Category Archives: General Auto News

Nissan May Revive Defunct Datsun Brand

The Datsun brand name hasn't been around for more than 30 years, but it looks like Nissan may be bringing it back. The plan is in the very early stages but the manufacturer hopes to roll out new Datsuns by 2014 in an effort to provide inexpensive cars to emerging markets, Reuters reports.

Datsun was originally the name used by the company from when it was founded in the 30s until the early 80s. Around that time it assumed the name Nissan and has since  become the number two Japanese brand. Though Datsun may be coming back from the dead, it will not be doing so in the Untied States. They will likely first be introduced in Russia, Indonesia and India, selling for around $6,200, according to Reuters.

Although there has not been any confirmation on the exact timetable of the re-introduction, it could be a big step in helping Nissan compete with its two biggest threats – Toyota and Honda. Both those companies have a problem expanding into emerging markets because it's difficult for them to offer cheap vehicles without damaging brand reputation. However, Nissan may have circumvented the problem by having a different name attached to its cheaper cars.

The Datsun is certainly not the only older vehicle to be resurrected. In particular, Dodge is prepping a re-release of its Dart, which last hit the roads more than 40 years ago. Although it will share the same name of the classic vehicle, the new Dart will not offer many other similar features. The 2012 Dart is set for a spring release and will have a starting price of just under $16,000, Cars.com reports.

Whether you're looking for a used car for nostalgic purposes or simply to save money, New Jersey State Auto Auction has got you covered. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, there is something for everyone.

Dealers Demand Fuel-Efficient Used Cars

Fuel-efficient cars will save you money at the pump, but with rising gas prices people with smaller vehicles may find now is the time to trade them in. Used car dealers have found an increased demand for vehicles with a high fuel-economy, meaning they'll likely pay motorists top dollar for their fuel-sipping used car, NBC affiliate WMBF reports.

The market is already a good one for people looking to trade in their cars. There has been a shortage of used vehicles recently due to drivers holding on to their cars longer than before, and dealers are looking to add inventory one word possible. Plus, with gas prices approaching $4 across the country, they are even more eager to add a fuel-efficient rides to their fleet.

"Used vehicles still have good resale value right now because the market is demanding used cars, period, across the board, but fuel efficient cars as we trade them in right now are going to be worth more, and they're going to be worth more in the future," car dealer Greg Smith told the news channel.

Though having a fuel-efficient car will put you in a good place if you're looking to trade in, you should still take the time to make sure your car is as attractive as possible. There are easy steps, such as washing and cleaning both the exterior and interior, but you should also do some research on just how much your car is worth to ensure you get a good deal.

Whether your car has high or low gas mileage, New Jersey State Auto Auction is a great place to go to trade in your ride. Thanks to it being an Autotrader.com Trade In Marketplace Dealership, NJ Auto offers you a fair, accurate appraisal in no time.

High Occupancy Toll Lanes Become More Popular

Anybody who has sat in traffic and groaned when they saw cars whizzing by in the car pool lane may be able to do something about it. Since October, officials in Georgia have given drivers the opportunity to pay for the privilege of riding in the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane, even if there's only one person in their car, The New York Times reports.

The program was started in an effort to help keep traffic low in the Atlanta area. It works by charging a fee that can vary depending on how busy the road is. The cost can range anywhere from 11 to 90 cents per mile. According to the newspaper, other cities including Denver, Houston and Los Angeles are all considering the lanes – dubbed high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes. However, they have not been without their critics.

Some claim that HOT lanes are too expensive for average motorists to drive in, and the result is added buildup on the normal lanes and only high-end vehicles making use of the convenience. Still, officials are hopeful that the ease of use will change some people's minds.

"Anybody who’s a driver can at certain times find it really valuable to get somewhere faster," Ellen Hanak, a senior policy fellow with the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California, told the Times. "Time can be money for everybody."

If you're looking for a minivan or SUV to help you get in the HOV, you may want to look toward New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models, there is sure to be something for even the choosiest of consumers.

CR-V, Passat Top Best Family Vehicles List

Purchasing the right family car can be a big decision. Between rides to school, sports practice and social functions, it may seem like a family spends most of their time in the car. So, you should not take the decision lightly. In the hopes of making the choice a little bit easier, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) recently unveiled its picks for the best family cars of 2012.

KBB took a number of factors into consideration when forming the list. Everything from safety to comfort to consumer ratings played a part in the final rankings. The list includes a wide variety to address the unique needs of families.

