Many newer cars come equipped with built-in navigation systems, and drivers of older models often keep a third-party GPS navigation system handy to help them get from place to place. A recent J.D. Power and Associates study found that more and more drivers are relying on their smartphones over the other options to provide them with directions. Approximately 46 percent of surveyed drivers indicated they would prefer an interface that integrates their phone navigation system with a centrally located screen in their vehicle.

"Manufacturers of navigation systems face a serious challenge, as smartphone navigation usage continues to rise and gains preference among vehicle owners," said Mike VanNieuwkuyk, executive director of global automotive for J.D. Power and Associates. "Free apps, up-to-date maps and a familiar interface allow for quicker routing and improved interaction, including better voice recognition."

Drivers who would prefer to use their smartphones may think they can only buy newer used cars that have connectivity options already built in, but they could soon have more options.

Technology company Delphi recently unveiled its new Connected Car devices at the 2013 CES convention in Las Vegas, according to AutoBlog. The device plugs into the on-board diagnostic system (OBDII) port in any car, integrates with the on-board computer and then gives the driver a few new options. After downloading the accompanying app, the driver's phone can act as a key fob, providing remote start, locking control and a panic button. This is the first step to giving drivers similar technology in older cars to that which is included in new models.

Shoppers in the market for used cars can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which carries a wide selection of makes and models. Every vehicle on the lot is CARFAX certified, so even if a car doesn't have a built-in infotainment system, drivers will know they're getting a reliable ride.

When you're looking to buy a used car, you probably already know that it's not going to be in perfect condition. However, what you might not consider is that there's a pretty good chance the used car has been in an accident. A recent CarGurus report found that about one in six used car listings (16 percent) in the U.S. had an accident on their vehicle history reports. This includes about 8 percent of newer models that were made between 2009 and 2011. An accident history can reduce the value of a car between 3 and 12 percent, so a lower price than you expect could be a red flag.

"There is great savings potential in buying a used car, but there's also the potential to get burned if you don't do your homework," said Langley Steinert, founder and CEO of CarGurus. "A minor accident or prior fleet ownership does not have to be a deal breaker, but it is information you absolutely need to know as you consider the purchase and the price."

You don't have to worry about buying a car with a mysterious background when you shop at New Jersey State Auto Auction. Every model on the lot comes with a CARFAX vehicle history report, so you will know right away if the auto you want has been in accidents in the past.

For added assurance, it can be a good idea to have an independent mechanic inspect the car you want before you buy. This typically costs between $75 and $150, and the expert may be able to spot an issue that you might overlook, such as a worn part that will soon need to be replaced. This can help you make a more informed decision, and it might even give you leverage when negotiating prices with the dealer.

Getting behind the wheel when you are feeling a bit sleepy may not seem like a major risk factor for car accidents, but drowsy driving is in fact a very dangerous behavior. According to AAA, operating a vehicle while feeling sleepy can have similar effects as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. It can slow your reaction time, and negatively impact your judgment and awareness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently surveyed more than 147,000 motorists about drowsy driving. The results revealed a few factors that could be connected with this risky issue.

First of all, 4.2 percent of the participants admitted they had fallen asleep while driving in the past month. This was found to be more prevalent among men than women, but there were other circumstances that contributed to drowsy driving as well. Self-reported snoring and getting less than six hours of sleep at night were both linked to dozing off while driving.

"Drowsy driving is a serious risk to personal health and public safety, and snoring is an important warning sign that should not be ignored," said Dr. Sam Fleishman, president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, according to SleepEducation.com. "Loud and frequent snoring is a common symptom of obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep illness that causes excessive daytime sleepiness."

It is important for drivers to take precautions to avoid drowsy driving. ZZZ recommends getting at least six hours of sleep before a long drive, scheduling breaks every two hours or 100 miles and stopping the car if you begin to feel tired.

In order to stay even safer on the road, drivers should look for vehicles that have plenty of safety features, including lane departure warnings and brake assist. Many newer used cars have these technological devices, so car shoppers may be able to find safe cars at New Jersey Auto Auction.

Fuel efficiency has been a major factor for the majority of drivers in recent years, and the integration of hybrid and electric vehicles has made it easier for car shoppers to find models that suit their needs. However, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming, especially for those looking to buy used cars. Many automakers have been striving to deliver fuel-efficient vehicles in the past few years, which means there are a number of previously-owned options that drivers may find on used car lots.

2011 Mini Cooper
The Mini Cooper is a fun subcompact car that is built especially for city driving, since its small stature makes it easy to snag that barely-big-enough parking space. It was also chosen as one of the top 10 most fuel efficient small cars of 2011 by Popular Mechanics. The British car gets an impressive 37 miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway, and 29 MPH in the city, so you can zip around for days on end without having to fill up your tank. The unique, retro design of the Mini Cooper doesn't hurt its appeal either.

