Hybrid cars have been a popular choice for drivers looking to cut down on fuel costs, but results of a recent study show they may not be happy with their experience. According to the research group Polk, only about 35 percent of people who bought a hybrid car did so again for their next purchase.

The findings are bit surprising given that the number of hybrids has increased significantly over the last five years. And interestingly, when consumers went back to buy a new car, they chose a vehicle from the same brand as their hybrid, but simply switched the model. Specifically, 60 percent of Toyota hybrid owners went back to Toyota when they picked up a new vehicle.

Researchers believe the reason consumers are reticent to return to hybrid cars is that their high initial price may not pay off as much as drivers had hoped going in, and they think they could save money in other ways.

"The lineup of alternate drive vehicles and their premium price points just aren't appealing enough to consumers to give the segment the momentum it once anticipated, especially given the growing strength of fuel economy among compact and midsize competitors," said Lacey Plache, Edmunds.com chief economist.

Buying a standard vehicle that is fuel-efficient on its own and following some smart driving practices, like keeping your tires properly inflated and accelerating and braking slowly, may be effective means of improving mileage.

Whether you're looking to pick up a used hybrid or are simply hoping to purchase a more fuel-efficient model, New Jersey State Auto Auction will have the car for you. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, there is something for everyone.

Whether you're taking an hours-long road trip or just driving down the street, comfort is important. As is the case with most cars, there are some models that simply offer a more comfortable ride than others, and according to Kelley Blue Book, some of the options that don't have to break the bank.

Though most people think they'll have to splurge to ride in the lap of luxury, that's not exactly the case. There are plenty of vehicles available that come in at under $30,000, and if you find a quality used car it may be even more affordable.

"With a multitude of Americans spending hours in their cars daily between work commutes, carpools and a host of other activities, comfort is king for many when choosing a new vehicle," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com.

At the top of the list is the 2012 Chrysler 300. This powerful car not only looks the part, but comes complete with a number of attractive amenities as well. In addition to its spacious interior, the 300 has a 8.4-inch touchscreen and dual-zone auto climate control.

Along with the 300, the Volkswagen Passat has grown to be a comfortable, yet affordable car. The mid-size sedan makes the list because its is especially adept at absorbing bumps in the road, making for a smooth, easy ride.

Other cars that made the cut were the Subaru Legacy, Buick Regal and Chevrolet Cruze. Anybody looking to get behind the wheel of a comfortable pre-owned vehicle may want to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models to choose from, you'll certainly find the car you're looking for.

Many analysts were surprised when earlier this year, the value of used cars stayed relatively still. However, that's changed over the last few months as fuel-efficient pre-owned vehicles have become more in demand. If anybody is looking to trade in their vehicle, now may be the time to do it.

Of course, some cars are proving to be a bit more valuable than others. According to market analysis from Kelley Blue Book, used car values rose about 2 percent across the country during March, and one- and two-year-old fuel-efficient vehicles were especially sought after. Specifically, the value change of hybrid cars was about 10.2 percent and that of compact cars was 6.1 percent. The value of used subcompacts rose about 4.7 percent, while mid-size cars came in at 4.6 percent.

The trend has been continuing since 2009, when there started to be a dearth in the amount of used cars since more drivers were holding on their vehicles a bit longer than normal. In fact, the Los Angeles Times reports there amount of three-to-four-year-old light vehicles is almost at an all time low, so trading in your car now might be the best decision.

"The ongoing decline in the used-vehicle supply that began in 2009 has made it challenging for new-car dealers to consistently stock reliable, well-maintained used vehicles," Jonathan Banks, an analyst for the National Automobile Dealers Association, told the Times. "This means that dealers will be aggressive with trade-in offers for used vehicles that are in high consumer demand."

Anybody looking to take advantage of the high value of used cars may want to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which is an Autotrader.com Trade In Marketplace Dealership. You can get a quick appraisal on your ride and be driving away in a newer vehicle in no time.

It almost goes without saying that cheating husbands and wives are not playing it safe. After all, what's more risky than going around behind your significant other's back over and over again? While the act of philandering itself may be inherently unsafe, but a study revealed that what cheaters are driving to get to their other man or woman, is actually pretty ordinary , USA Today reports.

A study conducted by AshleyMadison.com, a dating website designed for people looking for some extracurricular activity, examined the tastes of 3,600 people who use its services. It found that the most popular vehicle among cheating men was a reliable and safe Toyota, while unfaithful women prefer Hondas.

Although most people might assume an unfaithful partner would be cruising around in a luxury car, the findings suggest that there's not one type of cheater, and it could be the person you least suspect.

"Cars can represent a lifestyle, denote financial success and show personality but our survey clearly proves that people having affairs are everyday people," Noel Biderman, AshleyMadison.com's CEO, said in a statement.

Even if you move further down the list, cheaters are picking traditional favorites. The second-favorite car for both men and women was Ford, and Chevy also cracked the top three for both sexes. You'd have to go down to number five before any luxury cars popped up. Specifically, 6.4 percent of cheating men drive a BMW, while 6.6 percent of women are behind the wheel of a Mercedes.

Of course, you don't need to be a cheater to drive a reliable vehicle, and New Jersey State Auto Auction has plenty of makes and models to choose from, all of which are at affordable prices.

