New England, New York Differ on Cars as Well as Sports

Though they are separated by only a little more than 200 miles, New York and Boston could not be more different. Whether it comes to sports allegiances or personality, the fierce rivalry between the two cities is alive and well. That will certainly be on display this weekend as the New York Giants take on the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 46. It turns out that their differing opinions also extend to the road and car buying habits in each region vary greatly.

The lifestyle choices of the two regions are definitely reflected in which cars they choose. According to TrueCar.com, New Englanders overwhelmingly chose small SUVs and other cars that value function over form. In fact, of the top 10 vehicles purchased in New England, four are SUVs. The findings make sense if you consider that New Englanders are more likely to prefer outdoor activities than their neighbors to the south.

As for New Yorkers, it's clear that they value luxury much more than New Englanders. The top 10 cars purchased by Empire State residents included mostly cars and only two SUVs, and luxury brands such as Mercedes, Acura and BMW are well represented.

While what kind of car each fan base prefers likely will not have an impact on what happens on Super Bowl Sunday, it certainly does say a bit about their driving habits. New York does have an edge on one thing, however – it's proximity to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The reliable dealer has a wide variety of makes and models, even those to suit the higher-end tastes of New Yorkers.

Auto Sales Off to Better-Than-Expected Start

The auto industry had a great 2011 in terms of sales and after a strong January, it looks like 2012 might follow suit. Analysts found car sales rose 11 percent in January, which indicates Americans are starting to replace cars they held onto during the recession, Reuters reports.

The figures surprised most prognosticators who believed sales growth, if there was any, would have been modest at best. However, spurred by the popularity of Volkswagen and the rebound of longtime favorites like Toyota and Honda, the industry avoided its usual early-year slump.

"Normally you have a little bit of the December hangover," Al Castignetti, head of U.S. sales for Nissan brand, told the news agency. "January starts out very slow and you try to make the month in the last 10 days. The absolute opposite happened this year."

The strong beginning to the year has some experts rethinking their forecast for the year. Now, they think that there could be as many as 14.18 million vehicles sold in 2012.

There are a number of reasons for the sales growth. According to Reuters, one of them may be that gasoline prices, while still high, have remained relatively stable. Additionally, ABC News reports many people may be leaping at the opportunity to replace their rides with updated used cars, as the average age of cars on the road is nearly 11 years.

Whether you're looking to get in a used car because your current model is running on fumes or if you just want a change, New Jersey State Auto Auction has you covered. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, there is something for everyone.

When Do I Need to Have My Brakes Checked?

There are few things more important to a car than its brakes. Having brakes that function properly is crucial to how your car drives but it also has an impact on safety. Despite the importance of the component, some people may not know when they have to get their brakes looked at and replaced. Luckily, there are a few signs that can tell you when it's time to have your car looked at.

It may seem difficult to know when you need a brake job. After all, there is no set mileage for when brake linings are worn down to the minimum level, and a lot can depend on how and where you drive your car. This makes paying close attention to subtle indicators that much more important.

One of the most obvious signs you need a brake job is if there is a squealing or grinding noise coming from your wheels when you apply the brakes. According to AOL Autos, the noise is actually caused by indicators put in place to tell you it's time to get new pads.

Having trouble accelerating can also be a symptom of a brake problem. In this case, the drag may be caused by the fact that emergency brake cables are frozen due to rust, which can be avoided by  regularly using it.

Pulling to one side should tip you off to an issue with your brakes. This can happen for a number of different reasons including having brakes that are adjusted incorrectly, leaking brake fluid or spilled oil or grease.

If you notice any of these indicators you may want to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center to get your brakes looked at.

Driver-In-Chief: Obama Checks Out Cars at Washington Auto Show

The Washington Auto Show descended upon the nation's capital recently and it welcomed a well-known visitor. President Barack Obama stopped by the event on Tuesday to take a look at the flock of cars powered by alternative fuel and even sat behind the wheel of several vehicles, The Washington Post reports.

The appearance was unusual in that Obama's presence was relatively subdued. Instead of taking questions, giving a speech or talking with voters, he simply examined the cars that were on display. It's not surprising that Obama wanted to investigate the eco-friendly cars, given that going green has been a fairly significant part of his platform. Among the cars he looked at was the electric Chevy Volt, which has created substantial buzz in the auto industry.

"He was mainly interested in what are my greatest challenges in designing these vehicles," General Motors president of global design Ed Welburn told the newspaper. "I always want to raise the level of execution and design something that’s profitable."