2012 Volkswagen Passat
The Daily Green chose the 2012 Volkswagen Passat as one of if its most fuel-efficient models, as this vehicle runs on clean diesel. It is important to note that while diesel does cost more per gallon, this is made up for by the Passat's combined 35 MPG.

Chevrolet Volt
Chevrolet introduced the Volt in December 2012, and it quickly became the most popular plug-in electric car among American drivers. Green Car Reports indicates that more than 23,000 Volts were sold in 2012, and shoppers may be able to find previously owned models on used car lots.

Other popular options for cars with good fuel economy include the Toyota Prius and Ford Escape hybrids, Hyundai Elantra, Honda Civic hybrid and Ford Fiesta. Drivers can check out these and other options at New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has a wide selection of makes and models to choose from.

When you are thinking about buying a used car, you may be overwhelmed with all of the options you have. Not only are there dozens of makes and models to choose from, but you also have to factor the model year into the equation to find the perfect ride. Thankfully, the internet is a major boon to those in the market to purchase used vehicles. Major automotive publications often issue lists of their choices for the best cars based on a range of different criteria. If you're shopping on a budget, you may want to look at compilations of affordable vehicles, such as the San Francisco Chronicle's Coolest Cars Under $25,000.

The Chronicle looked at new models, including the 2013 Dodge Dart and the Toyota Prius c, but there were also a few vehicles on the list that have been on the market for at least a few years. The Mazda Miata MX-5 was chosen for its impressive performance, and this particular model has a base price of around $24,000. However, since the Miata has been on the market for 25 years, you may be able to find a used model that is only a couple of years old for much less. If you're in the New York/New Jersey area, you can check out NJ State Auto Auction, which carries a wide selection of vehicles, to find the ride you're looking for at a reasonable price.

Lists like this can help you narrow down your selection based primarily on your budget. The Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro and Volkswagen GTI also made the grade, so there are plenty of options for drivers on a budget who want to own a fun, sporty car. Plus, when they shop at NJ Auto Auction, motorists will be able to drive away in confidence knowing that they're getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride because every model on the lot is CARFAX certified.

While the U.S. is no longer in the throes of an economic recession, many Americans are still recovering financially. This means that fewer people are taking long trips abroad, but many are still finding ways to take vacations. A recent survey by Hotwire Group found that 72 percent of Americans prefer shorter trips to nearby destinations. A number of participants expressed that this allows them to take multiple trips each year instead of just one big one, while others explained they can only afford to travel this way these days.

"Every season, we analyze top deal destinations globally, but this time around, we're giving travelers what they told us they need – nearby locales that are ideal for a quick, affordable getaway," explained Clem Bason, president of Hotwire Group. "Results of the study show that many Americans are continuing the trend of price sensitivity this year, which is resulting in a focus on shorter trips, which tend to be more affordable and easier to take."

Shorter trips offer many advantages – you can get away for a weekend and save your vacation days, and it will typically cost much less than going somewhere farther away. Plus, when you choose a closer destination, you can drive there and avoid expensive airfare. If you live in the New York/New Jersey area, you have plenty of options to choose from to take fun and even educational short trips. Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Boston, the Catskills and the Poconos could all make fun destinations for your next getaway.

Before you hit the road on your next trip, make sure to get your vehicle tuned up. Have a mechanic, like the experts at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center, change the oil, check for signs of wear or damages that could be problematic on your trip and even give your used car an alignment if needed. 

At the end of the year, many major automotive publications look back at the top performing models of the previous year. This can be a boon to those looking for used cars who may not be sure where to start. Kelley Blue Book recently released the top 20 most researched models of 2012, and Honda's CR-V came out on top. The crossover SUV was followed by the Toyota Camry, Honda Civic and Accord and Hyundai Elantra. The Ford F-150, Hyundai Sonata, Ford Escape, Nissan Altima and Mazda Mazda3 rounded out the top 10.

"The Mazda 3 resonated with KBB.com visitors during 2012 as gas prices were fluctuating, and due to its affordability it continues to remain top-of-mind among new-car shoppers," said Akshay Anand, KBB's market intelligence Web analyst. "During 2012, Mazda had a solid year with its refocused brand image and SkyActiv Technology, which touts fuel efficiency and technology innovations."

Now that car companies have begun rolling out their new lineups for 2013, many drivers might soon trade in their current rides in order to get the latest vehicles. This means that cars like the 2012 Mazda 3 will soon become available to used car shoppers, since new car owners often hold onto their vehicles for only one to three years.

