There are many different aspects consumers needs to pay attention to when shopping for new or used cars in New Jersey. Everything from researching the market value of the vehicle to finding out how it compares to similar makes and models can contribute to the final decision, but the test drive is the best chance to really find out if a certain vehicle is right for you. Getting behind the wheel gives you the chance to check for any issues with how the car drives, the interior features and other things like visibility and cargo space.

"The test drive can be the most important aspect of buying a new or used car, but it's also one of the most overlooked," said Joe Wiesenfelder, executive editor for Cars.com. "We want to ensure that shoppers don't let their emotions get the best of them when they should be gathering the important information they need to make the right purchase."

Cars.com recommends giving the vehicle a thorough once-over before you even start it up. Checking the door handles, power windows, radio and other features is a good start, especially when choosing a used vehicle. There may be something minor, such as a seat adjuster that sticks, that will wind up driving you up a wall if you buy the car. When you're sitting in the driver's seat, make sure you have clear visibility. You may find the SUV you had your heart on makes it next to impossible to see behind you. Cars.com recommends checking the storage space of the vehicle to ensure it will fit your needs.

New Jersey State Auto Auction carries a wide variety of makes and models, giving you will have plenty of options to choose from. Plus, all their vehicles are CARFAX certified, so you know you're getting a reliable vehicle.

Whether you're planning to hop in the car and head to the beach or you just want to stay home and enjoy the holiday weekend, you should be sure to keep car safety in mind. Memorial Day is notorious for celebrations and barbeques, and this often includes indulging in a few alcoholic drinks. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) is reminding people to think twice before getting behind the wheel after the parties are over.

"MADD wants people to be safe on the roads this holiday weekend, so we have some tips to help," said MADD national president Jan Withers. "Coupled with law enforcement's efforts to deter and detect drunk driving, we hope this information will help keep our loved ones safe."

The organization recommends people plan ahead if they want to commemorate the beginning of summer with a few brews. Choose a designated driver before the festivities begin, and be extra careful and aware on the road. There is likely to be an increase of pedestrians, so it's especially important to observe the speed limits and pay attention to everything going on around you. MADD also suggests watching out for other motorists who appear to be driving erratically. If you notice this behavior, it is best to stay out of their way. If they are behind you, pull over and let them pass rather than risk being nearby if they lose control of their vehicle.

It can also be a good idea to get a tuneup before the weekend to ensure your car is running smoothly and reduce the risk of a crash when you're trying to enjoy the holiday. The automotive experts at New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center can perform routine maintenance and address any necessary repairs so your car is running well this Memorial Day.

The  price of gas may have stopped climbing for the moment, but drivers are still concerned with fuel economy when it comes to picking out their next vehicles. A recent survey conducted by Consumer Reports found fuel efficiency is the most important factor for the majority of drivers. Roughly 37 percent of survey respondents said this was their top concern, while quality (17 percent) and safety (16 percent) rounded out the top three. Value (14 percent) and performance (6 percent) were also leading factors.

"These results make it clear that high fuel prices are continuing to impact driver behavior and influencing future purchase considerations," said Jeff Bartlett, deputy auto editor for Consumer Reports. "While quality, safety and value are still important, this may be foreshadowing a market shift by folks seeking relief at the pump."

Choosing a fuel efficient vehicle was not all about saving money either, as 65 percent of female drivers and 58 percent of men claimed they wanted to get behind the wheel of a vehicle with decent fuel economy to reduce their impact on the environment. Vehicles with alternative options, such as electric, hybrid and diesel cars, are gaining popularity as well, according to the survey results. More drivers (73 percent) are willing to consider these types of vehicles that ever before.

Whether drivers want to get behind the wheel of an electric car like the Chevy Volt or a hybrid like the best-selling Toyota Prius, they can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The deal has a wide selection of used cars in NJ to choose from, including alternative fuel options as well as efficient gasoline-powered models.

"Anything you can do, I can do better."

The famous line from Annie Get Your Gun may come to mind with the release of a new study by 4AutoInsuraceQuote.com that shows female drivers are safer behind the wheel than their male counterparts. The study examined traffic violations and car accidents and found men are the cause of 80 percent of serious and fatal accidents. They're also 27 percent more likely to be involved in car crashes than the fairer sex.

