Nissan May Revive Defunct Datsun Brand

The Datsun brand name hasn't been around for more than 30 years, but it looks like Nissan may be bringing it back. The plan is in the very early stages but the manufacturer hopes to roll out new Datsuns by 2014 in an effort to provide inexpensive cars to emerging markets, Reuters reports.

Datsun was originally the name used by the company from when it was founded in the 30s until the early 80s. Around that time it assumed the name Nissan and has since  become the number two Japanese brand. Though Datsun may be coming back from the dead, it will not be doing so in the Untied States. They will likely first be introduced in Russia, Indonesia and India, selling for around $6,200, according to Reuters.

Although there has not been any confirmation on the exact timetable of the re-introduction, it could be a big step in helping Nissan compete with its two biggest threats – Toyota and Honda. Both those companies have a problem expanding into emerging markets because it's difficult for them to offer cheap vehicles without damaging brand reputation. However, Nissan may have circumvented the problem by having a different name attached to its cheaper cars.

The Datsun is certainly not the only older vehicle to be resurrected. In particular, Dodge is prepping a re-release of its Dart, which last hit the roads more than 40 years ago. Although it will share the same name of the classic vehicle, the new Dart will not offer many other similar features. The 2012 Dart is set for a spring release and will have a starting price of just under $16,000, Cars.com reports.

Whether you're looking for a used car for nostalgic purposes or simply to save money, New Jersey State Auto Auction has got you covered. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, there is something for everyone.

February Auto Sales Rise 16 Percent

The good news for the country's auto industry keeps coming. Sales beat projections for the second month in a row in February and rose 16 percent, bringing the rate to its highest levels in more than four years, Reuters reports.

February growth brings the annual sales projections to about 15.1 million cars, which is at a significantly higher level than the beginning of the year when experts set the estimate at about 14 million.

Perhaps most encouraging was that the rise in sales was spurred by American manufacturers. General Motors, Chrysler and Ford all had significant gains in February, which can be chalked up in part to rising consumers confidence as the U.S. economy continues to rebound.

"That in itself is probably a big green-light indicator for consumers," TrueCar.com analyst Jesse Toprak told Reuters. "It's telling them it's OK to buy a car. You'll be fine."

Along with growing consumer confidence, the increase in sales may also be due to the fact that lenders are becoming more likely to give out auto loans. Although gas prices have been on the way up, the fact that loans are becoming more readily available has led to some people looking the other way, according to the news agency.

While some lenders have loosened their restrictions on approving loans, limitations were never an issue at New Jersey State Auto Auction. Thanks to a partnership with the Credit Acceptance Corporation, NJ Auto is able to offer guaranteed credit approval, meaning that even if you have a checkered financial history you'll be driving away in a quality used car in no time.

What Does the Check Engine Light Mean?

Few things can be more alarming to a driver than when their check engine light comes on. While it can be indicative of a very simple and easy-to-fix problem, other times it could be highlighting a serious, and costly, issue.

One of the most common reasons that your check engine light has turned on is an oxygen sensor that is not working properly. According to The Associated Press, the sensor is relatively important because it keeps an eye on how much unburned oxygen is in the exhaust, which in turn keeps the car's computer up to speed on how much fuel is in the tank. If it's not working properly, the issue could take its toll on the vehicle's gas mileage.

Among the most serious issues that the light could be indicative of is a broken catalytic converter. This component is used to turn harmful gases into less damaging substances, and often uses expensive metals to do so. As a result, the average cost of repairing one can be around $2,000.

Though they may not be as serious as a broken catalytic converter, misfiring spark plugs are another significant problem that the check engine light could be warning you about. According to the AP, this malfunction might seem small but its effect can be felt everywhere from fuel economy to engine power, and may actually damage your catalytic converter in the long run.

The best way to avoid some of the most serious issues associated with the check engine light is to make sure you're on top of regular maintenance. New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center provides the general public with a great resource to keep their cars running smoothly. With a stable of talented mechanics, the center offers everything from repair to general upkeep.

Ford Focus Electric Named America’s Most Fuel-Efficient Vehicle

The 2012 Ford Focus Electric was recently named the most fuel-efficient five-passenger vehicle in America. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Focus Electric has a fuel economy of 110 miles per gallon equivalent in the city, edging out its biggest competitor, the Nissan Leaf. The new car can travel 76 miles on a single charge, which is just a bit better than the 73-mile range of the Leaf. It also recharges in half the time of the Japanese model.