Drivers in the New York/New Jersey area can head to NJ State Auto Auction to find the models they want. With more than four acres of cars, trucks and SUVs, it will be easy for shoppers to find the models they are looking for, whether they're hoping to find a 2012 Mazda or they want something a few years older. Every car on the lot is CARFAX certified, so drivers know they'll be getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride.

It has been a few months since Superstorm Sandy ravaged the New York/New Jersey area, and while people continue to rebuild, they are clearing out tons upon tons of ruined vehicles and demolished materials from the affected areas. The destruction caused by the storm is estimated to be worth upwards of $60 billion, and officials believe roughly 230,000 cars, trucks and SUVs were damaged. A small portion of these vehicles (about 15,000) have been relocated to the Calverton Executive Airpark in Riverhead, New York, AutoBlog reports.

The runways are now completely jammed with cars and trucks awaiting decisions on their fate. According to the new source, the models that can be salvaged will likely be repaired and auctioned off, but those that suffered more damage are going to be checked for useable parts and then scrapped. Local photographer Doug Kuntz recently shared his photos of the affected cars and his experiences in the aftermath of Sandy with AutoBlog.

"I saw some of these cars parked on the streets…with the bags deployed," Kuntz told the news source. "I talked with tow truck drivers and mechanics who moved these cars… The tow truck drivers confirmed the airbag deployments, and the mechanics agreed about the problems taking time to show, and being very expensive to fix, and, in some cases, not worth the cost."

Flood damage is tricky, as the water can carry dirt and debris into the inner workings of a car and cause serious damage that may not be noticeable to the naked eye. Drivers buying used cars may want to have them inspected by mechanics like the experts at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center to ensure the vehicles are in good shape before they complete the purchase.

Drivers can also buy vehicles from NJ Auto Auction. Every model on the lot is CARFAX certified, so they won't have to worry about getting stuck with a flood-damaged lemon.

New drivers tend to be at a higher risk of getting into car accidents as they are still learning the ropes, but teens at a high school in Denver are working to find ways to encourage safe driving habits. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teens are four times more likely to be involved in crashes than older drivers, making safety a priority for this demographic.

A group of high school juniors from Cherry Creek High School have been working with a driver safety system known as ROVR, which is used in commercial fleets around the world, to see if the advanced technology can help younger drivers. This system tracks teens' driving habits, including dangerous behaviors like speeding, hard braking and rapid acceleration and then ranks participants on a ROVR Scorecard.

"The program still has a few weeks to go, but the results confirm that young drivers can and will adjust their behavior behind the wheel," explained Keaton Skudneski, a junior at Cherry Creek and the leader of the DECA team that developed the ROVR. "… Kids are motivated to drive safer because it is fun to compete with their peers, and they like the rewards program, which provides participants with free gas money."

While good driving practices are key to keeping young motorists safe behind the wheel, the type of vehicle they drive can also contribute. Many new safety features have been introduced over the years, from brake assist and lane departure warning to rearview cameras and new materials to minimize crash impact. Since some of these advancements have been available for a few years, drivers can find used cars that are stocked with safety features. New Jersey State Auto Auction provides a wide selection of makes and models to choose from, and every car on the lot is CARFAX certified as well.

It's no secret that men and women are different in many ways, and a new study reveals that they also have different risk levels when it comes to drinking and driving. While both sexes have a higher chance of getting into an accident if they get behind the wheel after drinking alcoholic beverages, VroomGirls, an online automotive information provider for women, found that the risk may be a bit higher for ladies.

The study examined car accident statistics from across the nation and found that women who were involved in fatal car accidents were 7 percent more likely than men in the these types of car crashes to have blood alcohol levels at or below 0.08 percent, the most common legal limit. Conversely, men were more likely to be involved in alcohol-related car accidents than women, as 17.5 percent of accidents involving male drivers also involved alcohol. Only 9.5 percent of fatal accidents with female drivers were alcohol related.

While these findings are interesting, it is important for men and women alike to take precautions on New Year's Eve and the following day, as this holiday has been found to be one of the most dangerous for drivers. Those planning to indulge in a few glasses of Champagne may want to designate a driver or call a cab to get home from their festivities safely.

"We encourage every driver to be safe and responsible on the road year-round, but it's especially important during the holiday party season that concludes on New Year's Eve," said Tara Weingarten, co-founder and editor-in-chief of VroomGirls. "Drinking and driving never mix."

Should drivers get into fender benders, they can get their cars repaired after the holiday at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. The expert mechanics can address most major repair needs and give your car a tune-up to ensure it is running well in the 2013.