Results of a new J.D. Power and Associates study reveal why people choose their cars, and the reasons might be a bit surprising. Consumers are more likely to base their purchase on common knowledge or opinions rather than any personal experience with the vehicle in question.

The research was conducted as part of the firm's annual Avoider Study, which aims to find out why consumers stay away from certain cars while they flock to other models. A large portion of responders, 43 percent, said that their perception of a particular brand's reliability and quality is what swayed their decision.

About 38 percent said that reading a poor review was what made them stay away, while only 14 percent said that their actual experience is what made them think poorly of a particular brand. The findings indicate that some automakers should place an emphasis on changing their public perception.

"For some brands, namely those that have created marked improvements in their quality and reliability in recent years, it's even more vital to tell their improvement story, rather than just waiting for perceptions to change over time," said J.D. Power and Associates' research director Jon Osborn said.

Instead of basing your decision on reputation, you should consider several other ways to determine the quality of a used car. Of course, the test drive will be an important factor in your decision because taking a car out on the road is the only way to get a feel for how it actually operates. Not only that, but you will want to look into the car's vehicle history to understand any potential pitfalls.

Regardless of how you choose your used car, New Jersey State Auto Auction will have the vehicle for you. Additionally, since each automobile is Carfax certified you know it is a reliable choice.

When it comes to finding a good deal on used cars, the battle of the sexes seems to have beeen won by women. A new report from LeaseTrader.com found that women regularly get better prices on cars than their male counterparts and according to NPR, it is indicative of a growing trend in the auto industry.

The reason women are able to get better deals is due largely to the fact they do more research beforehand. As a result, they are better equipped to ask specific questions regarding everything from safety and performance to vehicle history. Women are also more likely to talk dealers into a lower price, experts say.

"Our data specifically says that women not only have a larger interest in cars overall, but women today are taking a more active role in the negotiating process of a vehicle and in the car-shopping process in general," LeaseTrader's John Sternal told NPR. 

While women were concerned about reliability and quality, the same cannot be said for men. The survey revealed that they care more about aethestics and technology. The findings demonstrate the longheld perception that women are not as interested in cars as men is simply not true

"That our data illustrates a deepening relationship between women and cars comes as no surprise," LeaseTrader said in a press release.

Whether male or female, drivers can find a good deal at New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, its likely you'll find the perfect car for you. Furthermore, each vehicle is Carfax certified so you know you're getting a reliable ride.

The test drive can be one of the most important steps in buying a used car. No matter how much research you do or how many reviews you read, what it all comes down to is how you feel behind the wheel, and you should make sure to place a heavy emphasis on taking the car out for a spin before purchase. Some people may not know what to look for during the test drive, but here are a few tips.

While you might think the test drive begins once you turn the key, it should actually start just before that. In fact, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) advises you to check some of the components that don't have to do with the driving experience. For instance, you may want to inspect storage areas, door handles, seat and mirror adjustments, and signaling devices.

You should also look under the hood and in the trunk for a variety of reasons. For starters, the DMV says looking in the trunk can reveal tell-tale signs of flood damage such as water lines and mildew. Additionally, checking out the engine makes it easy to inspect fluid levels and other important criteria.

Once you're out on the road, perhaps the most crucial thing is to try out the car in a variety of situations. The test drive does not have to be long but you should make sure the car handles well, whether it be in stop-and-go traffic or on the highway. While on the road, test out all the systems including the heat, air conditioning and radio to make sure they function properly.

If you test drive a car at New Jersey State Auto Auction, there's a good chances you'll come out feeling confident about your decision. That's because New Jersey Auto provides a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices – all of which are Carfax certified.

The economic collapse in 2008 has lead to a dearth of used cars. Many drivers are holding on to their vehicles longer than in previous years and as a result are not trading them in for updated models. In an effort to replenish a depleted used car market, many in the industry are putting in a significant effort to convince drivers now might be the time to trade in their vehicles, The Detroit News reports.

The unique situation has led some dealers to take drastic measures to find used cars. Some will look at their service departments and make drivers offers well above what they would normally pay. Others have turned online to find cars on websites like eBay. The shortage is reflected in the number of cars sold at auction.