The Volt may have been the most high-profile car that got Obama's attention but it certainly was not the only one. According to USA Today, he stepped behind the wheel of seven cars including hotly-anticipated fuel efficient rides such as the Ford C-Max Energi plug-in electric and the Chevrolet Malibu Eco. However, he also took time to check out a few classics including a Corvette and the Dodge Ram.

You don't have to the Commander-in-Chief to find a good deal on a used car at New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, there is something for everyone.

What’s The Deal With This Acura Super Bowl Ad?

It's no secret that Jerry Seinfeld loves cars. In fact, he may be second only to talk show host Jay Leno in terms of celebrity auto enthusiasts. So it likely comes as no surprise that Seinfeld is appearing in a Super Bowl ad, but what is a bit of a shock is the brand he is appearing for. The stand-up legend is featured in the recently-released ad for Acura, a stark change given his well-known affinity for Porsche products.

The 90-second spot places Jerry in an Acura dealer in line to get the much-anticipated NSX. He wants to be the first to have the sleek concept car, but unfortunately finds himself in the number two spot behind another lucky, and stubborn, shopper. Not to be denied, Seinfeld pulls out all the stops to try to bribe the car away from his rival. He seems to finally have it until he is thwarted at the last second by a surprise guest.

It's understandable that Seinfeld would want to be the first behind the wheel of the NSX. The impressive ride made it's debut at the 2012 Detroit Auto Show, and according to Motor Trend, it was quite a sight to behold.

The NSX has not been in the North American market since 2005, but it is back and better than ever. The V-6 engine is augmented with three electric motors which give drivers the ability to power each wheel individually. Despite the impressive features, the car is still three years away from an official release.

Seinfeld is not the only big name celebrity to already throw his hat in the Super Bowl ad ring. Earlier this week, Honda released its Ferris Bueller spoof featuring Ferris himself – Matthew Broderick.

These Repairs Will Hurt Your Wallet

Sometimes it may seem like expensive car repairs are unavoidable. After all, things happen and you just have to bite the bullet and pay for a costly fix. However, other times that is simply not the case, and the repair could have been avoided with a little preventative maintenance or by paying close attention to how your car is running. With that in mind, MSN Autos recently provided what it considers to be the most expensive car repairs you should keep an eye out for.

A catalytic converter is crucial to detoxifying exhaust emissions, which can be especially important to people looking to reduce their carbon footprint. Though many of them are built to last 15 to 20 years, sometimes a misfire or broken oxygen sensors can significantly shorten their lifespan. Due to their pricey parts, a new one can cost nearly $3,000.

The injection pump is one of the most important parts of car, as it is responsible for delivering fuel into the engine cylinders. Unfortunately, it can sometimes become clogged, which requires it to be changed. In smaller cars, the fix is not too expensive, but in SUVs and trucks it can labor intensive. Luckily, regular maintenance like routinely changing air filters can prevent the problem, the news source reports.

Cylinder failure can be one of the biggest issues a driver faces, but the good thing is that it can be caught early by addressing smaller problems like misfires. However, if the warning signs are ignored, it can lead to repair costing as much as $8,000.

"There are typically many warning signs," Art Jacobsen of CarMD.com told the news source.

Sometimes repairs are inevitable, and in that case you should head to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center. Located in Jersey City and open to the public, the center offers everything from general upkeep to fixes.

Diesel Becoming More Accepted in U.S.

Diesel-powered cars have long been popular in Europe, but they have yet to catch on in the United States. That may change in the near future, auto industry experts say, as surveys show Americans are becoming more comfortable with the idea of driving a car that runs on the alternative fuel, USA Today reports.

The growing trend is reflected by the results of a recent poll from auto-technology supplier Bosch. The company found 32 percent of respondents said they would consider purchasing a diesel-powered vehicle. While certainly not an overwhelming proportion of the population,  it is compared to 2006 when only 12 percent said the same thing.

The reason for the changing attitude may have to do with the fuel economy of diesel engines. According to the publication, they get about 30 percent better mileage on the highway, and although they may not perform as well around town, this is enough for some drivers.

Volkswagen has emerged as the leading manufacturer of diesel-powered cars in the United States. In fact, 85 percent of Volkswagen Jetta SportWagens are sold as diesel models. Additionally, 55 percent of Golfs sold are the same variety.

