Edmunds Reveals Most Popular Cars Among Men

Men and women differ on almost everything, and it turns out that carries over onto the road as well. Several weeks ago Edmunds' Inside Line released a list of which cars were mostly purchased by female drivers. Now it offered up what the most popular cars among men are, and there is quite a stark difference.

At the top of the female list was the practical Volvo S40, but men went a much different route. According to the blog, the vehicle with the highest percentage of male buyers is the flashy Ferrari 458 Italia. An astonishing 95.3 percent of these high-performance vehicles are bought by men, which is significantly higher than the next-closest vehicle, the BMW 1 Series M Coupe, which comes in at about 92 percent. The Audi R8, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG and Ferrari California also made the top five.

Not all of the vehicles that made the list were high-performance sports cars or luxurious German-made sedans. In fact, some classic American rides made their way onto the list. The GMC Sierra came in at number eight with about 87.5 percent of its buyers being men. Right behind it was the Ford F-Series, with an 87 percent male driving population. Rounding out the top 10 was the Corvette, with 86.9 of purchases going to men.

Whether you're male or female, New Jersey State Auto Auction is sure to have the ideal used car for you. Thanks to a wide variety of makes and models at affordable price, it's easy for consumers to come home with a vehicle that suits their needs. Additionally, each one is CARFAX certified so you know you're getting a reliable vehicle.

Wireless In-Car Charging Comes to Chrysler Vehicles This Year

Chrysler recently announced the advent of yet another in-car system aimed at making drivers' lives simpler. In-car charging of electronic devices is nothing new, but now drivers won't have to fuss with pesky wires and plugging things in. The American automaker's parts division, Mopar, has introduced wireless charging. This simple system will first be available on the new 2013 Dodge Dart. In the front center console, there will be a small charging grid, upon which consumers can place their personal devices. The batteries will be charged and drivers won't need to worry about buying the appropriate car chargers for their devices.

"At Mopar, we look for every single opportunity to make our customers' lives easier," said Pietro Gorlier, president and CEO of Mopar, Chrysler Group LLC's service, parts and customer-care brand. "Our industry-first in-vehicle wireless charging system is the perfect solution for those connected customers who are always on the go."

This new technology will not just be available in the Dodge Dart, but once it makes its way to the marketplace, drivers may be able to have the technology installed in their used vehicles as well. Many cars manufactured in recent years are equipped with USB ports and other options to make in-car charging of handheld devices easy, and there are plenty of easy-to-install aftermarket devices available as well.

Drivers looking for a modern, affordable ride can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction to check out the wide selection of used vehicles. Many used cars are only a few years old and have plenty of technology features, such as infotainment systems, Bluetooth connectivity and more.

What Kind of Drivetrain is Best for You?

Not every consumer is a gearhead, and many may be unfamiliar with the different options they have when it comes to how a vehicle runs. One of the things consumers may not consider is the vehicle's drivetrain. Certain cars are available with rear-wheel drive (RWD) while others may be equipped with all-wheel drive (AWD) or, in far fewer vehicles, front-wheel drive (FWD). This defines which axle of the vehicle is doing the work to push the car forward. In the cases of rear- and front-wheel drive, only one axle is controlled by the engine, and the other just goes along for the ride.

Each setup offers unique advantages, but if you're unsure what the pro's and con's of each are, you may have a hard time discerning which is best for you. AWD and FWD vehicles are typically preferred by drivers who live in areas with adverse weather conditions. These provide better traction in the winter than RWD vehicles. AWD cars, with two driven axles, have much more traction than RWD and FWD models, making this setup ideal for harsh winters and rough terrain.

RWD provides more even weight distribution than AWD and FWD, since the driven axle is heavier than the other one, and this adds more support to the rear of the car to counteract the engine weight. However, heavy acceleration can be more dangerous in cars driven by the rear axle. It can result in oversteer and fishtailing, which is why many RWD vehicles feature traction control to minimize these issues.

Front-wheel drive vehicles can be dangerous when you have to slam on the brakes, as most of the vehicle's weight is in the front. This can affect the front tires as well, and result in a loss of traction when driving up steep hills.

These are just a few of the advantages and disadvantages of the different options. Regardless of which drivetrain a consumer wants, they will have plenty of options to choose from at New Jersey State Auto Auction. Plus, all of the used vehicles are CARFAX certified, so drivers know they're getting a reliable ride.

