It turns out that price may not be the only reason why you should buy a used car over a new one. Results of a new study suggest that the so-called "new car smell" could actually make you sick. The scent some people find so appealing is sometimes caused by volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) that may damage your health, USA Today reports.

The research was conducted at the Ecology Center, which analyzed the materials used in the construction of the interior of new cars. It found that some models are healthier for drivers than others, with the Honda Civic having the lowest amount of dangerous chemicals of all new models. On the other hand, the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport had the highest levels.

Specifically, the Outlander Sport contain a number of harsh chemicals such as bromine and antimony-based flame retardants as well as chromium-treated leather. The car's seating contained 400 parts-per-million of lead.

Although it might seem like bad news, automakers are actually taking steps correct the problem. Jeff Gearhart, research director at the Ecology Center, told USA Today that "it's a positive story, because the industry is working on" finding new materials and chemicals that may be less hazardous.

The new car smell may have a somewhat pleasant scene to some, but if it is harmful to your health, is it worth it? Automobiles that are several years old may no longer have that new car smell but will still run just as well. New Jersey State Auto Auction has plenty of used cars available to the public at affordable prices, and with a wide variety of makes and models there is something for everyone.

With high gas prices and an uncertain economy, it's no surprise that drivers are looking to downsize their cars. What is a little unusual, however, is that hatchbacks are making a comeback. Industry insiders say that the tiny cars have risen in popularity over the years, with many choosing them over full-sized sedans, AOL Autos reports.

Though hatchbacks have made an industry-wide comeback, Fords appear to be especially popular. Many people purchasing the Fiesta are opting for the five-door hatchback over other models. In fact, as many as 50 percent of consumers who bought the Fiesta chose that model over the sedan. The same can be said for the popular Ford Focus, with 40 percent of buyers choosing the hatchback. Toyota and Nissan have seen similar figures.

While they're certainly not going to pose a real challenge to the dominance of sedans anytime soon, hatchbacks have certainly come a long way since the early 1970s when they first hit the market. According to the website, many of the models come with all the bells and whistles of other high-end models – all at a much lower price.

The fact that small cars are better than ever was on display at the recent Chicago Auto Show. Many manufacturers placed the focus on downsized models, whether they be hatchbacks or crossover SUVs, and experts say they're not like the tiny vehicles of yesteryear.

"Small cars now offer not only 40 mpg, but are bigger, roomier, loaded with content and pleasant to spend time in,"  Aaron Bragman, a senior analyst with IHS Automotive, told the Chicago Tribune.

If you're looking to get behind the wheel of a smaller car, you need look no further than New Jersey State Auto Auction. Whether you want a Ford Focus hatchback or hope to make the change from an SUV to a sedan, New Jersey Auto has you covered.

Over the last several years there has been an increasing push among automakers, and a growing demand from consumers, to create fuel-efficient cars. Manufacturers have certainly made significant strides and it looks like that will be the case once again in 2012, according to a new report out of the University of Michigan.

Researchers at the school's Transportation Research Institute found that the average fuel economy of the new cars purchased during January reached its highest level ever at 23 miles per gallon. That includes all vehicles – even trucks and SUVS. The mark ties the previous high set in March of 2011 and is a substantial 4 percent jump from the month before.

There are a number of reasons for the findings, but experts say that one of biggest is that consumers are leaning toward buying more efficient cars as a whole. For instance, with more gas-friendly models of cars like the Ford F-150 and the Chevrolet Cruze hitting the market, more often than not drivers will choose the one that will save them the most at the pump. Still, none of this would be possible without the improved technology.

"Based on a related study we published in January, we found that over the past several years about two-thirds of the increase is due to improvements in vehicles, and about one-third is due to demand for better fuel economy by consumers," Brandon Schoettle, a co-author of the report, told USA Today.

Even if you'd rather purchase a used car over a new one, there are plenty of fuel-efficient models that have come out over the last several years that will fit the bill, and New Jersey State Auto Auction carries many of them. With a wide variety of products at affordable prices, there is certainly something for everyone.