teens may be enrolled in driver's education classes, but the bulk of what they learn about the roads stems from their parents. Whether they're picking up on what to do at busy interactions or getting a master class in road rage, these young people are frequently exposed to good and bad driving habits. This heavily influences the type of motorist they become in the future, so adults should be aware of how they're behaving. 

Parents influence teens
One recent study from Goodyear focused on how the parents of young drivers view themselves on the roads. According to the survey, more than half of adults know their kids are paying attention to how they act, and more than one-third admit that their habits directly influence children's attitude behind the wheel. 

For the most part, parents believe their children see them as good drivers. But that's in spite of the fact that nearly half have gotten a speeding ticket while a child was in the car, and more than one quarter admit to engaging in some bad habits as they drive. If adults want to be good role models for teen drivers, they'll have to start cleaning up their act. 

"It is clear the role of parents starts very early," said Eszter Salamon, president of the European Parents Association. "They are role models for the children. They drive behavior, and their behavior on the road as drivers, cyclists or pedestrians has an influence."

Safety first 
Parents of young drivers don't have it easy. They have to balance safety and a budget – something that can be incredibly difficult when inexperienced drivers are involved. Not only do you want to make sure these motorists are protected with all of the top technologies and safety features, but you also must guarantee you're not sinking too much into an investment.

According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, drivers ages 16 to 19 are almost three times more likely to be involved in an accident than their more experienced counterparts. Even if these collisions are light fender benders, they could still result in repairs that are both time consuming and expensive. Rather than get involved in a tangle of maintenance bills and sky-high insurance premiums, search for a great used car at New Jersey State Auto Auction. This lot is loaded with Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans, most of which offer the right balance of quality and price that you're looking for. 

What Cars Inspire Driver Loyalty?

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Posted in Auto Industry News

When you find a car you love, it's tough to give it up. But once the engine sputters out and the ignition no longer responds, you have to move on. The question is: What type of vehicle do you look at next? If you really loved one of your previous cars, you may find yourself gravitating toward that make or model. That customer loyalty is a phenomenon was recently studied by IHS Automotive. 

Popular brands breed loyal customers
The organization analyzed data regarding vehicle registrations, tracking how many drivers stuck with the same automaker or model when making a switch. Ford was named the brand with the most loyal customers, as it had the highest percentage of drivers stick with its vehicles year after year. 

Ford's win is especially impressive when considering the individual segment winners. While the automaker may not have had any models excel in this area, its customers were among the most loyal to certain makes, meaning that they like to stick with what they know. 

Models that stand out 
A few models managed to earn accolades for inspiring driver loyalty. For instance, people who drove a Honda Accord often stayed behind the wheel of this sedan – in fact, it was recognized as having the highest model loyalty among midsize cars. This is the second year in a row the Accord has claimed this honor. 

"Customer loyalty is one of the key measurements of product excellence and customer satisfaction," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "This recognition from IHS Automotive in the hyper-competitive mid-size segment is further proof that Accord continues to check all the boxes for the American car buyer." 

Other models that made a splash in their respective segments included the Chevrolet Silverado, Kia Soul, Chrysler Town & Country, Toyota Tacoma and the Dodge Challenger. 

Finding a happy medium
You may want to stay behind the wheel of a certain car, but because of budgets and other factors, it's not always easy. But NJ State Auto Auction is dedicated to helping drivers get the used cars they want. Not only can you browse through hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, but you are also able to receive help from the financing department, which could assist you in securing the model you want. 

When Is It Time To Move On From A Used Car?

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Posted in General Auto News

Once you've invested money into a used car and begin driving it every day, it's easy to get attached. But when the miles add up and standard maintenance issues start getting costly, it may be time to think about moving on from the comfort of an old vehicle and purchasing one that has more of a future. This isn't an easy decision to make. However, it's one that is often necessary for safety and practical reasons. 

When to end the relationship
So you've been driving the same car for years and years, and you have a feeling it's nearing the end of its life. How can you be sure? There's no foolproof way know when a car has reached the end – unless it's dead in your driveway, of course – so you'll have to use your best judgment. 

Start by researching the average depreciation and resale value of your ride. Finding out how much your car is currently worth is the first step toward realizing if you're spending too much on fuel, repairs, insurance and other expenses. Most cars hold value until they near the 200,000-mile mark, but collisions and similar problems over the course of a vehicle's life can decrease this number. 

