Category Archives: General Auto News

Dukes of Hazard Car Up for Auction

One of the most iconic cars in television history is going on sale. No, it's not Kitt or the Batmobile, but the General Lee, the famous ride of The Dukes of Hazard. The instantly-recognizable 1969 Dodge Charger will be going up for auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, insideline.com reports.

While there were several versions of the General Lee over the seven-season run of the television show, this is the first one. In fact, this model is seen in the opening credit sequence of every episode. Despite its fame, it has followed an interesting path to get to where it is today.

According to the website, after it was featured in the series the Charger was taken to a junkyard where it stayed for decades until 2001. The car was significantly damaged as the result of the 82-foot-long jump shown in the credits, which made it seem like it would fall into the annals of television history, never to be seen again. 

However, some fans decided to take it upon themselves to restore the classic muscle car, a project they completed in 2006. There's no telling how much the vehicle will get when it goes up for auction, but a replica recently sold for $450,000.

"If Lee 1 sells for less than that," Travis Bell, who first purchased it in 2001, told the website.  "It would be sad."

While not everyone can get behind the wheel of a piece of TV history, it is easy to get a reliable used car thanks to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices.

Hot Cars for Cold Temps

As the calendar moves through the winter months, there are many ways that drivers can make sure their cars can handle the treacherous conditions. Still, regardless of how much maintenance you perform on your vehicle, there are certain makes and models that are better suited to the winter. Kelley Blue Book's website kbb.com recently unveiled its list of the top cars for winter driving.

The number six car happens to be one of the most popular SUVs on the road. The latest version of the Honda CR-V includes a number of features that make it an excellent pick for cold weather driving. For example, it includes an intelligent control system that makes keeping the car on the road a bit easier. Even if you're in the market for a used CR-V, the reliable vehicle will be sure to withstand the rigors of the colder months.

It's not just SUVs making their way on the list. The website also included crossovers such as the Chevrolet Traverse, which came in at number four. What makes this practical car a good choice for the winter is that it comes with optional all-wheel drive for when the roads are especially slick.

"Although this purposefully diverse roster includes a full spectrum of highly capable alternatives, all share one common trait: Each boasts some type of user-friendly all-wheel drive system that can help keep you on the road – figuratively and literally – as you head to your final destination," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.

Whether you're looking for an SUV or a crossover to get where you're going this winter, New Jersey State Auto Auction is likely to have it. The dealer offers a wide variety of used cars at affordable prices.

Smart Repairs Will Save Money, Extend a Car’s Life

As more drivers look for ways to save money, many are choosing to perform auto maintenance on their older cars rather than buy a new one. In fact, a recent AAA survey found that half of American drivers are planning on keeping their older cars rather than buying new ones, the Middletown Journal reports. Though it may cost a bit, experts say that it is a smart move because putting off any fixes may end up costing more money in the long run due to larger repairs.

The change in attitude isn't just reflected in what drivers are saying, but in what they doing as well. A separate study found that the average length of ownership of both new and used cars is on the rise, and most people are planning on putting at least 50,000 more miles on their current car than their previous model. With an added emphasis on making cars last longer, mechanics say that there are certain things that cannot go overlooked.

"You have to change your oil, you have to change fluids, you have to change your tires and you have to replace things," Brian Hafer, vice president of marketing for AutoMD.com, told the newspaper.

According to Reader's Digest, there is a long list of ways for motorists to extend the life of their cars other than just making sure their fluids and tires are maintained. Among the most often-overlooked tips is having a lighter keychain. The publication reports that the added weight can put a lot of strain on the ignition. Additionally, you should make sure to have your wheel alignment checked every 30,000 miles or so.

If you're looking to extend the life of your car as long as possible, New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center is the place to go. Located in Jersey City, the center is open to the public and performs everything from maintenance to repairs.

Focus on Fashion: Designers Use Cars Parts

The fashion and automobile worlds are not that far apart. Both rely on stylish designs and  people often place looks over function when purchasing both clothes and cars. Furthermore, it's difficult to set foot in an auto or fashion show without seeing a few models. Despite the close relation, two British fashion designers recently took things to a whole new level by creating a dress and necklace from parts of a Ford Focus, USA Today reports.

The dress came from the mind of Judy Clark,  who certainly made use of all parts of the car. The finished product included pieces ranging from car radios to keys to dashboard components. According to Clark's blog, the project was commissioned by Ford to celebrate its 100th anniversary in the United Kingdom. Using other materials such as tweed, lace and leather, she finished the dress in about a week.

