When a couple is thinking about purchasing a used car, they may find the process to be even more complicated than it is for an individual. Not only do they need to worry about the needs and desires of two drivers, but they may also encounter a power struggle. A recent survey conducted for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers found that most men and women believe they hold all the cards when it comes to the making decisions about a car purchase.

Approximately 72 percent of men and 60 percent of women felt they had the most influence over the car-buying process. The balance of power varied when it came to different decisions, as 85 percent of men felt they were in a better position to choose the engine and powertrain options, compared to only 47 percent of women.

The survey found there are differences between what men and women want in cars, as 55 percent of all respondents felt women were more likely to purchase navigation systems than men.

“One of our industry’s most daunting tasks is meeting the needs of such a wide range of consumers,” said Mitch Bainwol, president and CEO of Alliance. “And this research shows why that can be such a complex process – there are a lot of different voices in so many households. But what’s especially impressive about this data is that it shows what a strong role women play in so many purchases.”

Whether couples looking to buy a car are struggling to reach a decision or they know exactly what they want, they will find plenty of makes and models to choose from at New Jersey State Auto Auction. Plus, every model on the lot is CARFAX certified, so no matter who has the final say, they will drive off in a reliable ride.

After you have done your research and chosen a handful of used cars that you’re interested in, the next step is to visit a dealership and check them out. You’ll need to do a few things before you start the car buying process. Taking the time to assess each vehicle will not only ensure you buy a ride you like, but it can also save you from winding up with a lemon.

1. Test drive each car
The best way to know for sure if a certain vehicle is right for you is to take it for a spin. When you go out for a test drive, don’t just circle the block a few times. Take the car out on a highway and test it out in various conditions to really get a feel for how it handles. Pay attention to how it responds when you take turns, accelerate and brake. Remember, you’re going to be driving this car for at least a few years, so it is important you are comfortable.

2. Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle
Once you’ve decided on a particular model, have an independent mechanic inspect it. This will usually cost between $75 and $150, but the professional can spot any issues you might not notice, such as signs of flood damage or major repairs that have been performed on a vehicle. The dealer may offer to make repairs or replace parts before you buy, so you won’t incur the cost.

3. Negotiate pricing
Remember the research you did earlier? Now is the time to use that information. Sites like Kelley Blue Book and Consumer Reports can help you determine the average selling price of the car you want, based on its current condition. When you are well informed, you’re less likely to pay too much for a used car.

New Jersey Auto Auction is a good place to find the car you want, as every model on the lot is CARFAX certified, so drivers know they’ll be getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride. 

If you’re getting ready to buy a used car, there are a few steps you should take before you start negotiating with a dealer. Spending some time researching different choices and deciding which aspects are most important to you can better your odds of finding a vehicle that you’ll enjoy driving for years to come. Here are a few suggestions for beginning your search for the perfect used vehicle.

1. Decide what you want in a car
The first thing you should think about is what you want in a vehicle. Focus on major features like fuel efficiency and safety, and leave smaller details like infotainment systems and sun roofs for when you have narrowed down your selection. Some elements you will want to consider are vehicle size, reliability, overall cost of ownership, safety ratings and price.

2. Start researching your options
When you have found a handful of vehicles that fit your requirements for the aforementioned features, it is time to look more closely at these cars. Researching reviews from other drivers can help you determine what they have paid as well as their opinions about how a particular model handles. Top safety ratings and a low price won’t mean much if you don’t feel comfortable behind the wheel of the car.

3. Consider the fun features
The first two steps will help you eliminate a number of vehicles, but when you’re left with around five choices you can start looking at the design and additional features of each model. At this point, whichever model you choose will still have all the important aspects you wanted, so you can be particular about the layout of the dashboard or the color selections.

Sometimes it is best to see the vehicles in person, and you can find a variety of makes and models at NJ State Auto Auction. Every model on the lot is CARFAX certified, so no matter which you choose, you’ll be driving away in a reliable ride.

Many cities and towns across the country have adopted the use of security cameras to crack down on moving violations at dangerous intersections – running red lights, in particular. Not only do these cameras catch drivers in the act if they blow through a red light, but they can also work to prevent people from doing so in the first place, which is helping to make the roads safer. 

In order to determine just how effective red light cameras have been, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently examined data involving the rate of red light-running in Arlington, Virginia. In June 2010, cameras were installed at four major intersections throughout the city. IIHS researchers recorded these intersections and tracked when and how often drivers ran red lights.

After a year, the researchers found that the number of violations dropped significantly, and the reductions increased for violations that occurred later into the red light. Those that occurred at least 0.5 seconds after the light turned red dropped 39 percent, and the odds of someone running a red light at least 1.5 seconds after it changed declined 86 percent. 

“What these numbers show is that those violations most likely to lead to a crash are reduced the most,” said Anne McCartt, senior vice president for research at IIHS. “The longer the light has been red when a violator enters an intersection, the more likely the driver is to encounter a vehicle traveling in another direction or a pedestrian.”

Drivers who want to stay safe on the road can find a reliable used car at New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide selection of makes and models to choose from, vehicle shoppers are sure to find what they’re looking for. Plus, every model is CARFAX certified, so they will know they’re getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride.

