There's nothing quite like taking a summer drive in a convertible with its top down, but doing so may be costing motorists a great deal at the pump. Driving on the highway with the top down could reduce gas mileage by as much as 14 percent, and according to Cars.com, automakers are looking for a way to limit the impact.

Unfortunately for motorists, industry insiders have yet to find a suitable fix to the problem. Though they have attempted to deflect wind to minimize drag in a number of different ways, including adding a mesh window screens, they have done so to little avail.

"Designers are making every attempt they can to make the air flow smoothly up the windshield, across the roof and down the back deck," James Smith, former president of the Society of Automotive Engineers, told the website. "And when you remove that roofline you have more area there – more room for the air to get recirculated back in."

Lower gas mileage may just have to be the sacrifice some motorists make to enjoy the benefits of a convertible. Drivers looking to get in a convertible may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction for a model at an affordable price.

As baby boomers continue to age, many are choosing to get a new car to go with their new lifestyle. Most are looking for a sporty car after years of being behind the wheel of an SUV or minivan, and according to Forbes magazine there are several models that stand out above the rest.

The general assumption might be that baby boomers will automatically gravitate toward luxury cars or convertibles, but one of the most popular is more subtle. The Chevrolet Aveo offers a sleek design that will appeal for anybody looking for a more youthful ride. Additionally, since it is available for around $15,000, the price tag is appealing as well.

Although the Aveo is more subdued, there are certainly baby boomer consumers looking to get behind the wheel of something more flashy. Specifically, the Audi A5 is a popular choice to those who are not afraid of spending a little extra, which is usually not a problem as analyst Jesse Toprak told the news source that many "have reached a heightened income level giving them both time and financial freedom."

Whether one is looking for a sporty Audi or a youthful Chevy, New Jersey Auction has plenty of makes and models at affordable prices.

Many publications often provide their list for what the best and most affordable used cars are, but few are more well-respected than Consumer Reports. A number of writers for the venerable publication recently unveiled what they believe are the best used cars under $20,000, and there are a lot of familiar names but a few models might surprise some readers.

The Honda Accord made the cut, which likely will not shock anybody who is even a casual follower of the automobile industry. Often regarded as one of the most reliable sedans, the Accord offers a sleek look while still providing a fuel-efficient option at an affordable price. Expert Jeff Barlett also cited the Ford Fusion as another one of his favorite choices.

"The Fusion can often be found for a great price, but the added space and sharper lines of the Accord would have me leaning in that direction," he wrote for the publication. "Either would provide good safety protection compared against typical, new small cars at that price point adding appeal to shopping used."

Of course, not all drivers are looking for a compact sedan like the Accord or the Fusion. For those in the market for a new truck or SUV, Consumer Reports reminds its readers that there are still affordable and fuel-efficient options. In particular, the Toyota Highlander resonated with reviewer Eric Evarts, who says that despite the fact it comes at a manageable size, the Highlander provides plenty of towing power for those who need it.

For families who need more storage and seating than anything else, a minivan is the obvious choice, and according to the publication's Tom Mutchler, the 2008 Honda Odyssey is the way to go for those looking to stay under the $20,000 level. With room for eight and a camera that makes backing up a cinch, the Odyssey is more than a suitable choice for families.

Regardless of whether or not you're looking for a used vehicle that provides you with optimal towing power like the Highlander or one that will make the morning commute just a little less painful like the Fusion, New Jersey Auto Auction is sure to have it at an affordable price.

To many drivers, the addition of automatic braking systems may seem unnecessary, but a new study might change their tune. The researchers found that such features prevent one in four rear-end collisions.

The study focused on Volvo XC60 midsize crossover SUV, and its results speak volumes about the potential of such innovative features. Researchers looked at insurance claims involving the vehicle, and determined that drivers with the system in an XC60 were 27 percent less likely to be involved in a low-speed, rear-end accident than drivers without it.

"This is our first real-world look at an advanced crash avoidance technology, and the findings are encouraging," Adrian Lund, president of HLDI, said in a press release. "City Safety is helping XC60 drivers avoid the kinds of front-to-rear, low-speed crashes that frequently happen on congested roads."

Volvo is often on the cutting edge of safety technology, and drivers looking to get behind the wheel of one may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers plenty of makes and models at affordable prices. 

Although growth in the new car market remains slow, the same cannot be said for the sales of pre-owned vehicles. According to Tulsa World, demand for used cars has been so high in recent months that the average selling price is up 5.7 percent compared to last year, much to the delight of proprietors across the country.

With gas prices still high, it comes as no surprise that most consumers are looking to get behind the wheel of a more fuel-efficient used vehicle. Even still, larger cars like SUVs and used trucks are still selling relatively well, a sign of the high demand.

Though the need for used cars is a good thing for some businesses, other dealerships are finding it hard to get enough vehicles.