Despite High Gas Prices, Many Drivers Stick With Same Models

While high gas prices have led many motorists to downsize to a smaller car, some industry analysts say it's not as many as you might think. Some drivers are sticking with the same exact model they used to have because it will likely be more cost effective as manufacturers place an increased premium on high gas mileage, the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

Although improved mileage is one of the biggest reasons drivers are more likely to stay loyal to their current model, even if it's an SUV, there are other causes as well. In particular, experts say that back in 2008 when prices spiked, people downsized because they panicked. Today, however, drivers are more likely to be used to high gas prices and won't make impulsive decisions.

"After what we've all been through with the recession, people are much more informed about the complexities of the economy and therefore much less reactive to higher gas prices," Kit Yarrow, a professor of business and psychology at San Francisco's Golden Gate University, told the chronicle.

One look at the sales figures from February and March backs up analysts' assertions. According to the newspaper, smaller cars made up about 24 percent of overall car sales. While that's a bit more than the 2011 statistics, it's only by about 4 percent.

Whether you're looking to stick with the same model or downsize, New Jersey Auto Auction is sure to have the car you're looking for. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, there's a perfect car for everyone. Additionally, since each vehicle is CARFAX certified, you know you're getting a reliable product.

Lady Gaga’s Car Causes a Scene

Lady Gaga is no stranger to turning a few heads, but she drew some attention for reasons other than a dress made from prime rib. The "Poker Face" singer was spotted driving around Beverly Hills, and although her dressed down appearance didn't cause a scene, her Audi R8 GT sports car certainly did, according to the Daily Mail.

Though she ditched the elaborate makeup and costumes for a relatively ordinary outfit, it would be hard to miss the pop star's silver Audi. The vehicle is the most expensive ride offered by the popular German automaker, and likely cost Gaga around $158,000.

The purchase is a bit unusual for Gaga, who, despite her flashy outward appearance, has eschewed buying the lavish goods that her fellow superstars do. In fact, previous to the Audi, she has said the only flashy car she bought was one for her parents.

"The only big things I’ve purchased are my dad's heart valve and a Rolls-Royce for my parents, for their anniversary," she said last year, according to The Sun. "And that was only because my dad had a Lady Gaga license plate on our old car and it was making me crazy because he was followed everywhere, so I bought him a new car."

Although not everyone can afford Gaga's new ride , that does not mean drivers should pay any less attention to their cars. Following a regular maintenance schedule is crucial to making sure your car stays in pristine condition, and New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center provides a great opportunity to do so. With a convenient location in Jersey City and a knowledgeable staff, the shop offers everything from repairs to general upkeep.

World Car of the Year Award Winners Named at New York Auto Show

The New York Auto Show opens its doors to the public tomorrow, but the World Car of the Year awards have already been presented. There are four different categories for best overall, green car, performance vehicle and car design, and the winners were chosen from a group of 34 finalists, according to AutoBlog.

The 2012 Volkswagen Up! was named the World Car of the Year, beating out the Porsche 911 and the BMW 3-Series, The Detroit News reports. The Up! was not the only vehicle not yet available in the U.S. to win an award. German automaker Mercedes-Benz was honored with the World Green Car of the Year award for the S250 CDI BlueEfficiency. Mercedes has plans to introduce an American version of the green car toward the end of this year, in the GLK, according to the news source.

Land Rover's Range Rover Evoque took the World Car Design of the Year award, adding yet another accolade to the luxury crossover's impressive resume. The Evoque was named 2012 SUV of the Year by Motor Trend, and also received praise from AutoWeek and Top Gear.

When it came to high-performance vehicles, Porsche snagged the World Performance Car of the Year award. The 911 991-Series beat out the Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4 and the McLaren MP4-12C, two of the best exotic vehicles on the market today.

While the World Car award winners may be inaccessible to drivers, there are still plenty of used vehicles available to suit the needs of any motorists. New Jersey State Auto Auction offers a wide selection of makes and models, and all of their cars have been CARFAX certified, so drivers know they're getting a reliable ride.

How to Increase Your Car’s Lifespan

It's pretty safe to assume drivers want to get the most life out of their cars, but all too often they don't do what's necessary to get their vehicle to last past 100,000 miles. April is recognized as National Car Care Month, and in an effort to provide people with the guidance they need to prolong the life of their ride, the Car Care Council recently offered some tips on how to boost a car's safety, dependability and function.

Experts say checking the brakes on a regular basis is one of the most important things a car owner can do. They should be inspected at least once a year. The Car Care Council also recommends having the  linings, rotors and drums looked at during every oil change.

In addition to the brakes, experts say drivers should be cognizant of how their heating, ventilating and air conditions is working. Not only is this important for temperature control, but it is crucial to defrosting in the winter.

