Category Archives: General Auto News

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.

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.

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.

As Values Rise, Drivers Should Trade In Now

Many analysts were surprised when earlier this year, the value of used cars stayed relatively still. However, that's changed over the last few months as fuel-efficient pre-owned vehicles have become more in demand. If anybody is looking to trade in their vehicle, now may be the time to do it.

Of course, some cars are proving to be a bit more valuable than others. According to market analysis from Kelley Blue Book, used car values rose about 2 percent across the country during March, and one- and two-year-old fuel-efficient vehicles were especially sought after. Specifically, the value change of hybrid cars was about 10.2 percent and that of compact cars was 6.1 percent. The value of used subcompacts rose about 4.7 percent, while mid-size cars came in at 4.6 percent.

The trend has been continuing since 2009, when there started to be a dearth in the amount of used cars since more drivers were holding on their vehicles a bit longer than normal. In fact, the Los Angeles Times reports there amount of three-to-four-year-old light vehicles is almost at an all time low, so trading in your car now might be the best decision.

"The ongoing decline in the used-vehicle supply that began in 2009 has made it challenging for new-car dealers to consistently stock reliable, well-maintained used vehicles," Jonathan Banks, an analyst for the National Automobile Dealers Association, told the Times. "This means that dealers will be aggressive with trade-in offers for used vehicles that are in high consumer demand."

Anybody looking to take advantage of the high value of used cars may want to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which is an Autotrader.com Trade In Marketplace Dealership. You can get a quick appraisal on your ride and be driving away in a newer vehicle in no time.

What Do Cheaters Drive? The Answer is Surprising

It almost goes without saying that cheating husbands and wives are not playing it safe. After all, what's more risky than going around behind your significant other's back over and over again? While the act of philandering itself may be inherently unsafe, but a study revealed that what cheaters are driving to get to their other man or woman, is actually pretty ordinary , USA Today reports.

A study conducted by AshleyMadison.com, a dating website designed for people looking for some extracurricular activity, examined the tastes of 3,600 people who use its services. It found that the most popular vehicle among cheating men was a reliable and safe Toyota, while unfaithful women prefer Hondas.

Although most people might assume an unfaithful partner would be cruising around in a luxury car, the findings suggest that there's not one type of cheater, and it could be the person you least suspect.

"Cars can represent a lifestyle, denote financial success and show personality but our survey clearly proves that people having affairs are everyday people," Noel Biderman, AshleyMadison.com's CEO, said in a statement.

Even if you move further down the list, cheaters are picking traditional favorites. The second-favorite car for both men and women was Ford, and Chevy also cracked the top three for both sexes. You'd have to go down to number five before any luxury cars popped up. Specifically, 6.4 percent of cheating men drive a BMW, while 6.6 percent of women are behind the wheel of a Mercedes.

Of course, you don't need to be a cheater to drive a reliable vehicle, and New Jersey State Auto Auction has plenty of makes and models to choose from, all of which are at affordable prices.

Ford Raises Awareness of Teen Driving Safety for Prom and Graduation Season

For most, spring is associated with flowers and warmer weather, but for many teenagers, this season is all about prom and graduation. The Governors Highway Safety Association indicates there is also an increase in car accidents due to reckless, impaired and distracted driving. The excitement of prom and graduation can lead some teen motorists to cast aside their safe driving practices and make mistakes behind the wheel.

This is why Ford Driving Skills for Life, a program created by Ford Motor Company, is providing teens across the country with free driving instruction and safety programs. Teens are four times more likely to get into car accident than older drivers, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and this risk may only be heightened when you fill a car with excitable teens on their way to prom.

"This is a time of year when many teens request, and parents provide, expanded driving privileges," said Jim Graham, manager of Ford Driving Skills for Life. "Unfortunately, safety can take a backseat to the excitement associated with the many celebrations around prom and graduation."

Ford's teen safety program will also be sending $20,000 grants to Minnesota, New York, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin to aid in funding driving courses and other safety awareness campaigns.

Parents often give their teenagers cars as graduation gifts, and when they do, they should stress the importance of safety behind the wheel. It is also a good idea for them to choose a reliable, safe ride for their kids. New Jersey State Auto Auction has a wide selection of makes and models, so parents are sure to find a safe vehicle for their teen drivers. Every vehicle on NJ Auto's lot is CARFAX certified, so parents know their kids will be getting into a reliable car.

Average Fuel Economy Highest Ever

Automakers have placed an emphasis on fuel economy over the last several years, and according to a new report out of the University of Michigan, their efforts appear to be paying off. The average gas mileage for all new cars sold in the United States surpassed the 24 mile per gallon mark for the first time in history, researchers found.

The figure is impressive given it includes all vehicles sold March – that includes cars, light trucks, SUVs and minivans. The exact number was about 24.1 MPG, which was up over the last several months including 23.9 in February and 23.6 in March. Perhaps most impressive, the average fuel economy used cars is up 20 percent since 2007.

In addition to cars using less fuel than before, researchers also discovered that vehicles are becoming increasingly eco-friendly. The monthly Eco-Driving Index (EDI), which is put out by  Sivak and Schoettle, measures the monthly emissions by the average driver. In March, the figure was about 0.83, down a bit from December's 0.86. Much like fuel economy, the EDI has decreased significantly over the last five years.

Automakers' commitment to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles is paying significant dividends, not only for drivers, but for the companies themselves.

"Given the volatility of gas prices – and the likelihood that they'll head through the roof again – it's clear that customers want better fuel economy and delivering it means a better bottom line for the industry," Carol Lee Rawn, transportation director of sustainability advocate Ceres, told United Press International.

Although new cars have better gas mileage, many used cars from the last several years are also an cost-efficient choice. New Jersey State Auto Auction has plenty of cars that get plenty of miles to the gallon, and with a wide variety at affordable prices, there's something for everyone.