The Nissan Leaf was expected to popularize electric vehicles, but relatively modest sales in 2011 left some people questioning just how successful the car could be. However, the automaker is poised to unveil a new and improved version of the Leaf later this year with the hope of doubling sales in 2012, The Detroit News reports.

Many of the changes to the Leaf will be in its appearance. Although it outsold General Motors' electric option, the Chevrolet Volt, in 2011, the Volt gained significant ground in February. The reason, some think, is that the Volt offers a sleeker, leather interior while the Leaf's look reflects its eco-friendly message. The manufacturer sensed the displeasure from customers, and has made the appropriate changes.

"We were like, 'Ah, let's do the clean, green recycled materials,'" Mark Perry, the director of product and advanced planning for Nissan Americas, told the newspaper. "People want a dark interior, so we're to give them a dark interior, too."

Just how popular the Leaf ends up being remains to be seen. Only recently did it become available to drivers in all 50 states, but its first months have not been without a few snags. For instance, some drivers report that the Leaf's range is limited in cold weather regardless of whether the heat is turned on. Still, Nissan believes that electric is the way of the future, and is expected to release an electric version of its luxury brand Infiniti later this year.

Although it will still be quite some time until electric vehicles rule the highway, you can still purchase an eco-friendly and fuel-efficient used car at New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models you'll be sure to find the right car for you.

Higher gas prices have driven many consumers to seek out the most fuel-efficient car they can find. But a lot of the time there is too much guesswork going into the process, as motorists don't know which cars are actually the best when it comes to gas mileage. Total Car Score recently released a list of what it believes are the most fuel-efficient cars on the road today.

"In this market, car buyers are more concerned than ever about fuel economy, but they also want a vehicle that is reliable and offers strong resale value," said Karl Brauer, editor in chief of Total Car Score.

Most economy cars do pretty well when it comes to saving you money at the pump, but of course some are better than others. In particular, the Ford Fiesta stood out from the crowd by getting an impressive 33 miles per gallon. The Chevrolet Sonic was also a top pick from Total Car Score, coming in at around the same level.

Sometimes downsizing is not an option, but that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice gas mileage. In terms of midsize sedans, the Toyota Camry Hybrid was tops with about 41 miles a gallon. People looking for a midsize SUV or crossover may want to get behind the wheel of the Kia Sorento or Chevrolet Equinox, both of which get around 25 or 26 miles per gallon.

Along with making a smart purchase, following good maintenance practices is important as well. New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center will help drivers avoid any problems that may put a dent in their mileage.

It's no secret that motorists are keeping their cars longer than ever before. Thanks to the recession, the average age of a vehicle on the road recently eclipsed 11 years. Something that may be going unnoticed, however, is that many drivers are pushing their cars to the limits in terms of mileage, and as the quality of vehicles improves its not that unusual to reach mileage that used to be unthinkable, The New York Times reports.

In years past, most cars tapped out after about 100,000 miles. Today, many drivers keep their cars past the 200,000 mile mark, and there are a number of reasons beyond consumers being more thrifty. The biggest cause is increased competition. If a manufacturers products aren't as soundly made, they can suffer serious consequences. Additionally, more stringent emissions regulations and better materials have increased longevity as well.

"Materials are much better," Jagadish Sorab, the technical leader for engine design at Ford Motor, told the Times. "We can use very durable, diamondlike carbon finishes to prevent wear. We have tested our newest breed of EcoBoost engines, in our F-150 pickup, for 250,000 miles. When we tear the engines down, we cannot see any evidence of wear."

The quality of cars may be better than in previous decades, but a lot of the responsibility of eclipsing the 200,000 mile mark falls on the driver. Regular maintenance greatly contributes to how long a car lasts, and ignoring it can spell doom.

New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center offers motorists the perfect opportunity to ensure their car is in working condition. With a knowledgeable staff, the center can provide everything from repairs to general upkeep.

Cars.com recently announced that the Honda Fit was the clear winner of the $16,000 Subcompact Shootout. The qualifications for the competition included a price tag below $16,000, a fuel economy of at least 35 mpg on the highway, four doors and the ability to seat at least four people. The Fit stood out against runner-up Kia Rio, which came close to the Honda. The Nissan Versa, Toyota Yaris, Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Sonic and Hyundai Accent were also
in the contest.

"The term 'econobox' is gone, as today's subcompacts are better built, more efficient and safer," said Patrick Olsen, editor-in-chief of Cars.com. "As gas prices and used-car prices continues to rise, a shootout like this acts as a guide for consumers looking to purchase a new subcompact as an alternative to a used vehicle. In addition to confident handling, a solid transmission, great visibility and unmatched practicality, the Honda Fit is just as fun to drive and emerged as our clear winner."

The cars were pitted against one another in a series of tests, and Honda's subcompact came out on top. Each vehicle was driven for 200 miles on the highway and in stop-and-go traffic to determine their observed mileage. They were also measured for comfort, features, practicality and ride quality.

The Honda Fit has been on the market since 2001, so drivers can consider searching for a used version if they're really looking to save on their next car purchase. In fact, all the vehicles in the Shootout were recently redesigned from older models. The Chevy Sonic is simply a reproduction of the Aveo with a new name and a few upgrades.

Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a used subcompact or any other fuel-efficient vehicle can head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer offers a wide variety of makes and models, and all of their cars have been CARFAX certified, so motorists know they'll drive away in a reliable vehicle.

It just wouldn't be spring without hitting the open road, and with warm weather just around the corner, drivers may want to take time to get their cars ready for the increased travel. Ignoring some important issues could cause significant speed bumps later on, but paying close attention and performing routine maintenance will have you cruising with ease.

The first thing you should do it is make sure everything is tight. Cars have a surprising amount of components that can come loose, and the last things you want is your license plate flying off as you drive down the highway unaware. Additionally, some loose parts, like exhaust clamps, could interfere with how your car runs.

Anybody who has been stranded with a dead battery can tell you it's not fun, and if you're in the middle of a strange highway it can be even worse. To avoid such a fate, make sure you check your battery before the spring hits. In particular, look for corrosion in the terminals and cables, which can eat away at the battery's parts.

As a final step, you should take some time to inspect your windshield. A small crack from a pebble may have seemed insignificant in November, but thanks to the cold weather and several months' worth of wear and tear, it may have become much more noticeable and burdensome. You should make sure you have a clean line of sight before you take off any springtime road trip.

To be fully sure that your car is ready for whatever the road throws at it, you should visit New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center. Located in Jersey City and open to the public, its skilled mechanics can perform everything from routine maintenance to crucial repairs.