The Focus has been offering great fuel economy for years, so an older model can be just right for drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a used car. The 2009 model, for example, gets 35 MPGs on the highway, according to Edmunds.

This is just one of the many fuel-efficient vehicles offered by the American automaker. Ford hopes the upcoming 2013 Ford Fusions could be the most efficient hybrid and gas-powered mid-size sedans. This could make Ford's lineup one of the best in terns of fuel consumption.

"Ford is giving customers the power of choice for leading fuel economy regardless of what type of vehicle or powertrain technology they choose," said Eric Kuehn, chief engineer for the Focus Electric. "The Focus and Fusion are great examples of how we transformed our fleet of cars, utilities and trucks with leading fuel efficiency."

Whether drivers are looking to get behind the wheel of a used Focus, or they want to check out some other fuel-efficient cars, they should head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer carries a wide variety of affordable, fuel-efficient models to choose from, and all their cars are CARFAX certified. 

Dealers Demand Fuel-Efficient Used Cars

Fuel-efficient cars will save you money at the pump, but with rising gas prices people with smaller vehicles may find now is the time to trade them in. Used car dealers have found an increased demand for vehicles with a high fuel-economy, meaning they'll likely pay motorists top dollar for their fuel-sipping used car, NBC affiliate WMBF reports.

The market is already a good one for people looking to trade in their cars. There has been a shortage of used vehicles recently due to drivers holding on to their cars longer than before, and dealers are looking to add inventory one word possible. Plus, with gas prices approaching $4 across the country, they are even more eager to add a fuel-efficient rides to their fleet.

"Used vehicles still have good resale value right now because the market is demanding used cars, period, across the board, but fuel efficient cars as we trade them in right now are going to be worth more, and they're going to be worth more in the future," car dealer Greg Smith told the news channel.

Though having a fuel-efficient car will put you in a good place if you're looking to trade in, you should still take the time to make sure your car is as attractive as possible. There are easy steps, such as washing and cleaning both the exterior and interior, but you should also do some research on just how much your car is worth to ensure you get a good deal.

Whether your car has high or low gas mileage, New Jersey State Auto Auction is a great place to go to trade in your ride. Thanks to it being an Autotrader.com Trade In Marketplace Dealership, NJ Auto offers you a fair, accurate appraisal in no time.

You Better Beliebe It: Justin Gets a Fisker Karma

Justin Bieber turned 18 on Thursday, and true to how he has acted since he started driving, he celebrated the occasion with a flashy new car. And not just any car, either. Bieber was given the much-coveted hybrid sports sedan, the Fisker Karma, People magazine reports.

The gift was from the teenage crooner's manager and was presented to him during an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Despite his impressive cadre of autos, Bieber was shocked to be given such a rare car. Only a few people (Leonardo DiCaprio, Al Gore) are known to have one, and it is considered one of the most desirable rides in the world. That's not to say Bieber didn't deserve it – if you listen to his manager that is.

"You work really really hard," manager Scooter Braun told him, according to the publication. "I always yell at you, 'Don't get anything flashy!' You know, we're not about that. Be humble, be humble. And I kind of broke my own rule."

While this might be the crown of Bieber's burgeoning car collection, that's not to say he doesn't have some other impressive rides. In the fall, the "Baby" singer picked up an impressive Cadillac CTS that he had customized to resemble the Batmobile, according to Forbes.

Though you may not have the car collection of Bieber, that doesn't mean that taking care of your vehicles is any less important. New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center  offers drivers an easy way to stay on top of their maintenance. Located in Jersey City and open to the public, the Car Care center is the perfect place to go for everything from repairs to general upkeep.

Monkeemobile: A Tribute to Davy Jones

Former Monkee Davy Jones passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack on Wednesday. Although the tragedy will likely cause people to reminisce to tunes like "Daydream Believer" and "I Wanna Be Free," others may choose to reflect on his ride of choice when he was in the band – the Monkeemobile.

The car, made famous thanks to the band's 1960s television show, was actually a modified Pontiac GTO. It was created by legendary designer Dean Jeffries and built by George Barris, who is responsible for another icon of yesteryear – the Batmobile, USA Today reports. Though he only met Jones and the other band members several times, Barris has fond memories of both them and the car he helped create.

"He was kind of like the spark of the group," Barris told the publication of Davy Jones. "He had a character, had a certain personality. He seemed to be more dramatic and more fun."