"The number in 2010 was 8.4 million," Tom Kontos, executive vice president of Adesa Analytical Services, told the newspaper. "My expectation this year is it won't reach 8 million. So we are down somewhere between 1.5 [million] and 2 million cars, even with new-car sales increasing."

While it may be bad news for dealers, the shortage of used cars is great news for people considering trading in their car. However, even if the demand is high, there are still some steps you can take to ensure you get the most money possible.

According to Bankrate.com, one of the best ways to ensure a fair deal is to come prepared with all your service records. Additionally, you should do some research beforehand to have an idea of how much your car is worth.

New Jersey State Auto Auction is a great place to go to trade in your used car. Thanks to being an Autotrader.com trade-in marketplace, New Jersey Auto can provide you with a fast appraisal that will you have you driving away with a used car in no time.

Sometimes finding the right vehicle can seem like a struggle. No matter how much you look, it can appear nearly impossible to find the perfect car for the right price. Though everyone has their own methods when it comes to buying a used car, some habits are more effective than others and can go a long way in helping you land the ideal automobile.

A lot of the success of the purchase has to do with what brand you choose. While most people may be dead-set on only purchasing a top-end brand, the lesser known makes and models may get you an equally reliable vehicle at much less the price. According to the Toronto Star, having an open mind when it comes to brand selection can yield excellent results. Some of the best undervalued manufacturers are Kia, Mitsubishi and Suzuki.

Experts may advise against being too committed to a particular manufacturer, but the same cannot be said for a budget. The publication reports that setting a budget and sticking to it is  important because it can narrow your focus and, most obviously, keep you from spending too much money. Additionally, you may want to consider trading in your previous car to take a few thousand dollars off the price.

Like any major purchase, research is a must, and luckily there are plenty of options to learn about the history behind your potential purchase. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, all the cars on the lot are Carfax certified so you know you're getting a vehicle with no hidden issues.

Of course, having a reliable stable of cars is not the only advantage offered by New Jersey Auto. The dealer carries a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, whether you're looking for a Ford, Toyota or Jeep.

Hybrid cars and electric vehicles have long been seen as the future, and that may prove to be the case if Generation Y has anything to say about it. A recent study conducted by Deloitte found that 59 percent of Gen Y respondents would prefer an electric vehicle over a traditional car, while 57 percent said the same about a hybrid car.

The survey polled 1,500 people from different populations including baby boomers and members of Generation X. However, it was Gen Y, the group of people born between 1977 and 1990 that were the most likely to turn to an alternative fuel source. Analysts say that their findings could mean big things because the generation comprises one of the largest groups of auto buyers in the country.

"Gen Y consumers also view hybrid technology as proven and reliable," said Craig Giffi, vice chairman and automotive practice leader at Deloitte. "Almost six in 10 Gen Y respondents prefer a hybrid over any other type of vehicle, while a mere two in 100 prefer a pure battery electric vehicle – demonstrating that Gen Y is familiar and comfortable with hybrid technology, but not so much with battery-only technology."

The study found some interesting tidbits regarding how Gen Y feels about the interior features of cars as well. Connectivity proved to be important, with 72 percent saying they would like smartphone applications, while 73 percent would like a car with a touch screen interface.

While hybrid vehicles dominating the market may still be a few years off, members of Gen Y looking for a reliable used car should head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models, all at affordable prices, shoppers will certainly be able to find a car that suits their needs.

Some of the most famous cars from recent memory have gone up for auction over the last several months, and another one is about to be added to the list. One of the five Volkswagen Beetles used in the Herbie the Love Bug movie franchise is set to go on the block as part of Scottsdale sales, USA Today reports.

The 1963 model was played a significant role in the Disney comedy movies, the first of which, "The Love Bug" hit theaters in 1968. There was a sequel nearly a decade later when "Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo" was released in 1977. The films followed the unlikely ascent of a Beetle through the high speed racing world. There was later a remake, "Herbie Fully Loaded," which was released in 2005.

The nearly 50-year-old automobile gets just 60 horsepower but is expected to bring in a hefty sum for the sellers. According to the publication, experts believe that it could get anywhere from $75,000 to $125,000 when it goes up for auction.