"After driving and evaluating nearly all of the new cars available on the market today, we identified the vehicles that offer the greatest combination of features and value for everyday families," Jack R. Nerad the executive editorial director and executive market analyst for kbb.com.

One inclusion that should not surprise anybody is the Honda CR-V. This long-time family favorite has been a reliable crossover SUV for years and that's not expected to change in the near future. Among its most stand-out features is a rear-seat entertainment system that few other similar models offer.

Also on the list is the Subaru Outback. The reliable sport-utility wagon can handle rough terrain while also turning in impressive fuel economy. Add that to the plenty of storage space and it's no wonder why this model made the list.

Families looking to downsize may want to go with the Volkswagen Passat or Toyota Prius, both of which made the list for their spacious interiors and high gas mileage.

If you're in the market for a used family car, look no further than New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models there's sure to be something to suit the needs of both you and your loved ones.

Used Cars More Reliable Than Ever

In years past, used cars may have been painted as less reliable than their brand new counterparts. While that may have been the case decades ago, it is no longer true, experts say, and buying a used car may actually be the better choice than going new.

To find out just how much the quality of used cars has improved, analysts at Consumer Reports looked at the number problem-free three-year old models in its 2002 surveys compared to its 2011 surveys. In looking at the two batches of data, they found that nearly all automakers improved their reliability in 2011, with brands like Volvo, Volkswagen, Ford and GM making the biggest gains.

Though the reliability of used cars has improved dramatically over the last several years, that does not mean you should take your foot off the pedal when it comes to doing your due diligence. Consumer Reports says there are a number of things you can do to ensure you're driving away with a good ride.

Perhaps most importantly, you'll want to be on the lookout for signs of any collision damage. There are obvious indicators, including mismatched doors and body handles, but you should also keep an eye out for trunks that don't close properly. Similarly, mold or mildew along with a discolored carpet is indicative of flood damage.

Along with its repair history you should pay close attention to what's coming out of the car's exhaust pipe. Both blue smoke and billowing white smoke are signs the engine is not working properly and would likely need a significant repair to fix.

Though being a discerning shopper is important, you likely will not have to worry about such things at New Jersey State Auto Auction. All of the dealers makes and models are CARFAX certified, so you know you're getting a reliable car no matter what.

Subaru Tops Consumer Reports Automaker Report Card

The Consumer Reports automaker report card is not set to hit newsstands until March 6, but the publication gave an early glimpse at its scores, and a first time company made it to the top of the list. Subaru came in with the highest score of 75 thanks in large part to a fleet of redesigned models.

The score is two points higher they last year and can be chalked up to new looks for the Impreza, Legacy and Outback. In fact, the 2012 Impreza was also named as the publication's top pick in the small-sedan class segment.

There were also some shake-ups below Subaru. Honda had nailed down the top place on the list last year, but it fell all the way to fourth this year. Conversely, Mazda landed in second place after jumping five spots from last year's seventh place finish. Toyota, which always has a strong showing, was in third. Though Japanese automakers dominated, experts say they should be on the lookout for American and European challengers.

"While Japanese automakers still hold the top five spots, their lead is shrinking," said David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports Automotive Test Center. "In some of Honda's and Toyota's recently redesigned models, cost-cutting has become more noticeable."

Whether you're looking to pick up a used Subaru or are more loyal to Ford or Chevy, New Jersey State Auto Auction likely has the car for you. With a wide variety of makes and models, all at affordable prices, there's something for everyone. Not only that, but with guaranteed credit approval, getting a loan is as easy as ever.

Detroit’s AutoRama Brings Together Car Lovers of All Kinds

It may not have the name recognition of the Detroit Auto Show, but that does not mean the city's annual AutoRama is any less popular. The event kicked off in the city's Cobo Center over the weekend and featured some of the biggest crowds in the show's 60-year history, The Detroit News reports.

Although events such as the Detroit and Chicago Auto Shows feature some of the latest cars set to hit the market, things are a little bit different at AutoRama. Instead, the focus is squarely on unique rides ranging from hot rods to trucks to customized low riders. Though attendance figures were not available for Saturday, Friday night attracted an impressive 20,000 auto enthusiasts.

There's a wide variety of attendees as well, according to the newspaper. While the upstairs may features flashy more attractive vehicles, the lower floor is home to used cars that have seen their fair share of miles over the years. But that's just fine for Cleveland, Ohio, resident Rodney Moore.