"As a man, it's tough to admit," said James Schaffer, CEO of 4AutoInsuranceQuotes.com. "But if you look at the statistics, females are better drivers… by a long shot! It's almost scary how bad the average American male is at driving. Blame it on whatever you want – high testosterone, higher propensity to take risks or higher levels of aggression, but the fact remains – men simply make too many mistakes behind the wheel."

In every category, men fared worse than women. For instance, when it came to reports of driving under the influence, for every one female with a DUI, 3.08 males were guilty of the same charge. The gaps between the sexes may have something to do with the fact men put more miles on their cars than women.

Whether drivers have been in accidents or they just want to keep their car running well to reduce the risk of a crash, they can take their vehicles to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. Certified mechanics can perform routine maintenance and address repairs to get motorists back on the road.

As the weather gets warmer, motorists need to be aware of cyclists and share the road. AAA, in partnership with the League of American Bicyclists, is raising awareness of road safety during May, which is National Bike Month. The organizations have published a number of safety videos for drivers and cyclists on ShareTheRoad.AAA.com.

"This spring, warm weather is enticing more bicyclists to the roadways," said Rhonda Shah, AAA's traffic safety project manager. "And sadly, in 2010, 628 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes and an additional 52,000 were injured."

AAA offered a few tips for motorists to keep in mind as they hit the roads this spring and summer. Most importantly, drivers need to remember to share the road and pay attention to bicycles. Cyclists who ride in the road are subjected to the same rules and regulations as those behind the wheel of a car and deserve the same respect. Check your mirrors and your blind spots for cyclists before you change lanes, make turns or open your doors.

It is also important for drivers to resist the urge to honk their horn at cyclists. While this action is necessary to get the attention of other drivers in emergency situations, a horn is much louder to someone on a bike than it is to another driver. The sudden sound can startle a biker and cause them to swerve or even fall.

Some cars are equipped with blind spot detection and other warning systems that can help drivers stay safe around cyclists. Those looking for used cars in New Jersey may find vehicles with these and other helpful safety features at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The automaker has a variety of makes and models, including many newer autos with the latest amenities.

Many people recognize Memorial Day weekend as the unofficial start of summer, and it is often one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. AAA expects this year to be especially popular, with as many as 30.7 million Americans making trips of at least 50 miles, good for a 1.2 percent increase over the number of travelers last year.

The predictions are bit surprising given that gas prices have been hovering above $3.50 a gallon, but AAA found that most drivers won't let that affect their plans. In fact, 53 percent said gas price increases won't impact their decision at all. Of the remaining 47 percent, only 9 percent were planning on taking a shorter trip, while 34 percent are going to make sacrifices in other areas to save money.

"The overall domestic economic picture continues to improve slightly, however, American consumers faced a new challenge this year as steadily increasing gas prices throughout the spring significantly squeezed many household budgets," said AAA president and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet.

One way drivers can save money is to make sure they are up to date on maintenance, which is especially important as they get ready to head off on a Memorial Day road trip. Before you hit the open road, the DMV recommends checking a few things including the motor oil, antifreeze and battery level to make sure you don't run into any problems during your trip.

In advance of your journey, you may also want to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center. Its stable of talented mechanics will be able to identify any issues before you embark so you can enjoy your Memorial Day weekend without any speed bumps.

When you graduate from college and start looking for a full-time job, you're likely going to need a car to get there. However, choosing the right vehicle can be challenging, as there are so many different options out there. It's also important to find an affordable ride, as your budget may soon include student loans as well as car payments. Total Car Score, an automotive research website, recently published a list of the "Top 10 Cars for College Graduates," which can be a helpful guide for those looking for new or used cars in New Jersey. It looked at a number of features including safety, efficiency, performance and comfort as well as pricing  to determine the best choices.

"College grads are looking to make an investment in a car that is reliable and cost-conscious," said Karl Brauer, Total Car Score's editor-in-chief. "We compiled a list of the top-rated cars that offer the best quality while still being very affordable. In today's extremely competitive new-car market automakers are providing higher-quality cars at lower prices. These models offer more technology and convenience features than ever before in the compact car segment."

