TrueCar.com Scorecards Rank BMW On Top

Whether shopping for new or used cars in NJ, drivers should research their options before making a decision, as a vehicle is a major purchase. There are more resources available to motorists these days, and TrueCar.com recently released its latest Performance Scorecards. These monthly reviews assess automakers in a number of categories – including price, sales, incentives and brand loyalty.

This month BMW, General Motors, Mazda and Volkswagen had the most improvement over last month's scores. BMW came out on top of the list in general, with an A+ rating for brand as well as manufacturer. Fiat tied the German car company for first place by brand. Kia, Audi and Land Rover rounded out the top five. The scorecard ratings only rank the top three manufacturers, and Subaru and Jaguar came in just behind BMW with A grades.

On the other end of the spectrum, Volvo took a turn for the worse. TrueCar.com also reports the lowest grades by manufacturer and brand. Volvo's manufacturer score dipped from a C to a D+, putting it in third place. However, the Swedish brand had the worst scorecard, with a D- rating.

It is important to bear in mind that these scorecards are based upon new sales and more recent models. For example, Volvo has a reputation for producing safe, reliable vehicles that will last a long time. Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a used Volvo or any other model can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer offers a variety of vehicles at affordable prices, and each car is CARFAX certified so consumers know they'll be driving away in a reliable ride.

Diane Kruger Gushes About Latest Mercedes

One of Germany's best-known automakers just received some praise from one of the country's most famous actresses to help tout eco-friendly vehicles. "Inglourious Basterds" star Diane Kruger recently purchased the  B-Class F-Cell – first electric fuel cell vehicle from Mercedes-Benz available in the United States.

Kruger is one of the first people in the country to get behind the wheel of the innovative vehicle, which has a range of up to 240 miles on one charge. That amounts to an equivalent of about 55 miles per gallon, all while emitting only water vapor. Kruger had nothing but good things to say about the eco-friendly luxury vehicle.

"I'm excited to be driving the F-Cell. It's environmentally conscious, fun to drive and gets lots of attention on the streets," she said.  "I can travel more than 200 miles on a full tank and it's easy to refuel."

Although the F-Cell may be the most eco-friendly model offered by Mercedes, it is not the only one. The luxury automaker also provides consumers with eight different alternative powertrain options. Among them is the S400 Hybrid, which turns off its gasoline engine when stopped at a traffic light. When the driver releases his or her foot from the break, the engine starts back up, reducing idling time that can put a dent in a car's gas mileage.

According to Mercedes, there are many more famous faces who have opted to get behind the wheel of eco-friendly models including Bryan Cranston, Nick Swisher and "Modern Family" star Sofia Vergara.

While the availability of the F-Cell may still be limited, there are plenty of environmentally-friendly used cars in New Jersey to choose from at New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, you don't have to be a celebrity to drive off in style.

Study finds women are better drivers than men

"Anything you can do, I can do better."

The famous line from Annie Get Your Gun may come to mind with the release of a new study by 4AutoInsuraceQuote.com that shows female drivers are safer behind the wheel than their male counterparts. The study examined traffic violations and car accidents and found men are the cause of 80 percent of serious and fatal accidents. They're also 27 percent more likely to be involved in car crashes than the fairer sex.

"As a man, it's tough to admit," said James Schaffer, CEO of 4AutoInsuranceQuotes.com. "But if you look at the statistics, females are better drivers… by a long shot! It's almost scary how bad the average American male is at driving. Blame it on whatever you want – high testosterone, higher propensity to take risks or higher levels of aggression, but the fact remains – men simply make too many mistakes behind the wheel."

In every category, men fared worse than women. For instance, when it came to reports of driving under the influence, for every one female with a DUI, 3.08 males were guilty of the same charge. The gaps between the sexes may have something to do with the fact men put more miles on their cars than women.

Whether drivers have been in accidents or they just want to keep their car running well to reduce the risk of a crash, they can take their vehicles to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. Certified mechanics can perform routine maintenance and address repairs to get motorists back on the road.

Martin Scorsese Will Produce Rolls-Royce Flick

Legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese recently signed on to produce "Silver Ghost,' a movie about the lives and love affairs of Henry Royce and Charles Rolls. The film will focus on both the founding of the luxurious Rolls-Royce brand and a love affair between a very special Rolls-Royce model and Lord Montagu of Beaulieu, according to The Press Association.