For most, spring is associated with flowers and warmer weather, but for many teenagers, this season is all about prom and graduation. The Governors Highway Safety Association indicates there is also an increase in car accidents due to reckless, impaired and distracted driving. The excitement of prom and graduation can lead some teen motorists to cast aside their safe driving practices and make mistakes behind the wheel.

This is why Ford Driving Skills for Life, a program created by Ford Motor Company, is providing teens across the country with free driving instruction and safety programs. Teens are four times more likely to get into car accident than older drivers, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and this risk may only be heightened when you fill a car with excitable teens on their way to prom.

"This is a time of year when many teens request, and parents provide, expanded driving privileges," said Jim Graham, manager of Ford Driving Skills for Life. "Unfortunately, safety can take a backseat to the excitement associated with the many celebrations around prom and graduation."

Ford's teen safety program will also be sending $20,000 grants to Minnesota, New York, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin to aid in funding driving courses and other safety awareness campaigns.

Parents often give their teenagers cars as graduation gifts, and when they do, they should stress the importance of safety behind the wheel. It is also a good idea for them to choose a reliable, safe ride for their kids. New Jersey State Auto Auction has a wide selection of makes and models, so parents are sure to find a safe vehicle for their teen drivers. Every vehicle on NJ Auto's lot is CARFAX certified, so parents know their kids will be getting into a reliable car.

Automakers have placed an emphasis on fuel economy over the last several years, and according to a new report out of the University of Michigan, their efforts appear to be paying off. The average gas mileage for all new cars sold in the United States surpassed the 24 mile per gallon mark for the first time in history, researchers found.

The figure is impressive given it includes all vehicles sold March – that includes cars, light trucks, SUVs and minivans. The exact number was about 24.1 MPG, which was up over the last several months including 23.9 in February and 23.6 in March. Perhaps most impressive, the average fuel economy used cars is up 20 percent since 2007.

In addition to cars using less fuel than before, researchers also discovered that vehicles are becoming increasingly eco-friendly. The monthly Eco-Driving Index (EDI), which is put out by  Sivak and Schoettle, measures the monthly emissions by the average driver. In March, the figure was about 0.83, down a bit from December's 0.86. Much like fuel economy, the EDI has decreased significantly over the last five years.

Automakers' commitment to produce more fuel-efficient vehicles is paying significant dividends, not only for drivers, but for the companies themselves.

"Given the volatility of gas prices – and the likelihood that they'll head through the roof again – it's clear that customers want better fuel economy and delivering it means a better bottom line for the industry," Carol Lee Rawn, transportation director of sustainability advocate Ceres, told United Press International.

Although new cars have better gas mileage, many used cars from the last several years are also an cost-efficient choice. New Jersey State Auto Auction has plenty of cars that get plenty of miles to the gallon, and with a wide variety at affordable prices, there's something for everyone.

Whether it's upkeep around the house or putting off fixing that broken computer, ignoring regular maintenance can be a bad decision, and that's especially true when it comes to your car. Putting off regular car care will not only make your vehicle run less smoothly, but will likely result in a big bill once you need to get more significant repairs.

Luckily, there are a number of ways to avoid such a fate. The most important thing, however, is to stay in front of problems so you can address them before they even start. After all, going in for routine maintenance is much more affordable than getting serious repairs.

"Maintaining and replacing key components such as brakes and batteries at proper intervals can keep vehicles on the road and help prevent dangerous and costly breakdowns in the future. The key is to be proactive. Take care of your car so it can take care of you," AutoZone's Jimmie Swims said.

Although being aware of the potential for complications in brakes and batteries is important, it takes a little more knowledge than simply knowing they can break down to keep them in working order. When it comes to batteries, experts suggest testing them if they're are four years or older, especially if you drive in tough conditions.

As for brakes, mechanics at AutoZone recommended checking them once every quarter to make sure they are as functional as possible. Not only will this save you money in the long run, it could also prevent an accident.

Whether you're looking to get your brakes inspected, battery tested or any other preventative maintenance, you may want to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a stable of knowledgeable mechanics, it will be sure to meet your needs.

With gas prices climbing past the $4-per-gallon mark, it might seem to reason that consumers would be reluctant to head out and buy new cars, but statistics are showing just the opposite. March was one of the best months in years for car sales, and gas prices might be the cause behind the rise, Automotive News reports.

Though it would not be surprising if motorists were buying newer, smaller cars, that's not exactly what's happening. Instead, consumers are returning to their same cars but believe the updated versions will get better gas mileage. Even though the initial investment of a new or used car might seem like it would cost more, since more recent models have better mileage, it may add up in favor of the consumer.

"It's not changing their buying habits," industry insider Mike Good told the news source. "But they want fuel efficiency. Everybody knows the mpg when they walk in."

The biggest indicator of just how consumer behavior has changed in the last four years is the sales of pickup trucks. Last time gas prices spiked this much, in May 2008, truck sales dropped 25 percent. In March, truck sales actually grew 11 percent.

Though most automakers performed well in March, there were certain companies that did better than others. According to the Baltimore Sun, Volkswagen was particularly successful, with a 35 percent rise in sales compared to March 2011.

The growing number of people buying new cars is good news for people looking to pick up a used vehicle. As people trade in their older models, more and more become available. New Jersey State Auto Auction has a wide variety of makes and models that are perfect for people looking to pick up a reliable pre-owned vehicle.