Though the show went off the air in 1968, the legend of the Monkeemobile lived on. There were two models that were used on the show, one went to Barris and the other actually had quite a journey. After it fell out of view, it eventually resurfaced in Puerto Rico before moving back to New York State.

Of course, not everybody can have a customized GTO in their garage, but that does not mean its upkeep is any less important. Regular maintenance is a crucial part of used car ownership and New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center is the place to go to ensure your vehicle runs smoothly. Open to the public, the center provides drivers with experienced mechanics that offer everything from repair to regular tune ups.

High Occupancy Toll Lanes Become More Popular

Anybody who has sat in traffic and groaned when they saw cars whizzing by in the car pool lane may be able to do something about it. Since October, officials in Georgia have given drivers the opportunity to pay for the privilege of riding in the high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane, even if there's only one person in their car, The New York Times reports.

The program was started in an effort to help keep traffic low in the Atlanta area. It works by charging a fee that can vary depending on how busy the road is. The cost can range anywhere from 11 to 90 cents per mile. According to the newspaper, other cities including Denver, Houston and Los Angeles are all considering the lanes – dubbed high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes. However, they have not been without their critics.

Some claim that HOT lanes are too expensive for average motorists to drive in, and the result is added buildup on the normal lanes and only high-end vehicles making use of the convenience. Still, officials are hopeful that the ease of use will change some people's minds.

"Anybody who’s a driver can at certain times find it really valuable to get somewhere faster," Ellen Hanak, a senior policy fellow with the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California, told the Times. "Time can be money for everybody."

If you're looking for a minivan or SUV to help you get in the HOV, you may want to look toward New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models, there is sure to be something for even the choosiest of consumers.

CR-V, Passat Top Best Family Vehicles List

Purchasing the right family car can be a big decision. Between rides to school, sports practice and social functions, it may seem like a family spends most of their time in the car. So, you should not take the decision lightly. In the hopes of making the choice a little bit easier, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) recently unveiled its picks for the best family cars of 2012.

KBB took a number of factors into consideration when forming the list. Everything from safety to comfort to consumer ratings played a part in the final rankings. The list includes a wide variety to address the unique needs of families.

"After driving and evaluating nearly all of the new cars available on the market today, we identified the vehicles that offer the greatest combination of features and value for everyday families," Jack R. Nerad the executive editorial director and executive market analyst for kbb.com.

One inclusion that should not surprise anybody is the Honda CR-V. This long-time family favorite has been a reliable crossover SUV for years and that's not expected to change in the near future. Among its most stand-out features is a rear-seat entertainment system that few other similar models offer.

Also on the list is the Subaru Outback. The reliable sport-utility wagon can handle rough terrain while also turning in impressive fuel economy. Add that to the plenty of storage space and it's no wonder why this model made the list.

Families looking to downsize may want to go with the Volkswagen Passat or Toyota Prius, both of which made the list for their spacious interiors and high gas mileage.

If you're in the market for a used family car, look no further than New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models there's sure to be something to suit the needs of both you and your loved ones.

Used Cars More Reliable Than Ever

In years past, used cars may have been painted as less reliable than their brand new counterparts. While that may have been the case decades ago, it is no longer true, experts say, and buying a used car may actually be the better choice than going new.

To find out just how much the quality of used cars has improved, analysts at Consumer Reports looked at the number problem-free three-year old models in its 2002 surveys compared to its 2011 surveys. In looking at the two batches of data, they found that nearly all automakers improved their reliability in 2011, with brands like Volvo, Volkswagen, Ford and GM making the biggest gains.

Though the reliability of used cars has improved dramatically over the last several years, that does not mean you should take your foot off the pedal when it comes to doing your due diligence. Consumer Reports says there are a number of things you can do to ensure you're driving away with a good ride.

Perhaps most importantly, you'll want to be on the lookout for signs of any collision damage. There are obvious indicators, including mismatched doors and body handles, but you should also keep an eye out for trunks that don't close properly. Similarly, mold or mildew along with a discolored carpet is indicative of flood damage.

Along with its repair history you should pay close attention to what's coming out of the car's exhaust pipe. Both blue smoke and billowing white smoke are signs the engine is not working properly and would likely need a significant repair to fix.

Though being a discerning shopper is important, you likely will not have to worry about such things at New Jersey State Auto Auction. All of the dealers makes and models are CARFAX certified, so you know you're getting a reliable car no matter what.