When it first hit American roads in 2002, BMW's Mini was considered by many motorists something of a gimmick. The compact British car looked sporty, but was it really going to be a hit with American drivers? Ten years later, the answer is a resounding yes, and BMW is celebrating the milestone by touting a decade of success.

The biggest reason for Mini's popularity among consumers is that it offers a small car without sacrificing quality. Despite its size, the Mini was able to handle the rigors of everyday driving while still offering the fuel-efficiency many motorists sought as gas prices climbed to near-record levels.

"Mini launched in the U.S. during the time when gas was cheap and large trucks and SUVs ruled the road," said Jim McDowell, vice president of Mini I USA. "Many thought the brand would be a one-hit wonder, and we are extremely proud that we were able to surprise some of the toughest critics, and at times, even ourselves."

The popularity of Mini is evident through how many consumers buy pre-owned versions of the vehicle. It's not surprising either, given that the Mini has one of the best used programs available, according to the Los Angeles Times. In particular, experts say that the car's two-year, 50,000 mile warranty that starts after new car coverage expires makes it an especially appealing choice to consumers looking to save money.

Whether you're looking for a reliable used Mini or are more interested in getting behind the wheel of an SUV, New Jersey State Auto Auction has you covered. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable price, there's sure to be the perfect car for nearly everyone.

Last year, April and October were designated as Car Care Months, and now that some statistics are in, it paints an ugly picture of how well Americans take care of their rides. The Car Care Council found that 84 percent of vehicles were in need of service or parts, the highest number in five years.

The figure was drawn from an analysis of vehicle inspection forms submitted by a number of volunteers. The most common issue that drivers encountered were problems with oil and fluids, air filters, battery cables, lights and hoses. Additionally about 10 percent of vehicles had their check engine light on, and another 19 percent of cars needed a new air filter.

The larger number of cars that need work could be indicative of changing driver behavior. Motorists may be putting off maintenance as a means to save money in the recovering economy, but experts say that's a bad move.

"What they don't realize is that neglecting routine maintenance can end up costing a lot more in the long run," said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. "These results demonstrate the importance of consumer education as the lack of proper vehicle maintenance can greatly impact highway safety, air quality, cost operation, and vehicle performance and dependability."

Regular maintenance is also a crucial component of making sure your car is as fuel-efficient as possible, and with rising gas prices that has become especially important. New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center makes staying on top of maintenance easy. With a convenient location in Jersey City, drivers can stop by and get everything from regular upkeep and more significant repairs.

As the economy continues to improve, forecasters have had to re-evaluate their predictions for car sales several times, and according to Kelley Blue Book, they might have to do it again. The new and used car information provider expects that car sales in March will reach their highest levels since 2007.

Analysts expect there will be around 1.425 million units sold in March,  bringing the year-long prediction to about 14.6 million. That sales estimate is the highest for any March over the last five years, since the levels reached about 1.5 million in 2007. There are a number of reasons for the impressive sales, but analysts believe it's largely due to the fact that there's an increased demand for fuel-efficient vehicles along with the release of a redesigned Toyota Camry.

"Conditions in the economy have generally been positive through the first few months of the year, and if conditions remain steady, the industry can expect to see continued strength in sales for the months ahead," said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst of automotive insights for Kelley Blue Book. "Rising fuel prices could slow down the current momentum in sales growth if left unchecked, so this will be a key factor to monitor moving forward."

The number of people buying or considering purchasing a fuel-efficient car has also been on the rise. A recent study from kbb.com found that 51 percent of respondents said they want a smaller car with higher gas mileage. Furthermore about 20 percent of people are weighing the option of buying a hybrid, alternative fuel or diesel-powered vehicle.

With more people buying new cars, there may also be more used options for people looking for an affordable ride, and New Jersey State Auto Auction has a wide variety of used vehicles to choose from.

Rising gas prices may be causing some people to worry, but it could actually be good news for anybody looking to buy a used truck. As fuel-efficient cars become more in demand, the prices of pre-owned pickup trucks are likely to drop significantly, according to Automotive News.

Some estimates put the figure at about a 22 percent decline in price and it is directly tied to the instability in gas prices. Experts say that as tensions in the Middle East continue to grow, there could be a chance of gas prices reaching the $5 per gallon mark. According to the National Automotive Dealers Association (NADA), $4.50 a gallon would result in about a 9 percent drop in used pickup prices.