"We probably sell five used cars for every new car, so this is big business for us," Mike Frizell, who operates a Chevrolet dealership in Sand Springs, Oklahoma, told the news source.

Consumers who are looking to pick up a used car of their own may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers everything from fuel-efficient sedans to spacious SUVs to powerful trucks at affordable prices.

Consumers waiting to find a good deal on a new or used pick up truck should wait no more. According to USA Today, many manufactures are overstocked with trucks and are looking to sell them at affordable prices.

There are several reasons for the growing number of trucks made available, but perhaps the greatest is due to the fact that manufacturers saw a bump in sales earlier this year and ramped up production. However, the economy has since slowed, leaving businesses with more than they originally expected.

Specifically, the news source reports that General Motors is offering more than $5,300 off the GMC Sierra and $4,880 off the price of the Chevrolet Silverado. Additionally, Toyota is slashing prices on the Tundra by more than $2,500, while Ford dropped about $3,750 from its F-Series.

Experts say that the good deal may not last for a long time, either, as similar price drops have often been short-lived.

Those looking to get behind the wheel of a used Ford or Chevy truck may want to go to New Jersey Auto Auction, which has many makes and models at affordable prices.

Drivers are always on the lookout for the best deals, whether it is for repairs or gas prices, and the same goes for when they're looking for new cars as well. The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) recently unveiled the best values when it comes to new vehicles.

Among those that were featured in the list was the 2011 Hyundai Azera Limited. This reliable car offers a luxurious look while still appealing to a large swath of consumers. Additionally, it made the list thanks, in large part, to its 23-mile-per-gallon fuel efficiency and its 60,000-mile warranty.

Two Toyota vehicles made the list, the popular Tacoma pick-up and the SUV Venza. Both were included due to their low first-year depreciation rate (the Tacoma was 10 percent while the Venza was 12), and complementary Toyota Care maintenance and roadside assistance.

"Lower incentives and mixed economic news have stinted new car sales in recent months, but rest assured, there are deals currently available at local lots on some phenomenal vehicles and we have the list," said Troy Snyder, director of product development at NADAguides.

Consumers looking to find a used vehicle at an affordable price will want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which carries a wide variety of makes and models.

As anybody who has had to drive through New York City can attest that it can certainly be a nightmare. However, results of a new study suggest that parking in the Big Apple might be even more troublesome.

New York City was recently named as the most expensive place to park in the United States, considerably ahead of the next closet competitors, USA Today reports. The median monthly rate in midtown Manhattan is $541 and in downtown Manhattan it is a little less costly – at $533 a month. For compression, Boston, which ranked third, was 19 percent less at $438, and the national rate was a modest $155.22 per month.

The study, which was conducted in June by Colliers International, found that for daily rates, midtown Manhattan still held down the top spot at $41 per day, with Honolulu, Hawaii, coming in second at $38.

"This year's parking rate survey reflects a moderately improving economy and better office leasing fundamentals," Ross Moore, Colliers International's chief economist said in a statement. "Despite these improvements, operators are still holding the line on parking rates."

Car insurance is often one of the major costs of owning an automobile, but General Motors is hoping to change all that. According to CNN Money, the manufacturer is planning to provide a year's worth of insurance along with the purchase of one of its brand new vehicles.

The initiative, which expires on September 6, is currently limited to motorists in Washington and Oregon because GM has had trouble gaining traction in the two Pacific Northwest states. However, officials at the company say that there is the strong possibility that the program could make its way to other states across the country, if it is successful.

"We want to give residents of Oregon and Washington another reason to discover Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles," the U.S. vice president of GM Marketing said in a statement.

The move could be a good one for the manufacturer as it looks to build on a positive year in terms of sales. According to CNN, its sales are up 11 percent over this period last year. Furthermore, there has been indicators that auto insurance rates have risen considerably in many states across the country.

CarMD.com recently unveiled its first annual Vehicle Health Index report, which highlights the best places to receive automotive repairs, and the results paint a nice picture for Missouri drivers. The study found that the Show-Me State had one of the lowest average "check engine" repair costs, being beat only by Washington, D.C.

The report revealed that Missouri mechanics charged an average of $297.27 for parts and labor, which is significantly less than the national average of roughly $356, and an impressive 29 percent lower than Arizona, which was the most expensive state on the list at more than $421. Ohio, Wisconsin and Nebraska rounded out the top five most affordable.

"We are releasing this data to empower consumers and technicians with a better understanding of common repairs and costs, and to call attention to the fact that, regardless of region, drivers who follow a regularly scheduled maintenance program and address small problems early tend to have reduced fuel bills and repair costs," said Art Jacobsen, vice president of CarMD.com

In 2010, the most frequently reported issue was replacing the oxygen sensor, making up about 9.3 percent of all repairs.