Seniors Can Look For Certain Features To Improve Driving Conditions

Aging takes a toll on the body that can make it difficult to perform the same tasks that came easily in years past, and this can affect a person's driving ability. There may come a point when an older adult is no longer able to safely operate a vehicle due to health issues such as vision problems and arthritis. While some conditions may require seniors to surrender their keys right away, there are ways to adjust driving conditions to suit an older adult's needs. AAA points out that there are different car features available that can help keep aging drivers on the road longer.

"With 10,000 Americans turning 65 every day, we know that families will be coping with these age-related driving safety issues for years to come," said AAA President and CEO Robert Darbelnet. "The good news is that specific 'smart features' on today's cars can help older drivers and their families deal with these conditions."

There are certain features that older adults may want to look for when they shop for their next vehicle. Those with hip or leg pain may want to find a vehicle that is higher off the ground with power seat adjusters so they can easily get in and out of their vehicle and have a seat position that is comfortable for driving. AAA points out that arthritis may make it difficult for some to maneuver keys, so keyless entry and push-button starters are also good features for them to look for.

New Jersey Auto Auction is a great place for older drivers to look for the perfect car to suit their needs. The dealer has four acres of used cars, trucks and SUVs to choose from, and every model on the lot is CARFAX certified, providing additional security that the car shopper will be getting a reliable ride.

November Car Sales Likely to Surpass Pre-recession Levels

The official numbers have not yet been tallied, but industry experts across the board are projecting that November's car sales rates may have reached pre-recession levels. Edmunds.com, for example, predicts that about 1.1 million cars and trucks were sold in the U.S. last month, Forbes reports. If this estimate is accurate, that would increase the Seasonally Adjusted Annual Rate (SAAR) to 15 million units, which is the highest SAAR since February 2008. When the recession was in full swing, the annual rate was closer to 10.4 million in 2009, Bloomberg Businessweek reports.

"Everything is kind of moving along almost in concert now," Jeff Schuster, senior vice president of forecasting for LMC Automotive, a Detroit-area industry consulting firm, told Businessweek.

Not only are car sales increasing, but the amount people are paying for vehicles is on the rise as well. TrueCar.com reports the average transaction price during November was $30,832, a 1.1 percent ($346) increase from October and $335 more than the same month in 2011.

"Industry average transaction prices climb once again with consumers' continued appetite for highly contended vehicles," said Jesse Toprak, senior analyst at TrueCar.com. "Today's consumers value a nicely equipped vehicle as much as they do a low cost of ownership. Automakers are getting better at providing all the modern conveniences consumers come to expect for more of their models, resulting in higher overall prices hence improves profitability."

Drivers don't necessarily need to shop for new cars to find the amenities they want, either. There are plenty of previously owned vehicles that already have a number of great features such as infotainment systems and handheld device compatibility. Car shoppers in the New York/New Jersey area can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction to find the used cars and trucks they want at affordable prices.

Original Batmobile Up For Auction at Barrett-Jackson

Comic book fans and cinephiles alike may be excited to know that one of the most famous cars in the history of Hollywood is about the go up for auction for the first time. The Batmobile from the 1966 live action TV series Batman and the adapted movie, starring Adam West, will be one of the stars of the show at the Barrett-Jackson auction house in Scottsdale, Arizona, on January 19. The custom ride started out as a Lincoln Futura concept car that was modified by George Barris.

"The 1966 Batmobile by George Harris is one of the most famous Hollywood cars in history, and it has become a true icon that has been carried from generation to generation of Batmobiles to follow," said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of the auction house. "This vehicle not only marks the significant Bat logo that sits on the middle of its door, but a time in television where they defied the odds of making a car the real star of the show. It revolutionized an entire industry that followed in the footsteps and we couldn't be prouder to have it cross our block in Scottsdale as it goes up for sale for the very first time."

Barris purchased the Batmobile from Ford Motor Company in 1965 for $1, and has kept it in pristine condition. As this car is such an important marker of the Batman franchise as well as a major player in the development of television, it will likely have a high final selling price. While not everyone will be able to afford to bid on this fantasy car, those in need of more practical vehicles can head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction to get in on the automotive bidding action. With a wide selection of makes and models, there's something for everyone.

Chevy Volt Tops Consumer Reports’ Satisfaction Survey Second Year in a Row

Every year, Consumer Reports conducts a survey to determine how satisfied drivers are with their cars, and the Chevy Volt was named the best car for customer satisfaction for the second year in a row. More Volt owners (92 percent) said they would buy the car again than any other survey respondents.

