Car sales are a good indicator of the current economic climate, and a recent report by Kelley Blue Book (KBB) indicates that conditions are still looking positive. The industry experts at KBB predict that car sales will see a month-over-month improvement of 14.3 percent in August. The projected sales numbers are 18.7 percent ahead of the same month last year, but the report noted a slight decline in daily sales between July and August, due to a drop that typically occurs in the laters months of the year.

There is an especially noticeable surge in new car sales, and brands like Toyota and Honda are expected to have exceptionally strong numbers. This is due largely to the fact that the Japanese automakers are recovering from the earthquakes that stunted manufacturing and led to inventory shortages last year. The inventory shortages also caused used car prices to rise, which has driven consumers toward buying new cars, a trend that is still making an impact.

"Although economic jitters remain top-of-mind for many, those consumers seeking replacement vehicles continue to opt for new cars with used-car values," said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst of automotive insights for KBB. "In fact, a recent survey of KBB.com shoppers conducted by Kelley Blue Book Market INtelligence found that 53 percent of respondents indicated they were considering a new vehicle rather than used due to elevated used-car values."

However, the decision to purchase a used car versus buying a new vehicle should be carefully thought out, as there are distinct advantages to buying a used model. Previously-owned models depreciate less quickly than new cars, so when it comes time to trade in your current model, you'll likely get a higher return on your investment if you bought a used vehicle. Plus, there are still great deals to be had when it comes to buying used cars. A one-year-old model may be comparably priced to a new car, but shoppers can find a model with a few years under its belt that is affordable and reliable at NJ Auto Auction.

Some cars are better than others in terms of fuel economy, others top the list when it comes to cargo space and comfort, and there are a few vehicles that are just plain fun to drive. The Porsche 911 Carrera S not only falls into the last category, but it tops the ranks, according to Motor Trend. The automotive news publication recently named the Carrera as the Best Driver's Car for 2012. To earn the title, the luxury sports car beat the competition in a series of tests, such as a 500-mile road trip, a closed-circuit driving course and a test drive by professional driver Randy Pobst at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.

"Being named 'Motor Trend Best Driver's Car' is a testament to the work of the men and women in Weissach and Zuffenhausen who are so passionate about designing and building our sports cars," said Detlev von PLaten, president and CEO of Porsche Cars North America. "This accomplishment shows that the 911 still has the same magic it's had for nearly 50 years, as it continues to be both a great car to drive every day on the road and on the track."

Ever since its inception, the Porsche 911 has been turning heads and receiving accolades for excellence, so it comes as little surprise that the Carrera S was chosen as the winner of this competition. While many drivers may want to get behind the wheel of a sporty, dynamic vehicle like the 911, not everyone can afford this luxury model.

Those in the market for an affordable performance vehicle may want to stop by New Jersey State Auto Auction and browse the wide selection of makes and models. The dealer carries everything from economy cars and SUVs to luxury models and sports car, making it easy for car shoppers to find the vehicle they desire.

Fall is not too far off, which means dealers across the country are gearing up to start selling vehicles from the 2013 model year, and Total Car Score compiled a list of the Top 10 All-New Cars for 2013. The list includes all-new models, such as the Dodge Dart and the Subaru FR-S, as well as those that have been completely redesigned. Models that got a makeover worthy of the Top 10 list include the Ford Escape, Chevrolet Malibu and Ford Fusion. The Honda Accord, Dodge Ram 1500, Nissan Altima, Cadillac ATS and Hyundai Santa Fe completed the list.

"The average American consumer is driving an 11-year-old car. A huge slice of the public has held off on replacing their vehicles because of economic uncertainty. That means an unprecedented level of pent-up demand," said Karl Brauer, editor-in-chief of Total Car Score. "This will eventually lead to a flurry of sales as consumers replace their worn-out cars with new ones."

The Total Car Score list is a great jumping off point for drivers looking to purchase vehicles, as it highlights some of the best vehicles on the market. This can help point drivers in the right direction and give them a good perspective of what's available in their price range that suits their needs.

Not all drivers buy new cars, and those in the market for used cars who live in the New Jersey/New York area can head over to NJ Auto Auction to find the ride of their dreams. The dealer carries a wide variety of makes and models, all at affordable prices. Plus, every vehicle on the lot has been CARFAX certified, so drivers know they'll be getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride when they come to NJ Auto.

Nearly every major automaker has at least one or two alternative fuel or electric vehicles in their fleet, and Ford recently announced it would be ramping up funds and efforts to expand their line of green vehicles. The American automaker is investing $135 million toward the design, engineering and production of its next generation of hybrid and electric cars, with much of the emphasis being placed on battery design. In fact, the company's battery testing abilities will double by 2013.

"The good news for customers is that they not only have more choice, but they have faster access to Ford's latest and greatest in fuel-saving technologies and vehicles," said Joe Bakaj, Ford's vice president of powertrain engineering. "This stems directly from our decision to deliver true power of choice by expanding our dedicated electrified vehicle team and further investing in our facilities."

Ford is also allocating a massive 285,000-square-foot research facility to focus specifically on hybrid and electric technology development. There are also a number of engineers and developers being hired to help work toward a greener future for the automaker. Ford has a few alternative energy options in its lineup already, including the Focus Electric, Fusion Hybrid and C-MAX. The 2013 Fusion Hybrid will hit dealerships this fall, and Ford is also planning to release the 2013 Fusion Energi, a plug-in version of the hybrid model that will be available in early 2013.

While Ford and other manufacturers are working to introduce more alternative options, drivers searching for used cars in New Jersey can still find hybrid and electric vehicles at NJ Auto Auction. The dealer carries a variety of makes and models at affordable prices. Plus, every vehicle on the lot is CARFAX certified, so drivers know they'll be getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride.

Gas prices may never drop below $3 per gallon again, but manufacturers are working to develop fuel-saving technology to help drivers save at the pump. One such useful invention is start-stop technology. This allows engines to stop running when the car is idling, say, at a red light or in stop-and-go traffic. The moment the driver touches the gas pedal, the motor roars back to life. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that every hour spent idling uses about a quarter-gallon of gasoline. A minute or two here and there may not seem like much, but this can add up over time and waste fuel.

Start-stop technology sets out to eliminate this issue, and is already used in many different models. AAA reports that it's highly likely that this gas-saving technology will become even more common on the road in coming years. By 2017, research shows as many as 8 million cars on the road will be equipped with devices that reduce engine idling.

"Engine start-stop isn't a brand new technology, but the latest systems benefit from significant advances made in the last few years," said John Nielsen, AAA's director of automotive engineering and repair. "This technology is only going to gain momentum as vehicle manufacturers work to meet the more stringent Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards set for 2016."

The federal government requires all vehicle manufacturers to have a fleetwide fuel economy of 34.1 miles per gallon by 2016, according to Popular Mechanics. Utilizing technology is the main course of action most automakers are taking to ensure they adhere to the regulations, and many companies have been incorporating these advancements into their vehicles for many years.

This means that drivers who want to find fuel-efficient models are not restricted to solely new vehicles. There are plenty of used cars that offer great fuel economy as well as new fuel saving and other technological features. Car shoppers in the New York and New jersey area can head to NJ Auto Auction, which carries a variety of used makes and models at affordable prices.