Be sure to take a clear look at what maintenance is costing you. If you're spending hundreds of dollars on quick-fix repairs to keep the car on the road, you may be wasting money. In fact, those funds could be better spent as a down payment on another ride that will last you much longer than what's currently in your driveway. 

Moving on with used cars
When you've finally come to terms with the fact that it's time to upgrade your ride, it's important to turn to the right place for help. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, you can browse through hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans, allowing you to find the right replacement at an affordable price. With many options for financing as well, it's easy to get behind the wheel of the vehicle you want quickly and affordably. 

Whether you want to take your time with the car-buying process or are eager to get back on the road, you can find the right course of action at NJ State Auto. Let our team of professionals help you select a high-quality used car. 

New Year’s Resolutions: Credit Edition

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

Now that 2015 is upon us, people all over the country are doing their best to stick to their New Year's resolutions. Among the most popular goals is getting finances in order, which often includes getting out from under credit card debt or improving credit history. Although this is an uphill battle, it's certainly not impossible, and smart borrowers can take a lot of little steps that will pay off in the long run. 

If you've decided to spend the next 12 months focusing on your credit and spending, you don't have to make any dramatic changes to your lifestyle. Here are a few small ways you can achieve your financial resolutions this year. 

Change your spending habits
It all starts by creating a budget and sticking to it. Make sure you're setting aside a certain amount of money for savings each month while still paying off loans and current bills. Don't underestimate your typical spending when putting the budget plan together. Instead, overestimate and then put any leftover funds toward a savings account. 

Focus on high interest rates
When you're paying off loans, you've got to spread the love. However, you should be focusing on debts with high interest rates. Prolonging this repayment will only cost you more in the long run. Additionally, if you know a certain credit card is charging you obscenely high rates, consider shopping around for another option or drastically limiting spending on that card to reduce the amount you're paying in interest. 

Consider refinancing if necessary
The New York Post reported that people should have a plan for paying debts as soon as possible. That may include refinancing or even consolidating loans. Although that may seem like an extreme measure, it could be a smart choice for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed by debt. With the help of a professional or smart advisor, getting out of debt may be more manageable. 

Plan for future purchases
Do you have a feeling you're going to need a car in the near future? Bad credit doesn't have to inhibit you from buying a used car soon. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, drivers are guaranteed credit approval and can take advantage of guidance from a fully staffed team of experts in the financing department. The entire auto auction process allows you to limit your spending and find great deals on used cars. 

How To Avoid The Worst Tri-State Area Traffic

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Posted in How To

Drivers in the tri-state area are no strangers to heavy traffic. Whether you're trying to get in or out of New York City, fighting out-of-towners on the turnpike or battling summer beachgoers by the shore, you know what it's like to wait behind a line of other idling cars. No one likes this obstacle, as it adds a lot of time to a commute and can put drivers at risk for collisions. 

What drivers need to know
TomTom recently released a study on traffic congestion throughout the U.S. Most of the worst examples of these vehicular back-ups occur during the afternoon rush hour. In fact, the report found that commuters spent so much time stuck in traffic in 2014 that they could have traveled to the moon and back as many as 2.5 times. And that only counts congestion from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. – meaning the real figures are much more significant. 

Avoiding annoying traffic
So you want to bypass the worst of the traffic – now what? TomTom noted that people in the New York area may want to use a few pieces of knowledge to their advantage. For starters, people leaving the city may want to avoid leaving on the hour, such as at 4 p.m. or 5 p.m., in favor of departing at the 30- or 45-minute mark. The report stated that leaving at these times, whether it's 5:30 p.m., 5:45 p.m. or 4:45 p.m., can take as much as 25 minutes off of your travel time. Conversely, people who leave at 5 p.m. on the dot may find that an hour-long commute doubles to nearly two hours. 

How to save money and time
You can take advantage of every driving trick in the book, but odds are you're still going to end up stuck in traffic – at least periodically. This doesn't have to be the end of the world. People who are behind the wheel of reliable, efficient vehicles can rest assured that they – and their wallets – are protected on the roads. A good car will be fuel efficient, so it doesn't waste too much gas idling. 

If you don't trust your current ride in traffic, don't waste time and head over to NJ State Auto Auction. There you can browse through hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans to find a vehicle that meets all of your needs. Not only can these automobiles handle traffic smoothly, but they can also save you gas money in the long run. 