Every car on the top 10 list has an MSRP under $25,000, and all but three of the vehicles start under $17,000. The Mazda3 and the Mazdaspeed 3 were chosen for their fuel-efficient SkyActiv engine technology. The new Ford Focus also made the grade thanks to recent upgrades and improvements over past models. Volkswagen had a heavy presence on the list with three models – the Golf, GTI and Jetta. The Hyundai Elantra, Chevy Cruze, Scion xB and Kia Forte were also in the top 10.

Students in the market for a used Focus or Jetta can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has a wide variety of makes and models.

Modern mothers place as much value on the style of the cars they drive as they do functionality and reliability. A recent by TrueCar.com based on data from 2011 found minivans are taking a backseat to other vehicles, as crossovers and sedans dominated the list. The Honda CR-V was found to be the most popular car for moms, and the brand was the most dominant on the list, with four other vehicles making the top 10 – the Civic, Accord, Pilot and Odyssey.

"The data shows moms prefer vehicles that combine practicality with style," said Kristen Andersson, senior analyst for TrueCar.com. "Bigger is not always better when it comes to moms' favorite vehicles as evidenced by the lack of any large SUVs and only one minivan in the overall top 10."

The Honda Odyssey was ranked third on the list, as it is a top choice for mothers with at least two kids. The minivan earned such a top ranking position because if seats eight and has loads of cargo space. The Civic came in at number nine, but was one of the least expensive vehicles to break into the top 10, along with Nissan's Sentra and Altima. The average amount paid for the Civic and the Altima was under $20,500, and the Sentra had an average sale price of just under $19,000.

Whatever vehicle fits the bill for your family, New Jersey State Auto Auction is sure to have something to suit your needs. The dealer offers a wide variety of makes and models at affordable pricing so you can get behind the wheel of a stylish crossover SUV, sedan or even a minivan without breaking your budget.

Teens are four times more likely to get into car accidents than older drivers, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A recent survey from Consumer Reports indicates young drivers are also prone to engaging in distracted driving despite knowing the risks, which could be a key contributor to the rate of teen driving accidents. The report found 29 percent of teen drivers admitted to texting behind the wheel in the past month and 47 percent have made phone calls while driving.

However, when asked why they have stopped or at least curbed their behaviors, 61 percent reported learning of the dangers of distracted driving. Laws against cell phone use as well as the influence of family members also helped some teens put down their phones when they're behind the wheel.

"Our survey showed that while far too many young people are driving while distracted, they are less likely to do so when their parents, friends or siblings set a good example," said Rik Paul, auto editor for Consumer Reports. "We encourage everyone to stop the car in a safe place if they need to use a cell phone. And if they're riding with a driver using a handheld phone, ask him or her to put it down and stop gambling with their safety."

There are many different smartphone apps available that can combat phone usage while driving. Some apps sense when the phone is traveling above a certain speed and disable calls and texts. Others can be activated before embarking on a drive and will respond to calls and text messages letting people know why the driver cannot come to the phone.

Parents who want their teens to get behind the wheel of reliable used cars in NJ can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer has a variety of makes and models and all the cars are CARFAX certified.

Thanks to a number of redesigns, South Korean automaker Kia has become increasingly popular over the last several years, and now it's sending another one of its cars to be retooled. The company's minivan, the Kia Sedona, will not be returning for 2013 but may make a return in 2014 with a new look, according to The Car Connection.

It's certainly a good decision. While much of Kia's fleet has been given a sporty, more youthful look, the Sedona has not been given the same treatment. Despite getting a headlight update in 2011, it's one of the only cars offered by Kia that has not been drastically redesigned over the last decade or so. Additionally, with its main competitors offering an updated look, it is about time for the Sedona to get a facelift. While there are no definite plans for a 2014 model, it seems likely.

"We see the minivan market as one that we want to stay in," Kia spokesman James Hope told the news source.

Drivers looking for a used minivan, whether Sedona or not, may want to take a few tips from Kelley Blue Book, which recently revealed its picks for the best cars in the segment.

At the top of the list was the Honda Odyssey, which is ideal for larger families who need considerably more room. It also includes a number of useful features, from small refrigerators to entertainment screens. Also making the cut, according to KBB, were the Ford Flex, Toyota Sienna and Chevrolet Traverse.

Anybody searching for a used car in New Jersey, whether it be a compact vehicle or an SUV, should head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, there's something for everyone.