Lord Montagu was heavily involved in the automotive world during his time in Parliament in the early 1900s. His mistress, Eleanor Thornton, is tied to the Rolls-Royce brand because she is the woman upon whom the brand's "Spirit of Ecstasy" emblem was based, Top Gear reports.

"When I read the story of 'Silver Ghost,' I was mesmerized," Scorsese said of his initial interest in the movie. "I immediately thought this is a picture that has to be made. And when I was asked to come aboard as a producer alongside Richard Attenborough and Anthony Haas, I didn't hesitate for a moment."

Scorsese, who has directed films such as "Hugo," "The Departed," "Taxi Driver" and "Goodfellas", has a knack for creating award-winning films that are well-crafted and beautiful. Actress Kiera Knightley's mother Sharman MacDonald wrote the screenplay for the movie, which has AutoBlog hoping her daughter will be cast as the leading lady.

Rolls-Royce vehicles are as well-known for their elegance and luxury features as they are for their expensive price tags. Drivers looking for used cars in New Jersey can head to the New Jersey State Auto Auction to find an affordable and luxurious model that suits their needs. They may not be able to get behind the wheel of a Phantom or a Ghost, but there are plenty of different makes and models to choose from.

Keep Bikes in Mind to Be Safe This Summer

As the weather gets warmer, motorists need to be aware of cyclists and share the road. AAA, in partnership with the League of American Bicyclists, is raising awareness of road safety during May, which is National Bike Month. The organizations have published a number of safety videos for drivers and cyclists on ShareTheRoad.AAA.com.

"This spring, warm weather is enticing more bicyclists to the roadways," said Rhonda Shah, AAA's traffic safety project manager. "And sadly, in 2010, 628 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes and an additional 52,000 were injured."

AAA offered a few tips for motorists to keep in mind as they hit the roads this spring and summer. Most importantly, drivers need to remember to share the road and pay attention to bicycles. Cyclists who ride in the road are subjected to the same rules and regulations as those behind the wheel of a car and deserve the same respect. Check your mirrors and your blind spots for cyclists before you change lanes, make turns or open your doors.

It is also important for drivers to resist the urge to honk their horn at cyclists. While this action is necessary to get the attention of other drivers in emergency situations, a horn is much louder to someone on a bike than it is to another driver. The sudden sound can startle a biker and cause them to swerve or even fall.

Some cars are equipped with blind spot detection and other warning systems that can help drivers stay safe around cyclists. Those looking for used cars in New Jersey may find vehicles with these and other helpful safety features at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The automaker has a variety of makes and models, including many newer autos with the latest amenities.

Memorial Day Weekend Travel to Increase

Many people recognize Memorial Day weekend as the unofficial start of summer, and it is often one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. AAA expects this year to be especially popular, with as many as 30.7 million Americans making trips of at least 50 miles, good for a 1.2 percent increase over the number of travelers last year.

The predictions are bit surprising given that gas prices have been hovering above $3.50 a gallon, but AAA found that most drivers won't let that affect their plans. In fact, 53 percent said gas price increases won't impact their decision at all. Of the remaining 47 percent, only 9 percent were planning on taking a shorter trip, while 34 percent are going to make sacrifices in other areas to save money.

"The overall domestic economic picture continues to improve slightly, however, American consumers faced a new challenge this year as steadily increasing gas prices throughout the spring significantly squeezed many household budgets," said AAA president and CEO Robert L. Darbelnet.

One way drivers can save money is to make sure they are up to date on maintenance, which is especially important as they get ready to head off on a Memorial Day road trip. Before you hit the open road, the DMV recommends checking a few things including the motor oil, antifreeze and battery level to make sure you don't run into any problems during your trip.

In advance of your journey, you may also want to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center. Its stable of talented mechanics will be able to identify any issues before you embark so you can enjoy your Memorial Day weekend without any speed bumps.

KBB Report Indicates Slower Sales and Potential Gas Price Drop

The latest monthly market report by Kelley Blue Book (KBB) indicates the price of used cars may soon begin to drop thanks to the decline in gas prices. As the cost of fuel drops, the demand for used fuel-efficient vehicles will as well. KBB expects the average price of small economic vehicles to drop about 1 to 2 percent over the summer.

"In 2011, fuel prices peaked in May at $3.97 per gallon before falling down to $3.20 per gallon by year end," said Alec Guttierez, senior market analyst of automotive insights for Kelley Blue Book. "Gas prices could repeat or surpass these lows once again this year, especially with Europe in recession."