"Down here it's an entirely different atmosphere than up on the main floor," he told the news source. "It's like upstairs is where all the beautiful people are, while this is where the people who love the smell of burning rubber like to hang out."

Whether or not you can make it to events like AutoRama, you should not be denied the security of a quality used car. New Jersey State Auto Auction is just the place to go for such a ride, as it offers plenty of makes an models at affordable prices. And all products are CARFAX certified so you know you're getting a reliable vehicle.

Volkswagen Reports Successful 2011

The results are in for 2011 and it looks like last year was especially good to Volkswagen. The German automaker says that it more than doubled its profits last year and its global sales rose an impressive 14.7 percent, according to The Detroit Bureau.

The improved sales figures are indicative of Volkwagen's shifting focus toward becoming a global power in the auto industry. For instance, it has placed an emphasis on emerging markets such as China. It also set its sights on the United States, where it is expected to release an all-new mid-size Passat specifically for the country.

To fully appreciate the sales boost Volkswagen had in 2011, one need look no further than where it ranked among the world's automakers. Its 7.2 million vehicles sold put it in second place – ahead of longtime number one car company Toyota – and behind only General Motors, which experienced a resurgence of its own as the economy improved slightly, the news source reports.

Another good indicator of the upward trend VW is experiencing is how well it fared against European competition. Sales rose 11 percent in its native Germany, while it had a 7 percent jump in the rest of Western Europe.

"We know the car business is a volume and scale business and today Volkswagen is the only carmaker in Europe that has that scale," Philippe Houchois, head of European auto industry research at UBS in London, told The New York Times.

Whether you're looking to get behind the wheel of a used Volkswagen or would prefer an American-made vehicle, New Jersey State Auto Auction is the place to go. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, there is something for everyone.

KBB: Seriously Consider Fuel-Efficiency as Gas Prices Rise

Gas prices have been on the rise over the last several weeks, and some experts predict the increases won't stop any time soon. With the average gallon of gas costing close to $4, anybody considering buying a used car may want to heavily weigh the importance of fuel-economy on their next purchase, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) advises.

The national average price currently stands at $3.59 a gallon and buying a fuel-efficient used car may be a great way to save money over the next several months, as gas prices could reach near-record levels. Analysts at KBB say an increase of $1 per gallon could cost consumers who drive a car that gets 20 miles-per-gallon an average of $11.50 each week. Though it might not seem like a lot, it could make a big difference.

"While in today's economic environment many families are on an extremely tight budget and $11.50 per week may be enough to break the bank," said Alec Gutierrez, the senior market analyst of automotive insights for KBB.

Of course, there are some cars that are better choices than others for people looking to get behind the wheel of a fuel-efficient car. For instance, the Toyota Camry has been a longtime favorite and its new hybrid model gets an impressive 41 miles per gallon on the highway. Other good options include a used Ford Fiesta or Hyundai Accent, which not only provide optimal fuel-efficiency but also are affordable options.

Those looking for a small used car might want to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealership offers shoppers a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, and with guaranteed credit approval everyone can walk out with a new ride.

Which New Cars Rose the Most in Price?

By most accounts the auto market seems to be improving, but there are still some new cars that will cost more in 2012. There is a large swath of models that will be more expensive, from American-made cars to foreign imports, and may be a good indicator of why consumers should visit New Jersey State Auto Auction for a used car instead.

At the top of the list was the Hyundai Azera. According to USA Today, the price of the mid-size sedan jumped a substantial 25 percent compared to its 2011 cost. A 2012 Azera will cost consumers about $32,000 which is up considerably from last year's sticker price of $25,495. Although it comes complete with some new features and some experts say it is much better off, that's still a pretty serious jump.

The Azera may have seen the steepest rise in price, but it was not the only one. Longtime consumer favorite the Volkswagen Jetta also made the list with a 9.6 percent raise in costs from $21,395 2011 to $23,445 in 2012.  As for American-made cars, the GMC Canyon had the biggest increase, going from $30,005 to $31,790 – a 5.9 percent jump.

If you're not interested in paying a high price for your preferred vehicle, a used Ford or Chevy may be the better option. According to AutoTrader, you can get a lot of great vehicles for under 10,000 including the 2004 Ford Mustang and 2005 Honda Civic.

New Jersey State Auto Auction has a wide variety of makes and models at your disposal, and not only are they affordable, but because they are CARFAX certified you know you're getting a reliable vehicle.