As for the necklace, the publication reports that it was created by Katherine Hawkins. Interestingly, she constructed the piece without knowing of the similar project that Clark had embarked on, but the similarities are striking. The necklace features a grouping of instrument panel switches as well as coiled springs and dials.

Though most people will not employ used cars in a similar fashion, the benefits of pre-owned cars cannot go overlooked. Anybody looking to get behind the wheel of a used car should act quickly, as numerous reports have pointed out that prices are at some of their lowest levels in months.

While the price of used cars may be on its way down, at New Jersey State Auto Auction this is almost always the case. The dealer offers a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices.

Plan Ahead for Winter Driving Success

The first day of winter has come and gone and  it may seem like it's too late for preventative maintenance, but such is not the case. According to Cars.com, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says there are a number of things drivers should consider before heading out into wintry conditions to make sure they arrive at their destination safely.

Even though the winter is already upon us, it is not too late to get your car inspected by a mechanic to make sure it is running properly. Most professionals know what to look for, but according to the NHTSA,  there are a few things that are absolutely imperative.

Perhaps most importantly, mechanics should turn their attention toward the battery since there is nothing worse than getting stranded on the side of the road in the dead of winter. This includes making sure cable connections are secure and that the battery has enough voltage to begin with.

There are also certain steps you can take yourself to make sure your car runs smoothly through the colder months. According to the website, you should plan ahead by keeping an extra bottle of wiper fluid just in case, and make  sure there is enough coolant in your vehicle.

Once you have taken the proper precautions, there are some things you can do while out on the road to ensure your ride goes smoothly. Along with checking the weather ahead of time, you should also take a material like kitty litter or sand to help you out with traction should the need arise. Furthermore, be sure to bring blankets and warm clothes in case of an emergency.

New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center provide drivers with the services they need to help them get their car ready for the winter.

Some New Car Reviews May Leave Consumers Thinking Used

There's a common assumption that new cars are better than their predecessor, and while that may sometimes be the case, it is not always true. For example, the recent review that Consumer Reports gave the new Honda Civic Si may have some drivers heading to New Jersey State Auto Auction for a used car.

While the publication listed the new Civi Si c on its "Recommended Buy" list, it barely made it and the review was none too favorable. Furthermore, it comes after Consumer Reports failed to include the standard Honda Civic on the list for the first time in 16 years. Experts say the Si suffers from many of the drawbacks of the new standard Civic including " vague steering, cheap plastics, a jittery ride, and lots of noise. The Civic currently ranks 9 out of 11 of tested cars in Consumer Reports' sporty car category."

Still, the news was not all bad for the Civic Si. The publication pointed out that the car has good gas mileage and a powerful engine. They also praised its powertrain, saying that it just needs a better overall car to go with it.

Though critics may not be on board for the new Civic, it and other Honda models have been a popular choice for used car buyers for years and 2011 was no different. According to MSN Autos, the 2008 Honda CR-V was one of the best used cars this year thanks to its great fuel economy and plenty of cargo room. The 2008 Honda Fit also made the cut due to its affordable price and surprisingly roomy interior.

Whether you're looking for a SUV or a compact car, New Jersey State Auto Auction has you covered with a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices.

Drivers Sacrifice Safety to Save a Buck

Some motorists may be putting off auto maintenance to save money, but experts say they are doing so at their own peril. Consumer Reports points out that ignoring regular upkeep on a car can significantly reduce how safety it is and it should be a priority. However, this is not the case for many drivers.

A recent Consumer Reports poll found that 40 percent of drivers are putting off maintenance on their primary vehicle because they are trying to cut back on costs – but they shouldn't. By ignoring upkeep, they are turning a blind eye to important components such as brakes, tires and light bulbs, which puts them at risk on the road.

"The family car is the second largest purchase a consumer can make. It's also often one of the most abused," said Jeff Bartlett, Consumer Reports' deputy online automotive editor. "We expect our car to work even in the harshest conditions. So protecting that investment should be a priority, especially when it becomes a safety issue."

The research also found some interesting results concerning the confidence drivers have in the auto repair shop they choose to go to. More than half of respondents said that they completely trusted the business they visit, and 83 percent were confident that they would get the right repair for the correct price.