Though Volkswagen is currently the most popular, a number of other companies seem to be noticing the shifting trend. Many American-based manufacturers are planning on releasing diesel versions of popular models in the coming years. For instance, USA Today's Drive On blog reports that Chrysler is expected to release a diesel version of its Jeep Grand Cherokee as well as the Wrangler and Dodge Durango.

Whether you're looking for a diesel-powered car or a more traditional car, New Jersey State Auto Auction has plenty offer. With a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, there is certainly something for everyone.

What Automotive Fixes Can I Do by Myself?

The average driver may not think they're qualified to perform repairs on their car. While there are certain fixes that should only be attempted by professional mechanics, there are a number of other common maintenance issues that even the least mechanically-minded car owner can perform.

One of the easiest do-it-yourself aspects of auto maintenance is checking and filling your tires. Since most gas stations have free air pumps, all you need to purchase for yourself is a tire pressure gauge and familiarize yourself with the appropriate levels. Not only is this easy, but it's important as well. Having properly inflated tires is crucial to safety because it improves handling, and according to Edmunds, inflating your tires can save you ton of money not only on service costs but on fuel economy as well. Properly-inflated tires have proven to save around $120 a year on gas.

Changing your air filter can be done in your home as well. The process takes about five minutes and only requires you to have a screwdriver and a new filter on hand. While most mechanics might suggest having a professional do it, the website suggests it's not necessary.

When a light bulb goes out, it can be more of an annoyance than anything else. Having to drive to a garage for such a simple fix may seem unnecessary and according to some experts, it is. The only obstacle is finding out how to reach the bulb in the first place, but the owner's manual can usually solve that problem.

Though there are some fixes that can be done in the comfort of your own home, for more intricate repairs and a routine check up you should head to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Car Center.

Barack Obama’s Former Car up For Sale

It's not every day you can say you've driven the same car as the Commander in Chief, but for one person that just might be the case. A car that belonged to President Barack Obama is up for sale on eBay and its owner has slapped quite a hefty price tag on it – $1 million.

The car is a 2005 Chrylser 300C that Obama drove from 2004 through the summer of 2007 while he was a junior senator from Illinois. During that time he put just 19,000 miles on its Hemi-powered engine. Despite its age and the fact that it hadn't been used much, Obama still traded it in for a Ford Escape hybrid when he began his presidential campaign, MSNBC reports.

This isn't the first time that the car has been up for sale on eBay. Several years ago, its owner Tim O’Boyle says he put it on the website but it was taken down after people jokingly ran the bidding up to $100 million. To make sure that doesn't happen, prospective buyers have to make a $2,000 deposit just to place a bid. So far the car has been up for more than a week and there have been no takers.

Obama has come a long way since his days driving the eco-friendly Ford Escape. Today he rides in the presidential limousine nicknamed The Beast, and it has certainly earned every bit of the moniker. According to Motor Authority, the car, manufactured by Cadillac, includes a number of impressive features. Among its highlights are eight-inch thick armor-plated doors, independent oxygen supply, night vision cameras and Kevlar-reinforced tires – just to name a few.

Perception Trumps Experience When Purchasing Cars

Results of a new J.D. Power and Associates study reveal why people choose their cars, and the reasons might be a bit surprising. Consumers are more likely to base their purchase on common knowledge or opinions rather than any personal experience with the vehicle in question.

The research was conducted as part of the firm's annual Avoider Study, which aims to find out why consumers stay away from certain cars while they flock to other models. A large portion of responders, 43 percent, said that their perception of a particular brand's reliability and quality is what swayed their decision.

About 38 percent said that reading a poor review was what made them stay away, while only 14 percent said that their actual experience is what made them think poorly of a particular brand. The findings indicate that some automakers should place an emphasis on changing their public perception.

"For some brands, namely those that have created marked improvements in their quality and reliability in recent years, it's even more vital to tell their improvement story, rather than just waiting for perceptions to change over time," said J.D. Power and Associates' research director Jon Osborn said.

Instead of basing your decision on reputation, you should consider several other ways to determine the quality of a used car. Of course, the test drive will be an important factor in your decision because taking a car out on the road is the only way to get a feel for how it actually operates. Not only that, but you will want to look into the car's vehicle history to understand any potential pitfalls.

Regardless of how you choose your used car, New Jersey State Auto Auction will have the vehicle for you. Additionally, since each automobile is Carfax certified you know it is a reliable choice.