The exhaust system is another area that should not be overlooked, the Car Care Council says. In particular, be on the lookout for broken supports, odd noises or leaks. Above all else, the most important thing is to stick to a maintenance schedule.

"Neglected vehicle care almost always means much higher costs down the line in the form of more extensive repairs or lost resale value," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "Following a routine maintenance program makes financial sense, extending useful vehicle life and helping avoid costly repairs down the road."

Visiting New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center helps you stick to a maintenance program to ensure your car runs as long as possible.

Automakers Expect Best Year Since 2008

The conditions are right for a surge in auto sales this spring, and it looks like manufacturers are on pace to have their best year since 2008. Thanks to an improving stock market, more affordable cars and steady job growth, consumers are becoming more likely to get behind the wheel of a new car, AOL Autos reports.

For a clear picture of how well automakers are doing at the moment, you need look no further than Kia. The South Korean company posted its best month ever in March, selling 50,000 cars for the first time in its history, with the Optima and Sorento performing especially well.

"Kia is on a tear, and has had a tremendous surge in consideration on our website," AOL Autos Editor-in-Chief David Kiley told the website. "They have done everything right for a while–good provocative design like the Kia Soul, value pricing, increasing quality and engaging advertising to get people to notice,"

American manufacturers have also had a very successful spring so far. In particular, Ford has seen a surge in sales with fuel-efficient cars being especially. Specifically, the Focus enjoyed a 78 percent growth in sales in March, up to an all-time record of more than 28,500 units sold, according to the website.

The number of people heading out to buy new vehicles may be good news for drivers who are more interested in purchasing a used car. As people trade-in their older rides, there will be plenty of inventory available.

If you're interested in getting behind the wheel of a used car, New Jersey State Auto Auction is the place to go. With a wide variety of makes and models, there's something for everyone, and since all vehicles are CARFAX certified, you know you're getting a reliable vehicle.

J.D. Power Report Confirms Growing Popularity of Fuel-Efficient Vehicles

Automotive sales have been steadily improving for months, and consumer buying trends are shifting toward smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles. J.D. Power and Associates' Power Information Network (PIN) tracks data on thousands of new car purchases and leases every month, and the information clearly illustrates consumers are approaching the car buying process differently these days.

Subcompact and compact vehicles now lead new car sales, making up about 25 percent of total sales numbers in the first two months of 2012. The subcompact market has seen the greatest growth, improving 35 percent over the same period in 2011.

"Higher vehicle sales are obviously welcome news for the U.S. automotive industry and general economy," said John Humphrey, senior vice president of global automotive operations at J.D. Power. "However, automakers are going to have to closely monitor shifts in segment demand and build accordingly."

Lower federal interest rates on car loans have also fueled many drivers to get back in the car-buying game. The PIN data indicates an increase in the number of loans being granted to people will less-than-ideal credit scores. While the recession was in full swing, lenders were more selective about whom they would approve, but such is no longer the case. Regardless of credit scores, more drivers are being approved for auto loans across the board.

Drivers searching for used cars with decent fuel economy need look no further than New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models, motorists are sure to find the perfect car to suit their needs. Plus, drivers need not worry about their credit score, as a partnership with the Credit Acceptance Corporation allows NJ Auto to guarantee loan approval.

Florida Woman Says Goodbye to Car After 576,000 Miles

In an effort to save money, many drivers have been trying to get the most out of their cars, but few people have taken it to the level that one Florida woman did. Rachel Veitch, 93, recently said goodbye to her beloved 1964 Mercury Comet Caliente after driving an astonishing 576,000 miles, Fox News reports.

Veitch has been somewhat of a celebrity over the years for her loyalty to one car. It outlasted three of her marriages and she likely would have stayed behind the wheel had age-related macular degeneration not gotten in the way. After running a red light and having difficulty reading the newspaper, she realized it might be time for her to retire her beloved car for good.

There's no word on what's next for the famous car. It's slated to appear at an antique car show in the summer, and Veitch is considering selling it to Tonight Show host Jay Leno, an avid car collector. There's no particular secret to how she managed to drive the car so long other than simply treating it well.

"When I buy gas, I write down the mileage, the date and how many miles per gallon I got," she told the news source in an interview in 2009. "I've never been a destructive person and I've just taken care of everything, except my husbands."

While reaching the half-million mile mark may be unrealistic for the everyday driver, there are ways to make sure your car runs for as long as possible. A regular visit to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center in Jersey City is one such way. By having regular tuneups and staying on top of maintenence, you'll be sure to drive your car to 100,000 miles and beyond.