"The Volt's two-year reign at the top of our satisfaction survey points to the continuing trend of owners' enthusiasm for cars that are fuel-efficient cars, especially as we see more and more hybrid and electric models hitting the market," said Rik Paul, the auto editor for Consumer Reports. "The combination of sporty handling and strong engine performance also goes a long way in building loyalty and generating excitement among owners."

In general, models that have alternative fuel options tended to do better than others, as the Nissan Leaf, Toyota Camry hybrid, Prius and Prius C also scored very high when it came to customer satisfaction. The other end of the spectrum included a number of SUVs and vehicles with larger V6 engines that consume more gasoline per mile, suggesting that drivers are moving away from gas guzzlers and toward options that will help them save at the pump and are better for the environment. The GMC Sierra, Nissan Armada, Chevy Silverado and Mitsubishi Outlander were among the lowest-scoring vehicles in Consumer Reports' survey.

Reports such as this can be very helpful for car shoppers who are not sure which vehicle is best suited for them. They may want to avoid cars ranked low on this list, as it is based on the driver's opinion of performance, reliability, comfort price and enjoyment. Once a driver finds the vehicle they want, they can head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which carries a wide selection of makes and models. Every vehicle on the lot is CARFAX certified, so drivers know they'll be getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride no matter which model they choose.

Study Shows Parents’ Driving Behaviors Influence Teens

Children learn many of their behaviors from their parents, and this is especially true when it comes to driving habits. A recent study found this to be the case, even if parents educated their children about the dangers of distractions and the importance of practicing safe habits behind the wheel.

Researchers from Toyota and the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute conducted phone surveys with more than 5,500 young drivers and their parents. They found that kids are far more likely to be influenced by what they think their parents do while driving than what parents tell their kids they do. For example, when a teen driver thinks his parents eat or drink while driving, he is 3.4 times more likely to do so as well. Young drivers whose parents have reported eating or drinking behind the wheel are 2.2 times more likely to snack while operating a vehicle.

Even if parents do not engage in risky behaviors, or do so infrequently, teens are still apt to assume their parents are doing these things. Approximately 71 percent of teens think their parents read directions while driving, while only about 55 percent admitted to doing so.

"Children look to their parents for a model of what is acceptable," said Dr. Ray Bingham, research professor at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute and head of the Young Driver Behavior and Injury Prevention Group. "Parents should know that every time they get behind the wheel with their child in the car, they are providing a visible example that their child is likely to follow."

In addition to instilling good driving practices in their kids, parents can help keep their youngsters safe on the road by putting them behind the wheel of a reliable vehicle. New Jersey State Auto Auction carries a wide selection of makes and models, and each one is CARFAX certified.

Fiat Introduces Larger 500 Model to Lineup for 2013

Fiat only recently re-entered the American automotive market after a nearly 30-year hiatus, and the Italian automaker is already expanding its lineup. The 500 Series currently consists of the standard 500, the Turbo and Abarth performance models and the Cabrio. These four variations are all equally sized, but otherwise they are essentially just different trim levels of the same car. Fiat is looking to give drivers another, larger option next year with the introduction of the 2014 Fiat 500L. This car is larger, with enough room for rear doors and five passengers instead of the cozy four-seater coupe setup of the other 500s.

"The all-new Fiat 500L the reach of the Fiat brand in North America and will keep our customers within the brand as their lifestyle needs expand," said Tim Kuniskis, head of FIAT Brand North America – Chrysler Group LLC. "Those who love the style and performance that only the Italians can create, can now enjoy space for five, functionality, practicality and value. The Fiat 500L is the whole package, and it now brings its unique flavor to the American market."

The 500L is expected to become available to new car shoppers by mid-2013, which means it could be some time until this model begins to appear on used car lots. However, the original 500 has been on the market since 2011, which means drivers who want to get behind the wheel of an Italian-made car may be able to find a used model at New Jersey State Auto Auction. These small cars are fuel efficient and easy to navigate for city drivers, plus their sleek modern design offers an aesthetic appeal that many other subcompact vehicles do not have.

Auto Alliance Details Various Driver Assist Technologies for Consumers

These days, there are countless variations of safety technology available for vehicles, and the Auto Alliance, a trade association on 12 car companies, including BMW, Ford, General Motors, Toyota, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz among others, is helping drivers get a better picture of what is available at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The organization has created a YouTube channel devoted to showcasing the various Driver Assist technologies that are offered by different automakers. This includes adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, parking assist, lane departure warnings and blind spot warnings. In addition to online videos,
Auto Alliance will also be displaying the various systems at the LA Auto Show, which runs from November 30 to December 9.