As a final point, the survey revealed some telling statistics about why car owners choose to get a different model. In particular, 82 percent replaced their car due to poor reliability and 67 percent did so because of safety concerns.

New Jersey State Auto Auction offers drivers easy access to its Total Car Care center so they can ensure their car is in fine working condition when it's on the road.

Give the Gift of Tires this Christmas

As Christmas draws near, many people may be looking for the perfect gift, and while a grand gesture might seem like the perfect choice, an unlikely present could be a better option. A recent survey by Hankook Tire America found that about half of respondents would like to receive new tires for Christmas this year, USA Today reports.

For some people, getting tires would not only be appreciated, but it would probably make their holiday season even brighter. The company found that 35 percent of drivers would "love" getting the gift of tires for Christmas this year. This might seem like an unusual choice for a gift, but the findings are less surprising when you consider how valuable a good set of wheels can be to both function and safety.

The findings may be even less shocking if you consider the amount of traveling people are planning on doing this holiday season. According to the publication, about 40 percent of people surveyed said that they are going on a road trip, and about half of those expecting to drive more than 500 miles.

Having good tires can be one of the most important things for drivers, and it's easy to see why. After all, they are the only parts of the car that are in constant contact with the road. Most significantly, if tires are in good working condition, they provide better safety by improving a car's ability to stop, turn and go.

Tires can also improve your gas mileage, which is especially important given the continuously high prices of gas. If tires are not filled properly or have worn treads, it means that the engine has to work harder to compensate.

Along with buying a new set of tires this holiday season, visiting New Jersey State Auto Auction can help your car's safety and gas mileage. That's because the dealer's Total Car Car center provides auto maintenance and repairs to the public.

Go Green, Buy a Used Car

Though many people assume that the only advantage of buying a used car is that it costs less, such is not the case. A lower price is certainly a significant benefit, but according to The Huffington Post, used cars tend to be the more eco-friendly option as well.

It may be true that many new cars are being built to reduce carbon emissions and improve fuel-economy, but experts say the same can be said for used cars since the push to creating greener vehicles has been going on for several years.

"Just five years ago carbon dioxide emitted per kilometer from new cars was dramatically less than from used cars," industry expert Matt Tumbridge told the website. "But the advances in engine technology that made that drop in carbon dioxide possible have now bedded into the used car market."

Tumbridge has some statistics to back up his claims as well. For instance, he points out that the Toyota Prius, one of the most eco-friendly cars in the United States, emits about 89 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer, and most are around 100 grams per kilometer. A three-year-old Smart car emits about 130 and costs significantly less.

Another reason that used cars can be greener is because many people are performing maintenance on their cars to keep them on the road longer rather than buying a new car. Retro-fitting vehicles to biodeisel, which has proven to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 20 percent, can be one way to make an old car a little more green, the website reports.

Whether you're looking to pick up a fuel-efficient used car or get some life-extending maintenance performed on your car, New Jersey State Auto Auction is the place to go. Along with a wide variety of makes and models, the dealer also offers a Total Car Care center at its Jersey City location.

Ford Kills Production of Ranger

As many manufacturers get ready to roll out their 2012 models, there are some cars that will never come off the production line again. For many vehicles, 2011 was the last year in production, and anybody who wants to get behind the wheel of one will have to head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction and pick up a used version.

One of the most well-known cars that is ending production this year is the Ford Ranger, The New York Daily News reports. This small pick-up truck was a popular alternative to the company's larger F-150 and has been around since 1984. Many people who have driven the Ranger are sad to see it go.

"I thought the Ranger was here to stay, like the F-150. But times are tough," Samuel Taylor, owns a Ranger, told the newspaper. "People are making do with what they got, I guess. I'm gonna drive mine until the cows come home."

Among the biggest reasons that Ranger will no longer be produced after this year is because larger, more powerful trucks are able to provide just as much fuel-efficiency. According the publication, the F-150 gets a similar 27 miles per gallon while also offering a V6 engine.

The Ranger is certainly not the only car that is seeing an end to production this year. The Dodge Dakota, a similarly-sized pick up, also will not be available outside of used car dealers. Additionally, production of the Honda Element, Nissan Altima Hybrid and Mitsubishi Eclipse will all come to an end.

Just because new models of these cars won't be made available does not mean they will disappear from the roads. Anybody looking to pick up a Ranger, Element or any other used car can head to New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices.