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Flying Cars Are No Longer a Science Fiction Pipedream

The Terrafugia Flying Car is not the first of its kind, but it is the first to approach the flying car from a different angle. Rather than creating a car that flies, the design team worked to make an airplane that can be driven on the street. This groundbreaking vehicle piqued more interest at the New York Auto Show than nearly every other vehicle on display. Crowds of people gathered around the sectioned-off area in the main hall of the Javits Center every hour to watch the three-minute demonstration of the vehicle's capabilities.

As the wings of the Terrafugia lowered and expanded, a process that takes under 45 seconds, the spokesperson explained that the car, while it is street-legal, cannot just take off from a stretch of highway. The vehicle, which qualifies as a Light Sport Aircraft can only leave the ground from an actual runway, and drivers will need to complete 20 hours of pilot training flight time to be licensed as Sport Pilots before they can take to the air.

Drivers won't need special fuel to operate the craft, as it runs on premium gasoline. The first production vehicle is slated to be delivered in the second half of 2012, and about 100 have already been reserved. With a starting price of $279,000, it's not likely the skies will look like a Jetsons cartoon anytime soon.

Until flying cars are the standard mode of transportation, drivers can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction for their next land-based ride. The dealer has a wide variety of used makes and models at affordable prices so you'll be sure to find the perfect vehicle to tide you over until you can fly to work.

Most car buyers factor gas prices in their decision

Many people have speculated that high gas prices are having a significant impact on which cars consumers are buying, and results of a recent survey show just how true that assumption is. Research from Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com found 66 percent of new car shoppers in the first quarter of 2012 thought about buying a different car due to the price of gas.

The findings should not be that surprising. The same survey found that in just a span of a few months, consumer's attitudes toward gas prices worsened significantly. In the fourth quarter of 2011, around 46 percent of respondents expected gas prices to rise in the next 30 days. In the first quarter of 2012, that number rose to 76 percent. Though it seems like a dire situation, the fact that cars are getting better gas mileage than ever before may lessen the blow.

"The reality of today's economy means that many shoppers are factoring in fuel efficiency and gas prices toward the top of things they consider when choosing their next new car,"  said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for kbb.com. "Lucky for them, each year auto manufacturers work increasingly hard to improve fuel economy in their new models, with many gasoline-powered vehicles now achieving 40 mpg or higher."

In addition to looking toward a fuel-efficient new vehicle, some consumers may want to help offset the high cost of fuel by purchasing a quality used car at New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models, including cars with high gas mileage, there is the perfect vehicle for everyone.

Ford to Change Mustang, Will Boomers Stand For It?

The Ford Mustang is one of the most iconic cars in the world, but for its 50th anniversary the classic vehicle may be getting a new look. The famous design that defined the car for decades may soon be a thing of the past, which could be a shock to the many baby boomers who grew up with the Mustang, The Wall Street Journal reports.

The automaker is expected to roll out the new-look Mustang in 2014, and analysts say they hope it will appeal to a younger demographic. Though the company risks alienating the segment of the population that made the car what it is today, experts say it's a smart move on the part of Ford.

"The main goal that all automobile companies need to be successful at is, let's prepare vehicles that the next generation will want to be in, but have all the other features that will still appeal to the older generation as well," analyst Alexander Edwards told the newspaper.

Details are scarce about what the Mustang will look like, but early reports suggest it could more closely resemble a hybrid between the popular Ford Fusion and an Aston Martin. Though the look would change a bit, it will still retain the Mustangs iconic shark-nosed grille and round headlights, according to WSJ.

The Mustang is not the only car to get a fresh look in the last several years. The Volkswagen Beetle, Dodge Charger and Chevrolet Camaro have all received upgrades. As a result, drivers may have to turn to pre-owned vehicles as a way to get behind the wheel of more classic-look cars. New Jersey State Auto Auction has plenty of makes and models so consumers can find the exact vehicle they're looking for.

KBB: Prius c This Year’s Greenest Car

Whether it be due to the rising cost of gas or a desire to be more environmentally friendly, many drivers are looking for the most eco-conscious cars on the road. With that in mind, Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com recently released its picks for the best green cars of the year, and there are some very familiar names.

"With the rollercoaster of gas prices affecting consumer buying habits and pressure from the government to produce more environmentally friendly new-vehicle fleets, auto manufacturers are responding with more robust offerings in the 'green car' segment than ever before," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for kbb.com.