4 Ways To Repair Your Credit

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

Once you’ve checked your credit score, you may be reeling from the subpar results. If your rating is lower than you expected, don’t stress, as there are ways to improve your credit history and put yourself in a better position to secure loans.

An acceptable credit score is essential for people who want to shop used cars. You’ll likely need some kind of auto financing to complete the purchase, and you want to be in a position to get the best interest rates and credit options possible. When you’re getting ready to buy a used car, make sure you’re taking advantage of a few credit best practices to improve your personal score. 

1. Pay on time 
Even payments that are only a few days late will negatively impact your credit score. Do your best to pay every bill on time. Some people like to set up automatic payments or reminders, both of which can be helpful to absentminded borrowers. Form a routine where you pay consistently to prove you are a reliable client. 

2. Go above the minimum
Making only minimum payments is a surefire way to remain in debt. Not only will you wind up owing money for years on end, but you’ll also have to pay more on interest rates and remain stagnant with your credit score. Whenever possible, pay more than what’s required, and if you find yourself with some extra cash, don’t hesitate to make a lump payment that relieves some of your debt. 

3. Seek help if needed 
There’s no shame in needing a bit of help to sort through your credit. Special counselors are available to provide insight and guidance to borrowers in tough situations. People can also reach out to the creditors themselves to explore their options. New repayment plans or potentially even some late-payment forgiveness could do wonders for your credit score. 

4. Be smart about big purchases
The whole reason you may have checked your credit score is in preparation of buying something big. However, if your history is really that poor, you may want to wait until you improve your payment habits. Older credit problems, such as missed or late payments, count for less, but you need to have a good track record since then. 

Sometimes your purchases just can’t wait. When that’s the case, New Jersey State Auto Auction is here to help. The auction lot has a financing department that offers guaranteed credit approval and is accustomed to dealing with drivers who may have a not-so-perfect credit history. Let this team of experts help you get behind a quality used car quickly and affordably. 

Should You Check Your Credit Before Buying A Car?

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

When you're gearing up to buy a used car, you face a lot of tough decisions. Not only do you have to crunch the numbers to figure out what your budget is and what type of loan you can repay, but you're also required to sort through many choices regarding your personal taste and preferred aesthetic.

While choosing a color for your future car may be easy, the rest of the budgeting isn't. That's why you need to arm yourself with plenty of knowledge before going to the car lot. For many, this starts with knowing their credit score – but is that where you should begin your car-buying journey as well? 

The answer is simple … 
Should you check your credit score before heading to a used car dealership? The short answer: Yes. The longer answer: Yes, but it's more complicated than that. Simply learning what these three digits are isn't going to change much – how you respond to the figure will. For instance, you can begin researching the type of loans people with your credit score often receive. You should also be combing through the material in search of easy ways you can improve, such as increasing the balance you pay on a certain monthly bill. 

Many people are ignorant about their credit scores simply because trying to find out this number can be confusing. Luckily, there are many resources available today that give you access to your score. The Fair Credit Reporting Act decreed that every person is entitled to one free credit report each year, so you can head to an official website, answer some personal questions and then receive your information. Make sure you print out the report so you can refer back to the information. 

… But the next step is not 
Checking your credit score is a necessary step, but you'll still have a lot of decisions to make after it. Rather than letting your hard work get lost in the shuffle, let the financing department at New Jersey State Auto Auction help you out. This crew is ready and able to provide you with advice and guidance as you browse the lot's used cars. And with guaranteed credit approval, you can be sure you're in a position to get behind the wheel sooner rather than later. 

How To Care For A Car In Winter

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Posted in How To

Winter has finally arrived in full force. With low temperatures, snow flurries and icy roads on the horizon for the next few months, drivers have to become accustomed to dealing with these conditions and all of their side effects. The first step toward a successful season of driving is knowledge: Motorists need to know what to expect in the coming months and how to put themselves in the best position to stay safe. 

Know the effects of the cold
The first thing drivers should be aware of is how winter weather will impact their vehicle. For instance, many may know that tire pressure varies wildly when there's fluctuating temperatures, but fewer make a point to switch to low-viscosity winter oil to protect their engine from the effects of the cold. Having a clear idea of the benefits of preventative maintenance and winter updates will allow you to make smart, informed decisions that ultimately protect yourself and others. 

"Sub-zero temperatures can have a real impact on your vehicle," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "Winter magnifies existing problems such as pings, hard starts, sluggish performance and rough idling, and very cold temperatures reduce battery power." 

