Automakers have been making a greater push to ensure their vehicles last longer. A result of this good quality has led to the prices of used cars to skyrocket, because many people chose to hold onto their vehicles longer. This trend caused a short supply in the used auto industry, adding to the value of previously owned models.

However, people who are in the market for a used car can rest a bit easier, as analysts are suggesting that prices are beginning to climb down. The Detroit Free Press reports that because there is a greater supplier of recently traded in vehicles, auto dealers have been able to slightly lower their prices.

The news provider reports that a recent analysis from Adesa Analytical Services shows that prices are down 2.1 percent from the previous year. Midsize SUVs saw the largest drop in price, according to the news provider, decreasing by 11.2 percent. This could be due in part to more people turning toward fuel efficient options.

Still, the source points out that the market is still far from being back at the prices they were before the recession.

Even if you're paying a higher price for a used car, Edmunds.com suggests you could still be saving money. For example, a used vehicle is cheaper to insure and may still be under warranty.

People who are in the market for a used car and are looking for affordable prices may want to consider checking out New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has a number of used cars of all different price points, so there is sure to be something for everyone.

Teens are the least experienced drivers on the road, and a new AAA study found their behavior tends to get even more reckless and dangerous if there are other youths in the car with them. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teens are four times as likely to get in accidents as their older peers.

The study found they are also more likely to speed, drive late at night and engage in other risky behaviors behind the wheel when there are teen passengers in their vehicles. The risk increases when more passengers are present. For example, when a teen drives alone, there is a 30 percent chance they will speed. Those odds jump to 44 percent when two passengers are present, and 48 percent if there are three or more other people in the car.

"Mixing young drivers with teen passengers can have dangerous consequences," said AAA President and CEO Robert Darbelnet. "AAA urges parents to set and consistently enforce family rules that limit newly licensed teens from driving with young passengers."

New Jersey has laws in place to keep teen drivers safe, as licensed drivers under 18 are not allowed to travel with more than one non-family member at a given time. However, teens are not always known for their ability to follow the rules, so it is up to parents to ensure their kids are observing safe driving practices and obeying the laws.

Parents can also help their kids find a safe and reliable vehicle at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The local dealer carries a wide selection of makes and models, and every car on the lot is CARFAX certified, so they can rest easy knowing their child is behind the wheel of a trustworthy ride.

It's not exactly a secret that cars need maintenance to continue running well as long as possible, and until pretty recently, most car owners had to keep track of tuneup schedules and mileage to know when to bring their vehicles to the shop for oil changes and other maintenance. However, technological advancements in recent years have led to cars that let their drivers know when it's time to visit the garage. Some models have offered this feature for many years, but now it is far more common across nearly all brands and trim levels.

"The advancements in modern maintenance reminder systems take the guesswork out of deciding when to take your vehicle in for service," said John Nielsen, AAA's Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. "The challenge now is educating consumers to trust that their vehicle will alert them when maintenance is needed."

A recent AAA survey revealed that of the 63 percent of car owners who have a maintenance repair alert system in their vehicles, only 51 percent rely on this service to determine when to get a tuneup or other maintenance. Whether a car is a bit older and its maintenance alert system is limited to a check engine light on the dashboard or it is a newer model that offers more specific information, drivers should not ignore these warnings. Delaying service could lead to extensive problems that will cost more to repair.

Drivers who live in the New York/New Jersey area can bring their cars to the Total Car Care Center at New Jersey State Auto Auction. This auto maintenance shop is open to the public, and the car repair experts here can address maintenance issues as well as pinpoint any issues that need to be taken care of, so drivers can keep their cars on the road as long as possible.

Fall is in full swing, and as temperatures continue to cool down, drivers should start thinking about preparing their rides for the icy cold months ahead. There are a few things every car owner should do to prepare for the changing of seasons, in order to help keep a vehicle running smoothly all year long. This ranges from getting a tuneup to changing the oil and waxing the exterior of the car.

"The winter driving season and harsh weather conditions can be particularly damaging to your vehicle, so it's important to start preparing your car against harmful elements in the fall before temperature really drop," said Mike Schultz, senior vice president of product development for Turtle Wax. "Early preparation can allow for cars to perform better during the hazardous driving conditions and is an all-around safer practice."

Drivers can conduct some maintenance at home, such as waxing the exterior to protect it from the dirt, debris, salt and other deicing products used on the roads in the winter. They can also inspect the various hoses and tubes for signs of damage or leaks. Parking the car on a level, clean surface overnight and then checking underneath can alert drivers if any fluids are leaking from their cars. It is also a good idea to inspect the car battery connections. If there are signs of corrosion, cleaning this off can help reduce the risk of a dead battery.

It is also important for drivers to have their vehicles inspected by trained professionals. The experts at New jersey State Auto Auctions' Total Car Care Center can perform a routine checkup to look for any issues that need to be addressed. They can also help with changing the oil, which should be done every few thousand miles regardless of the season.

As long as the proper steps are taken to ensure a vehicle is running smoothly, drivers can reduce the risk of encountering problems this winter. In turn, this can help them stay safer when the roads get icy.

General Motors recently announced that they would be discontinuing the use of front bench seats in its vehicles. The company's Chevrolet Impala was the last car in the U.S. to come with this option, but the next model will feature bucket seats instead. In fact, the bench made the Impala the only sedan sold in America that offers six-person seating, according to Forbes.

"There is a certain nostalgia for bench seats, like being able to snuggle up with your date at a drive-in movie, and some customers still like them," said GM's design director, Clay Dean. "You never know, we might see bench seats re-emerge someday, possibly even in small cars like the EN-V urban mobility concept vehicles, in which the feeling of open space may be very desirable."

Chevrolet told Forbes that the Impala's front bench seat, which has been an option on the brand's sedans since the first Chevy (the Series C Classic Six) rolled off the production line in 1911. Approximately 10 percent of Impala buyers these days opt for the feature, which is an added cost for new car buyers.

Those in the market for a used model may be able to find one with a bench seat already installed. New Jersey Auto Auction carries a wide variety of makes and models, so there's a good chance drivers will be able to find a care that suits their needs. The dealer also has guaranteed credit approval, thanks to partnerships with many major lenders.