Herbie is certainly not the only car from cinematic history to go up for sale. In December, it was announced that the original General Lee that was used in the popular TV series "Dukes of Hazard" was going to be auctioned off, according to FoxNews.com. That same month, a DeLorean used in "Back to the Future III" sold for more than $540,000.

While not everyone can get behind the wheel of the car from their favorite movie, New Jersey State Auto Auction can help in other ways. With a wide variety of makes and models, you can find the perfect car for you. Additionally, all the models are Carfax certified so you know you're getting a reliable ride.

The recession caused a lot of people to become more frugal, and that is especially true when it comes to their cars. As a result, many motorists began to hold on to their vehicles longer than they would have previously, and the trend has apparently continued. Research firm Polk recently found that the average age of vehicles on the road is 10.8 years – an all time high.

The findings highlight a growing trend over the last five years, which has shown that drivers are more likely to invest in auto maintenance than a new car. Additionally, it suggests that they may be more likely to purchase a used car instead of a new one to save money.

When the results are deconstructed, they show that passenger cars experienced just a modest increase in age between June 2010 and June 2011, rising from an average of 11 to 11.1 years. Light trucks, however, made more substantial gains during that time with an increase of age from 10.1 to 10.4 years. While the tendency of drivers to hold on to their vehicles may hurt new car dealerships, it's good news for some other businesses.

"The increasing age of the vehicle fleet, together with the increasing length of ownership, offers significant business growth opportunity for the automotive aftermarket," said Mark Seng, global aftermarket practice leader at Polk.  "Dealer service departments and independent repair facilities, as well as aftermarket parts suppliers, will see increased business opportunity with customers in need of vehicle service."

Any driver looking to hold on to their vehicle longer will want to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center to ensure that it gets the service that it needs. The Jersey City location is open to the public and offers everything from repairs to regular maintenance.

Anybody mulling over the purchase of a used car may want to make up their mind quickly. Kelley Blue Book expects prices of pre-owned vehicles to rise during the first quarter of 2012, and now may be the best time to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction to make a purchase.

Though prices have remained relatively flat throughout the first few weeks of the year, experts believe that the trend will not continue. In fact, forecasters say prices could rise as much as 5 percent over the next couple months, so it's best for shoppers to act fast. Certain cars will tend to be a bit more expensive than others, so choosing wisely is especially important as well.

"Consumers eyeing one of the many highly acclaimed redesigned 2011 model-year vehicles for their next used car should be prepared to pay a significant premium," said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst of automotive insights for Kelley Blue Book. "For example, the 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and Kia Optima currently maintain a premium higher than 40 percent versus the 2010 model-year counterpart, significantly outperforming the Honda Accord and Toyota Corolla, which weren't redesigned for model-year 2011."

The reason behind the expected price increase lies in the fact that many people are holding onto their vehicles longer than ever rather than trading them in. As a result, supply of used cars has dropped considerably while demand is still high.

Heading to New Jersey State Auto Auction can help remedy both situations. Thanks to it being an AutoTrader.com trade-in marketplace dealer, New Jersey Auto offers its customers the opportunity to get a substantial return on their car. Not only that, but it has a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices.

Used cars give prospective buyers a great way to save money while still offering a reliable ride. Though smart shoppers are likely to get a good deal, there are certain makes and models that offer more bang for the buck. Forbes recently released its list of best used cars for the money.

At the top of the list is the 2008 Ford Taurus. Despite being a longtime favorite among motorists, the car has a relatively low resale value. This is great for people looking to get behind the wheel of a reliable sedan, and the publication estimates you can find it for around $14,700.

Good deals can be found for more high-end vehicles as well. The 2008 Cadillac DTS is a great option, experts say. This luxurious ride made the cut because it offers plenty of power and safety features such as blind-spot and lane-departure warning.

There are also plenty of options available to people looking for an SUV. According to Forbes, the 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer comes in both V6 and V8 models and can be driven off the lot for less than $20,000.

Finding an affordable car is not the only reason you may want to buy used. According to Edmunds, one of the biggest advantages of buying a pre-owned vehicle is that you'll save money on insurance, and some used cars may still be under factor warranty. Not only that, but if you're a savvy shopper you can find better discounts.

New Jersey State Auto Auction is a great place for anybody looking for a used car. The dealer offers a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, all of which are Carfax certified.