At the top of the list is the Toyota Prius c. The Prius has long been one of the greenest cars around, but this newer version of the popular sedan is the smallest of the family. According to kbb.com, the Prius c offers drivers an impressive 53 miles per gallon in the city. It also provides ample storage room, which makes it practical as well as eco-friendly.

Along with the Prius, the relatively new Nissan Leaf made the list as well. The much ballyhooed electric vehicle may not have enjoyed the sales it originally anticipated in 2011, but that doesn't make it any less fuel-efficient. The website says the Leaf can get 100 miles per charge and it is also made from recycled material. Other cars that made the cut were the Hyundai Elantra, Mitsubishi i and Chevrolet Malibu Eco.

Any motorists in the market for a more fuel-efficient car should head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. Thanks to a wide variety of makes and models, drivers will be able to find whatever car or SUV they're in the market for.

NADA: New Regulations Could Mean High Prices

One of the central tenets of the Obama administration's plan for lowering fuel costs and limiting gas consumption is a mandate that would require all automakers to provide more fleets with higher gas mileage. Though it might seem like a smart plan, experts say it could result in expensive cars that drive consumers away.

The study, from the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), found the mandate could raise the average price of cars and light trucks by as much as $3,000 by 2025. Though the more expensive vehicles may help consumers save money on gas, some experts say it's not enough to justify the increase in initial costs. Some dealers also warn that more expensive cars may make banks less likely to approve drivers for auto loans.

"To work, fuel economy improvements must be affordable," industry insider Don Chalmers said at a recent press briefing. "While you can mandate what automakers must build, you can’t dictate what customers will buy, nor can you dictate if a bank will make a loan."

As a result of the increased prices, NADA believes the mandate could result in 7 million drivers being shut out of the new vehicle market. According to The New York Times, the mandate, which was made in 2010, requires all automakers to create new cars that have an average of 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016.

While the prices of new cars may be rising due to new standards, there are still many fuel-efficient used vehicles available at New Jersey State Auto Auction. Whether you're looking for a compact used Ford or a pre-owned SUV, NJ Auto has a wide variety of makes and models that will appeal to every driver.

Acura’s Avengers Vehicles Make Appearances in Hollywood and New York

Marvel Studios' latest production, The Avengers, recently premiered in Hollywood, and among the red carpet head turners was the arrival of Robert Downey Jr., who plays the affable billionaire genius-turned-hero Tony Stark. The actor showed up driving none other than Tony Stark's Acura NSX Roadster, which was designed specifically for the movie. A few of the other Avengers (Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner and Chris Hemsworth) also arrived to the premiere in Acuras. The silver screen car is dark mahogany and covered with chrome details that make it stand out in a crowd. This concept vehicle is a preliminary glimpse into the return of the NSX sports car, which has not been offered since 2005, but is due to return by 2015.

The NSX concept car, which debuted in Detroit a few months ago, also made an appearance at the New York Auto Show alongside the Avengers S.H.I.E.L.D. Acura MDX that was used in the movie. This SUV was specially-designed for the film, and its fictitious features included blue and red flashers in all the exterior lights, a night-vision HUD windshield, bulletproof tires, tinted radar-proof windows and a steering wheel with palm-scan ID. Acura placed the vehicle value at around $3.6 million, and also claimed it had a fuel economy of 302 MPG on the highway, which proved the vehicle was not actually available, despite a display that made it seem real to guests of the show.

While this highly-customized SUV will likely never exist in real life, car lovers can see it in action in the new Avengers movie, due to premiere nationwide on May 5. Those in the market for a tough SUV like the Acura MDX or a sportier model reminiscent of the NSX can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has a variety of used makes and models at affordable prices.

Many People Tailgate, Don’t Fess Up

Tailgaters are some of the most annoying drivers on the road, and while most people are probably guilty of the faux-pas sometimes, a recent survey from Michelin found they don't admit to it. Researchers discovered 74 percent of respondents said they were tailgated in the last six months, but only 11 percent admitted they themselves were guilty, according to USA Today.

The findings may seem funny at first, but the rest of the research revealed some startling facts. In addition to a finding a large amount of tailgating, Michelin also found it could be caused by the fact that people don't know how closely to follow other motorists. In fact, a whopping 47 percent are unaware of what the safe driving distance is.

For those who are unaware, most experts recommend the three-second rule for following the car in front of you. To check if you're the right distance away, pick a fixed point on the road ahead, and when the car in front of you passes it, you should pass it three seconds later.

It may seem like a rudimentary thing to remind people of, but tailgating can be the cause of some significant accidents. According to the Law Office of Michael Pines, a San Diego-based personal injury lawyer, tailgating is one of the leading causes of accidents they see behind the likes of speeding and distracted driving.