"We are always making vehicle price adjustments based, in part, on our expectations for the price of gasoline," NADA analyst Larry Dixon told the news source.

While that may be bad news for dealers, it is certainly cause for celebration among consumers, especially those who have been driving pickup trucks for years. But what are the best used pickup trucks to get? According to Vehix.com, there are many good options to choose from.

Among the best is the 2006 Ford F-150. There's a reason this truck is always one of the best selling cars in the country. According to the website, the 2006 model was especially reliable, not to mention it can tow up to 9,000 pounds.

Whether you're looking for a used Ford F-150 or a Chevy Silverado, New Jersey State Auto Auction has plenty of pickup trucks to choose from. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, there is something for everyone.

The Nissan Leaf was expected to popularize electric vehicles, but relatively modest sales in 2011 left some people questioning just how successful the car could be. However, the automaker is poised to unveil a new and improved version of the Leaf later this year with the hope of doubling sales in 2012, The Detroit News reports.

Many of the changes to the Leaf will be in its appearance. Although it outsold General Motors' electric option, the Chevrolet Volt, in 2011, the Volt gained significant ground in February. The reason, some think, is that the Volt offers a sleeker, leather interior while the Leaf's look reflects its eco-friendly message. The manufacturer sensed the displeasure from customers, and has made the appropriate changes.

"We were like, 'Ah, let's do the clean, green recycled materials,'" Mark Perry, the director of product and advanced planning for Nissan Americas, told the newspaper. "People want a dark interior, so we're to give them a dark interior, too."

Just how popular the Leaf ends up being remains to be seen. Only recently did it become available to drivers in all 50 states, but its first months have not been without a few snags. For instance, some drivers report that the Leaf's range is limited in cold weather regardless of whether the heat is turned on. Still, Nissan believes that electric is the way of the future, and is expected to release an electric version of its luxury brand Infiniti later this year.

Although it will still be quite some time until electric vehicles rule the highway, you can still purchase an eco-friendly and fuel-efficient used car at New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models you'll be sure to find the right car for you.

Higher gas prices have driven many consumers to seek out the most fuel-efficient car they can find. But a lot of the time there is too much guesswork going into the process, as motorists don't know which cars are actually the best when it comes to gas mileage. Total Car Score recently released a list of what it believes are the most fuel-efficient cars on the road today.

"In this market, car buyers are more concerned than ever about fuel economy, but they also want a vehicle that is reliable and offers strong resale value," said Karl Brauer, editor in chief of Total Car Score.

Most economy cars do pretty well when it comes to saving you money at the pump, but of course some are better than others. In particular, the Ford Fiesta stood out from the crowd by getting an impressive 33 miles per gallon. The Chevrolet Sonic was also a top pick from Total Car Score, coming in at around the same level.

Sometimes downsizing is not an option, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice gas mileage. In terms of midsize sedans, the Toyota Camry Hybrid was tops with about 41 miles a gallon. People looking for a midsize SUV or crossover may want to get behind the wheel of the Kia Sorento or Chevrolet Equinox, both of which get around 25 or 26 miles per gallon.

Along with making a smart purchase, following good maintenance practices is important as well. New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center will help drivers avoid any problems that may put a dent in their mileage.

It's no secret that motorists are keeping their cars longer than ever before. Thanks to the recession, the average age of a vehicle on the road recently eclipsed 11 years. Something that may be going unnoticed, however, is that many drivers are pushing their cars to the limits in terms of mileage, and as the quality of vehicles improves its not that unusual to reach mileage that used to be unthinkable, The New York Times reports.

In years past, most cars tapped out after about 100,000 miles. Today, many drivers keep their cars past the 200,000 mile mark, and there are a number of reasons beyond consumers being more thrifty. The biggest cause is increased competition. If a manufacturers products aren't as soundly made, they can suffer serious consequences. Additionally, more stringent emissions regulations and better materials have increased longevity as well.

"Materials are much better," Jagadish Sorab, the technical leader for engine design at Ford Motor, told the Times. "We can use very durable, diamondlike carbon finishes to prevent wear. We have tested our newest breed of EcoBoost engines, in our F-150 pickup, for 250,000 miles. When we tear the engines down, we cannot see any evidence of wear."