"This is the next generation of 'gotta have it' auto technology, and when people see the systems in action, they are amazed," said Mitch Bainwol, president and CEO of Auto Alliance. "More than 90 percent of crashes involve driver error of some kind, so automakers created a range of driver assist systems that aid the driver for brief periods of time to help avoid an accident."

A recent opinion poll conducted by the group found that roughly 66 percent of drivers would like to see at least one of the Driver Assist features in the next vehicle they purchase. Since many of these devices and safety features have been available for some time, there is a good chance of finding the technology in a used vehicle. Drivers in the New York/New Jersey area can head over to NJ State Auto Auction to check out the wide selection of makes and models. Not only may they find a previously owned car with advanced safety features, but every vehicle on the lot is CARFAX Certified, providing additional assurance that they car they choose will be reliable. 

Buick Hints at Possible Emblem Redesign

A car's emblem is not just how you can identify which brand it is, it also embodies the soul and spirit of the company, and Buick may soon be doing away with its classic symbol. According to the Detroit Free Press, the company is attempting to reinvent itself to appeal to a younger market. Buick models such as the Verano and LaCrosse are often considered to be ideal for older drivers, but their designs have been refined and modernized over the years.

For more than 50 years, Buick has emblazoned a tri-shield circular logo on the front of all its cars, and the news source indicates that it is likely the company's new design will not drift too far from this concept. There have been hints that the change may be as simple as switching from the current chrome emblem to one that utilizes colors.

"There's people who can look at the badge of a car and know exactly what they are and what time period they're from," Jeremy Dimick, curator of collections at a Buick gallery in Flint, Michigan, told the news provider. "You look at the car and know it's a Buick for sure. Any future logo you would think would retain components of that. The brand identity is so wrapped up in that."

Drivers who prefer older Buick models, such as the discontinued LeSabre, Electra and Invicta that the three shields of the logo represent, may be able to find previously-owned models they want at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer carries a wide selection of makes and models, and every car on the lot has been CARFAX certified. This allows car shoppers to rest easy knowing they're getting behind the wheel of a reliable vehicle.

Used Cars Make Great Gifts for Young Drivers

Thanksgiving weekend is not just for family get togethers and overindulging at the dinner table, it is also a great time to get some holiday shopping done. If you have a young driver on your list this year, the gift of a used vehicle may be an excellent choice. Used cars are more affordable than new, so you won't have to break the bank to get the perfect gift for your teenage son or daughter. You will also have more options when it comes to safety features, without having to pay for each additional add-on.

There are many safety features available on cars that have come out in the past few years, including modern air bag technology, lane departure warnings, rearview cameras and on-board infotainment systems that have GPS navigation and emergency assistance options. If you were to get all of these in a new car, it could result in a major price hike. But when they are already installed in a used car, you won't be facing any additional fees to keep your teen safe on the road.

To find the perfect ride, you might want to consider visiting New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has more than four acres of used cars, trucks and SUVs. Every vehicle on the lot is CARFAX certified, so you know your young relative will be getting behind the wheel of a reliable used model. The public auction company also has an ever-changing inventory, so even if you can't find the right car on your first visit, you can come back again soon to browse the new selection of vehicles for sale.

NJ State Auto hosts weekly auctions on Saturdays, but the lot is open all week long so you can find the cars you're interested in. Should you see something you like, you have the ability to reserve it on the spot if you would rather not wait until the auction.

Kelley Blue Book Previews LA Auto Show Debuts

While many are looking forward to Thanksgiving, automotive enthusiasts are looking a bit further into the future to the Los Angeles Auto Show. Kicking off the week after turkey day, the car show is the first large scale North American event at which automakers from around the world will debut the coming year's models for the U.S. market. Typically, many companies will leak information about the vehicles they are going to unveil ahead of the event, and Kelley Blue Book has made it easy for car lovers to take a look at what is coming ahead of the show.

The vehicle valuation and information provider has compiled details of a few of these new cars on its website, KBB.com. This includes the 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series, Kia Forte and Sorento, Honda Accord Plug-In Hybrid and Subaru Forester. Details of the 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible, Honda Civic and Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 Roadster will also be available on KBB.com.

"The festivities don't begin until the turkey leftovers are gone, but we've already started mounting our full-coverage assault on the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show," Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book. "The roster of new faces at the first North American event of the new season promises to be formidable again this year, and includes at least 20 world debuts along with a similar number of vehicles set to make their first appearances in the U.S. trim."

When the new season begins for the automotive industry, a plethora of vehicles become available to drivers. Many will trade in their current models for new ones, which will expand the used car inventory, making it a great time for other drivers to get behind the wheel of a previously owned model. They may be able to find a 2012 or 2013 vehicle at New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has more than four acres of cars to choose from.