KBB's report indicates sales of fuel efficient vehicles may lag if gas prices drop. However, the cost of fuel is not expected to dip below the $3 mark, so it is unlikely the reduction in sales will be very significant. Subcompact, compact and hybrid cars only accounted for 21.5 percent of auto sales in April, which is the lowest monthly volume for this grouping of vehicles this year.

Whether drivers want to get behind the wheel of fuel-efficient models or would prefer something bigger, those looking for used cars in NJ can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer has a variety of makes and models so motorists will be able to find something to suit their needs. Plus, all models are CARFAX certified, so drivers know they're getting a reliable ride from NJ Auto.

Total Car Score recommends ideal vehicles for college grads

When you graduate from college and start looking for a full-time job, you're likely going to need a car to get there. However, choosing the right vehicle can be challenging, as there are so many different options out there. It's also important to find an affordable ride, as your budget may soon include student loans as well as car payments. Total Car Score, an automotive research website, recently published a list of the "Top 10 Cars for College Graduates," which can be a helpful guide for those looking for new or used cars in New Jersey. It looked at a number of features including safety, efficiency, performance and comfort as well as pricing  to determine the best choices.

"College grads are looking to make an investment in a car that is reliable and cost-conscious," said Karl Brauer, Total Car Score's editor-in-chief. "We compiled a list of the top-rated cars that offer the best quality while still being very affordable. In today's extremely competitive new-car market automakers are providing higher-quality cars at lower prices. These models offer more technology and convenience features than ever before in the compact car segment."

Every car on the top 10 list has an MSRP under $25,000, and all but three of the vehicles start under $17,000. The Mazda3 and the Mazdaspeed 3 were chosen for their fuel-efficient SkyActiv engine technology. The new Ford Focus also made the grade thanks to recent upgrades and improvements over past models. Volkswagen had a heavy presence on the list with three models – the Golf, GTI and Jetta. The Hyundai Elantra, Chevy Cruze, Scion xB and Kia Forte were also in the top 10.

Students in the market for a used Focus or Jetta can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has a wide variety of makes and models.

Bentley and Ferrari celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee

Ferrari is helping Queen Elizabeth II celebrate 60 years on the throne by displaying some of the best cars the Italian automaker has to offer. A number of new and classic models will be shown off during the four-day Diamond Jubilee Pageant being held to honor the queen from May 10 to 13.

The car company also brought along the Fourth Mounted Carabinieri Regiment to show off their refined riding skills and showmanship in a choreographed display called the Carosello. The riders and their horses are performing their routine among the Ferraris.

Ferrari was not the only car company that wanted to be a part of the celebration. Bentley built 60 limited edition Mulsannes for the occasion – one car for every year of the Queen's reign. The automaker debuted the first Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition at the opening of its largest dealerships in Beijing, China. The nation has quickly become the largest market for Bentley.

"This series of special cars, hand-built by our Mulliner Division, is our way of reciprocating the appreciation for British institutions, creativity and services we have been shown in China," said Richard Charlesworth, Bentley Motors' director of Royal and VIP relations. "And as proud holders of a Royal Warrant, we also wanted to provide some memorable examples of British technology and craftsmanship."

While most drivers will not be able to get their hands on one of these special edition Bentleys, those looking for used cars in NJ can find the ride they want at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer has a variety of makes and models, and all their vehicles are CARFAX certified, so consumers know they're getting a reliable ride.

How to Find the Best Used Car Deal

By deciding to purchase a used car in New Jersey, shoppers have already made a smart choice if they're looking to save money. But while purchasing a pre-owned vehicle is a good start, there are some ways you can ensure you'll find an even better deal.

A good place to start on your hunt for an affordable used car is by looking at what the best selling cars were three or four years ago, NASDAQ suggests. Experts say because cars like the Honda Civic and Volkswagen Jetta were popular in 2008 and 2009, there are likely a lot more of them on used car lots than less popular vehicles, like the Nissan Sentra or Ford Focus. As a result, you'll probably get a better deal.

In a similar vein, you should makes sure to do plenty of research before heading to the lot. Luckily, there are a number of resources available to prospective buyers, so you can look at everything from safety ratings to fuel-efficiency and reviews by previous drivers to get a good idea of which car is the best deal. Additionally, thanks to websites like Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, you can get an idea for what a fair price is for your ideal car.

Last but not least, you'll want to head to the right place. In this case, New Jersey State Auto Auction is your best bet. You can choose from a wide variety of makes and models, ranging from SUVs to vans to compact cars, and they're all CARFAX certified, so you know you're getting a reliable car when you drive off the lot.