The quality of cars may be better than in previous decades, but a lot of the responsibility of eclipsing the 200,000 mile mark falls on the driver. Regular maintenance greatly contributes to how long a car lasts, and ignoring it can spell doom.

New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center offers motorists the perfect opportunity to ensure their car is in working condition. With a knowledgeable staff, the center can provide everything from repairs to general upkeep.

Cars.com recently announced that the Honda Fit was the clear winner of the $16,000 Subcompact Shootout. The qualifications for the competition included a price tag below $16,000, a fuel economy of at least 35 mpg on the highway, four doors and the ability to seat at least four people. The Fit stood out against runner-up Kia Rio, which came close to the Honda. The Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Sonic and Hyundai Accent were also
in the contest.

"The term 'econobox' is gone, as today's subcompacts are better built, more efficient and safer," said Patrick Olsen, editor-in-chief of Cars.com. "As gas prices and used-car prices continues to rise, a shootout like this acts as a guide for consumers looking to purchase a new subcompact as an alternative to a used vehicle. In addition to confident handling, a solid transmission, great visibility and unmatched practicality, the Honda Fit is just as fun to drive and emerged as our clear winner."

The cars were pitted against one another in a series of tests, and Honda's subcompact came out on top. Each vehicle was driven for 200 miles on the highway and in stop-and-go traffic to determine their observed mileage. They were also measured for comfort, features, practicality and ride quality.

The Honda Fit has been on the market since 2001, so drivers can consider searching for a used version if they're really looking to save on their next car purchase. In fact, all the vehicles in the Shootout were recently redesigned from older models. The Chevy Sonic is simply a reproduction of the Aveo with a new name and a few upgrades.

Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a used subcompact or any other fuel-efficient vehicle can head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer offers a wide variety of makes and models, and all of their cars have been CARFAX certified, so motorists know they'll drive away in a reliable vehicle.

It just wouldn't be spring without hitting the open road, and with warm weather just around the corner, drivers may want to take time to get their cars ready for the increased travel. Ignoring some important issues could cause significant speed bumps later on, but paying close attention and performing routine maintenance will have you cruising with ease.

The first thing you should do it is make sure everything is tight. Cars have a surprising amount of components that can come loose, and the last things you want is your license plate flying off as you drive down the highway unaware. Additionally, some loose parts, like exhaust clamps, could interfere with how your car runs.

Anybody who has been stranded with a dead battery can tell you it's not fun, and if you're in the middle of a strange highway it can be even worse. To avoid such a fate, make sure you check your battery before the spring hits. In particular, look for corrosion in the terminals and cables, which can eat away at the battery's parts.

As a final step, you should take some time to inspect your windshield. A small crack from a pebble may have seemed insignificant in November, but thanks to the cold weather and several months' worth of wear and tear, it may have become much more noticeable and burdensome. You should make sure you have a clean line of sight before you take off any springtime road trip.

To be fully sure that your car is ready for whatever the road throws at it, you should visit New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center. Located in Jersey City and open to the public, its skilled mechanics can perform everything from routine maintenance to crucial repairs.

While many people select used cars with high gas mileage as a way to save money, others also do it to help the environment. But according to Cars.com, there are other ways to go green on the road than purchasing a hybrid vehicle, and the website recently offered a few tips on how to do so this spring.

One of the most important things to keep in mind when shopping for a fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly car is that a hybrid vehicle is not necessarily the best choice. That's because hybrid versions only mean they're fuel-efficient compared to that particular brand, and there could be a better conventional vehicle of a different brand.

In a similar vein, conventional cars have become especially fuel-efficient over the last several years due to rising demand. As a result, some traditional used cars may be the best bet to not only go green, but save some money.

"Not only is driving green good for the environment," said Joe Wiesenfelder, executive editor of Cars.com, "It can help you save a little green in the process. If you expand your definition of a 'green' car beyond just hybrid and electric vehicles, you can easily recognize some of the benefits of being more 'green' behind the wheel."

The website also highlights the importance of considering alternative fuels. Diesel and natural gas both have their merits, and many automakers have said they are trying to expand the cars they offer that run on such fuel.

Regardless of what route you choose to go green, New Jersey State Auto Auction will have you covered. With a wide variety of eco-friendly and fuel-efficient models at affordable prices, you'll be driving away in the perfect car.