There may be a common perception that Americans love to hit the open road, but in 2011 that was certainly not the case. Recently-released statistics from the government show that travel on U.S. roads reached its lowest point since 2003, as fears of high gas prices and a struggling economy led drivers to keep their cars in their garages, The Detroit News reports.

The final figures from the Federal Highway Administration  came out to about 2.963 trillion total miles driven in 2011. No small figure, to be sure, but it marks a 1.2 percent decrease from 2010 – or about 35.7 billion fewer miles. While 2011 may have been a down year, there is reason to think American motorists may be more likely to drive in 2012.

Despite an overall downward trend, drivers actually showed a growing tendency to drive in December 2011 compared to 2010. According to the newspaper, Americans drove 3.2 billion more miles in the final month this year compared to last year. That, coupled with a seemingly-improving economy, could point to a more mobile population.

Though the economy may be improving, it hasn't changed drivers' likelihood of holding on to cars longer than ever before. A recent Polk survey found that the average length of car ownership is around six years, a 23 percent increase compared to the third quarter of 2008.

If you're planning on driving a lot more in 2012, you may want to consider buying a fuel-efficient used car from New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models, from the Ford Fusion to the Chevrolet Cruze, there is something for everyone.

Over the last decade cars have not only become more fuel-efficient but they have also performed better. However, perhaps the greatest innovations of all have been in the technological realm, as vehicles come equipped with more gadgets than ever before. That likely won't change anytime soon and according to USA Today, there are a few trends that consumers should expect to see in the coming years.

Many auto experts believe that the days of physical gauges on the dashboard are numbered. In their place will be digital instruments ranging from the speedometer to the odometer to the gas gauge. This so-called "glass cockpit" has made its way into a number of more affordable models and that trend will likely only grow in the near future, according to the publication.

Engines may also become smarter as technology advances. Experts say that engines may be able to recognize certain driving patterns and change accordingly. For instance, USA Today reports that Ford has demonstrated that an engine may be able to change how much gas it uses depending on the situation – whether it be city or highway driving.

Another popular advancement will make cars safer than they ever have been. While driver assistance is common in some higher-end vehicles, analysts say that sensors warning motorists of everything from whether or not they're drifting to if there is a car in their blind spot could become commonplace.

Technological advances may make driving more enjoyable, but it does make regular maintenance even more important. Thanks to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center, that's not an issue. Located in Jersey City and open to the public, the center provides everything from scheduled upkeep to repairs to keep your car running smoothly.

Used cars can offer drivers a reliable set of wheels at a fraction of the cost of new models, but you have to know where to look. There are certainly vehicles that are simply better deals and if you're looking to keep your spending under $8,000, The Street reports that there are a few options that stand above the rest.

Kia has been rising in popularity in recent years, so it's no wonder that the 2008 Kia Rio made it on the list. Kelley Blue Book values the car at around $7,680 and given that it's just four years old, it may be the closest thing you can get to new for such an affordable price.

Anybody looking for a pickup without a steep price tag should consider the 2002 Toyota Tundra. According to the website, its KBB retail value is a modest $5,950, and although it's 10 years old, given Toyota's track record of reliable vehicles that should not be a problem – especially if you take good care of it.

"Toyota was an underdog in pickup trucks then, and it still is, but the Tundra has proven to be a good truck and it meets all the [reliability] expectations that come with a Toyota,"  Jason Allan, the kbb.com managing editor, told the website.

Similar to the Tundra, the 2002 Toyota Corolla is a good choice as well. With a price tag of just over $6,000 the Corolla is likely to remain among the most popular used cars on the road.

Regardless of what vehicle you're looking for, New Jersey State Auto Auction will have you covered. With a wide variety of makes and models there's sure to be one to suit your needs.

Hatchbacks have become increasingly popular in the United States, but consumers who are looking for a new or used car are still most likely to have only two options in mind – crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) or mid-size sedans. In particular, CUVs have experienced the greatest growth in consumer interest in recent years and Motor Trend does not expect the fad to die out any time soon.

When people are in the market for a new or used car, they have a growing tendency to look at vehicles in pairs. Experts say that drivers will often end up choosing between the two segments and manufacturers are apparently taking note of the change in consumer preference.

"We're calling this the supersegment, because people cross-shop these so much," Samantha Hoyt, marketing manager for the new Ford Fusion, told the publication. "It'll be Camry-Escape, Camry-Fusion, Escape-Accord, that whole CR-V-Escape, they're all shopping each other."

Ford has been especially successful in pushing its popular Escape. In advance of the release of the much-anticipated 2013 model of the CUV, Ford has sold many older models and through November 2011 had managed to sell 228,719 Escapes.

Though longtime CUV favorties like the Escape, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV-4 are still very much popular choices, Kia has been moving in on their territory. The South Korean company was recently named as the brand with the best overall cost of ownership by Kelley Blue Book thanks in no small part to its best selling CUV – the Sorento.

Whether you're looking for a used Ford, Honda or Kia, New Jersey State Auto Auction is a good place to go. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices you'll be sure to find the right car for you.