Keep a full tank – sort of
Stopping to get gas when it's cold outside can be a real nuisance. In New Jersey, drivers are helped by full service stations, but anyone who frequently travels to New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania or another nearby state knows that having someone pump your gas is a special luxury. Don't let it go to waste, and instead make sure you're filling up your fuel regularly. When the tank is about half full – at least – it decreases the risk of freezing gas lines and other problems. Having a full tank also puts you in a better position to deal with slow-moving traffic on the roads or wait out surprise harsh weather. 

Trust your car
When you need your car to get you from one place to another in inclement weather, you need to trust it can do its job. That all starts with having a quality used car. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, you can find an automobile that meets all of your needs without draining your wallet. You can browse through hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans to find one capable of carrying you throughout winter.

How To Get Low Loan Interest Rates

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

Used cars offer a lot of perks for drivers, but one of the biggest is affordability. However, the bottom line can creep higher and higher if you find yourself stuck paying off an auto loan with a high interest rate. To avoid this, most people try to get the lowest rates possible – but figuring out how to accomplish this can be tough. You should keep a few tips in mind as you mull over your loan options. 

Check your credit 
The first thing you should do when considering auto financing is learn your credit score. This is going to impact many aspects of your loan – including the interest rate – so it's in your best interest to know what it says. Looking at the report ahead of time also gives you the chance to scope out any errors. 

If there are any glaring problems or red flags on your credit report, do your best to have proof of improvement on hand when you discuss options with a financing department. You can also conduct some prior research to familiarize yourself with what to expect. 

Take a look at loan length
You probably have a few ideas in mind regarding the type of loan you're looking for. Some people want shorter loans to get the debt over with as soon as possible, while others might want longer terms that allow for lower monthly payments. If your priority is low interest rates, however, you may want to give shorter loans a second look. Cars.com reported that longer loans tend to have higher interest, so choosing the shortest length you're comfortable with may be beneficial. 

Find relief in your budget
A higher interest rate than you were hoping for isn't the end of the world. If you think it'll strain your budget, look around for other areas where you can save. For instance, an auto auction gives you a chance to bid on the used car of your choice, allowing you to save on the sale price of a vehicle and potentially decrease your bottom line. 

Use a trusted company
The company you secure financing from should be one you can trust. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, we know that buying a used car is a big commitment that can get confusing. That's why we have our financing department on site, ready to help you complete the necessary paperwork and get credit approval quickly. 

5 Things To Check In A Used Car

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Posted in General Auto News

As you hunt high and low for the best used cars, you're going to have to keep track of a lot of tiny details. Everything from preferred car color to mileage to sticker price has to be meticulously organized and accounted for in a budget, and that takes a lot of effort. In fact, it may even distract you from focusing on some other important aspects of the used cars. 

The next time you're looking at a used car, make sure you're paying attention to these five aspects of the vehicle. Each one can have a major impact on your auto-related decisions. 

1. Recall history 
Checking out the recall history of a used car is more cautionary than anything. Some vehicles may have a clean record, but if there's any that have been involved in a recall, you need to ensure they've had the necessary repairs. A thorough vehicle history report or repair summary should have these details. 

2. Driver complaints 
As you're looking up details of certain makes and models, take the time to examine any documented driver complaints. If you know what other drivers noticed during their time behind the wheel, you'll be in a better position to evaluate performance, judge a test drive and even negotiate a price. 

3. Strange smells 
Your test drive will likely involve getting comfortable in the driver's seat and evaluating the car's road performance. However, that's not all you need to look at. Take note of any strange odors in the car itself. Consumer Reports noted that musty smells may indicate that there was a leak or water problem, while other scents could be a sign that a previous owner was a smoker. 

4. Maintenance costs 
It's relatively easy to look up the average maintenance costs for certain brands or models. Although some of these expenses might not come into play, it's best to know ahead of time what you can expect so you can factor it into your budget. 

5. Average expenses 
Maintenance or repair costs can vary based on many factors, but other expenses will stay relatively flat throughout your time as a car owner. It's best to work out these costs before you buy. Take the time to determine what your hypothetical monthly payments would be for insurance, loans and fuel. This allows you to work out a budget and figure out what you'd be willing to bid at a facility like NJ State Auto Auction. With so many quality used cars on this lot, it's easy to find a car, truck or van that meets all of your needs.