It is no secret that using a phone while driving is one of the major distractions behind the wheel, but plenty of motorists are still using their devices when they’re operating vehicles, according to a recent survey from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Even though the majority of those surveyed said they think other drivers using phones threaten their own safety, 69 percent of these same individuals admitted to using their phones while driving in the past month.

“Ninety percent of respondents believe that distracted driving is a somewhat or much bigger problem today than it was three years ago, yet they themselves continue to engage in the same activities,” said Peter Kissinger, president and CEO of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “More work clearly is needed to educate motorists on the risks associated with using a cell phone while driving, especially given that most Americans believe this problem is getting worse.”

What’s worse is these same individuals are also more likely to do other dangerous things in their cars, including speeding (65 percent), texting (53 percent), driving while drowsy (44 percent) and not wearing a seatbelt (29 percent). On the other hand, drivers who abstained from using their phones behind the wheel were far less likely to engage in other risky behaviors. Only 31 percent said they had speeded in the past month, 16 percent didn’t wear seatbelts, 14 percent drove while drowsy and a mere 3 percent said they sent a text while driving.

Drivers looking to stay safe on the road can find reliable rides at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer has a variety of used makes and models, and every car on the lot has been CARFAX certified, letting car shoppers rest easy knowing they’re getting behind the wheel of a safe ride.

It can be difficult to choose the best car, especially when you’re on a tight budget. There are plenty of used models available that provide everything from fuel efficiency and safety to fun features and luxury, and you may even be able to find certain rides for less than you think. Here are a few options that offer versatility, reliability and quality that won’t cost more than $10,000.

Luxury for less
Just because you have a budget, doesn’t mean luxury models are out of the question. You may not be able to find a 2011 Audi A4 for less than $10,000, but you can check out the BMW 3 Series. From 1999 to 2006, this sedan was named to Car and Driver’s “10 Best” list, according to AOL Autos. Kelley Blue Book (KBB) indicates that a 2004 model in excellent condition will have an average retail price under $9,000.

Sports cars within reach
If you want nothing more than to get behind the wheel of a sporty ride, you have options. A 2006 Ford Mustang in pristine condition sells for just over $10,000, according to KBB, which means you might be able to find one that’s a bit more worn in for less. You can find sporty Volkswagen models, like the 2006 Jetta TDI, that sell for less than $10,000, as well as many other models that offer a bit more bang for your buck. 

If you are having a hard time deciding which model might be the best fit for you, you can head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has a wide selection of vehicles to choose from. You might see a car you like that you hadn’t found in your online research, and you can test drive it to make sure it’s a good fit. While it is still a good idea to research the model before you buy, you can rest easy knowing that every car at NJ Auto Auction is CARFAX certified.

Automotive engineers design cars, trucks and SUVs to be as safe as possible for drivers and passengers, but a recent study points out they may have left out one crucial factor. Car safety technology, such as airbags and seatbelts, are designed using the parameters of the “average” individual, which means that people who are overweight or underweight may not reap the same benefits as those who are closer to the average. 

A group of researchers examined data from the U.S. Fatality Analysis Reporting System from 1996 to 2008, searching through nearly 57,500 fatal traffic collisions for those that involved two vehicles and resulted in one or both drivers dying. In the 3,403 applicable accidents, roughly half the drivers were normal weight, one in three was considered overweight and 18 percent were obese. Obese drivers were more likely to die in these accidents than overweight and normal weight drivers, and this risk increased the more a driver weighed.

“The ability of passenger vehicles to protect overweight or obese occupants may have increasingly important public health implications, given the continuing obesity epidemic in the USA,” the study authors wrote. “… It may be the case that passenger vehicles are well-designed to protect normal weight vehicle occupants, but are deficient in protecting overweight or obese occupants.”

The researchers also indicated the underlying health problems that often accompany obesity may contribute to the increased risk, so the blame might not fall entirely on the design of the vehicles.

Drivers of all shapes and sizes looking to get behind the wheel of a safe, reliable ride can find what they’re looking for at New Jersey Auto Auction. The dealer carries a wide selection of makes and models, and every vehicle on the lot is CARFAX certified.

Winter is here, and many drivers have been warned to keep up with car maintenance in an effort to prepare for the frosty temperatures. However, it seems as though Mother Nature is putting some people in quite a predicament.

Reno news affiliate KOLO8 reports that some motorists are finding themselves stranded due to the cold weather. The news provider indicates that the Nevada Highway Patrol has experienced an influx of calls from drivers who were stranded on the road due to the chilly temperatures.

“In these bitterly cold mornings, it doesn’t take long for a motorist sitting in a vehicle that’s stranded – no heat no ability to stay warm-it doesn’t take long for that person to get cold,” Trooper Chuck Allen told the news provider.

Allen continued that it’s important people take their care in for regularmaintenance to lessen their chances of being stuck on the road. Some of the tips he suggested include making sure tires are properly inflated and examining the tire’s tread.

There are other ways that drivers can make sure they are prepared for the cold weather. Weather.com reports you’ll want to check your brakes, ignition and fan belts. You should also have a pair of jumper cables and tire chains stored in your vehiclein the event of a winter emergency.

Being prepared on the winter roads is key, but some people may not feel safe in their vehicles. Luckily, New Jersey State Auto Auction has a number of used cars available for people to choose from. This way, individuals who are in need of a new set of wheels will not be forced to break the bank, and they can feel better prepared to battle the winter roads in a reliable ride.