In addition to driving smartly, having a car that is up-to-date with its auto maintenance is key to being safe on the road. Anybody looking to get their car worked on should head to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center, which is home to a number of experienced and knowledgeable mechanics.

The 2013 SRT Viper Steals the Show in New York

Many cars made their North American and world debuts at the New York International Auto Show last week, but the SRT Viper stole the show. The 2013 SRT Viper is the first of its namesake to not bear the Dodge name, and its stunning design was more than enough to keep Auto Show guests mouths watering.

Designers created the car with functionality in the forefront, and also paid attention to subtle details, such as the menacing snake-like headlights and the muscled "hips" that stand out above the rear wheels. The car, much like Vipers of years past, features an extremely pronounced front-end with numerous air intake cut-outs. The roof bubbles over the driver's and passenger seats, which allows for racecar drivers wearing helmets to comfortably fit inside the decadent muscle car.

Under the hood, the SRT Viper is even more impressive than many may imagine. The 8.4-liter V10 engine that comes standard in this sporty car boasts 640 horsepower and 600 lb-ft. of torque, making it one of the most powerful vehicles in its class. It also features a revamped suspension to allow for better control.

The headlights feature low-profile LED dayrunners, and the turn signals mirror their shape across the top of the light. When the turn signals are used, they give the vehicle a devilish appearance similar to "angry eyebrows," one of the designers told CarBuzz. The rear lights are equally as eye-catching, and the recessed turning lights are nearly invisible, appearing black in the middle of the taillights when they're not in use instead of the typical amber associated with turn lights.

The new SRT Viper may not be in everyone's price range with an expected asking price of $100,000, but there are plenty of affordable used sports cars for the car enthusiast who is shopping on a budget. New Jersey State Auto Auction has a wide selection of makes and models from sports cars to more conservative vehicles.

Many Hybrid Drivers Go Back to Standard Gas Vehicles

Hybrid cars have been a popular choice for drivers looking to cut down on fuel costs, but results of a recent study show they may not be happy with their experience. According to the research group Polk, only about 35 percent of people who bought a hybrid car did so again for their next purchase.

The findings are bit surprising given that the number of hybrids has increased significantly over the last five years. And interestingly, when consumers went back to buy a new car, they chose a vehicle from the same brand as their hybrid, but simply switched the model. Specifically, 60 percent of Toyota hybrid owners went back to Toyota when they picked up a new vehicle.

Researchers believe the reason consumers are reticent to return to hybrid cars is that their high initial price may not pay off as much as drivers had hoped going in, and they think they could save money in other ways.

"The lineup of alternate drive vehicles and their premium price points just aren't appealing enough to consumers to give the segment the momentum it once anticipated, especially given the growing strength of fuel economy among compact and midsize competitors," said Lacey Plache, Edmunds.com chief economist.

Buying a standard vehicle that is fuel-efficient on its own and following some smart driving practices, like keeping your tires properly inflated and accelerating and braking slowly, may be effective means of improving mileage.

Whether you're looking to pick up a used hybrid or are simply hoping to purchase a more fuel-efficient model, New Jersey State Auto Auction will have the car for you. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, there is something for everyone.

KBB’s Most Comfortable Cars Under $30K

Whether you're taking an hours-long road trip or just driving down the street, comfort is important. As is the case with most cars, there are some models that simply offer a more comfortable ride than others, and according to Kelley Blue Book, some of the options that don't have to break the bank.

Though most people think they'll have to splurge to ride in the lap of luxury, that's not exactly the case. There are plenty of vehicles available that come in at under $30,000, and if you find a quality used car it may be even more affordable.

"With a multitude of Americans spending hours in their cars daily between work commutes, carpools and a host of other activities, comfort is king for many when choosing a new vehicle," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.

At the top of the list is the 2012 Chrysler 300. This powerful car not only looks the part, but comes complete with a number of attractive amenities as well. In addition to its spacious interior, the 300 has a 8.4-inch touchscreen and dual-zone auto climate control.

Along with the 300, the Volkswagen Passat has grown to be a comfortable, yet affordable car. The mid-size sedan makes the list because its is especially adept at absorbing bumps in the road, making for a smooth, easy ride.

Other cars that made the cut were the Subaru Legacy, Buick Regal and Chevrolet Cruze. Anybody looking to get behind the wheel of a comfortable pre-owned vehicle may want to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models to choose from, you'll certainly find the car you're looking for.