Drivers often place an emphasis on safety features but results of a new Accenture study shine light on a shift in their preference. Technology is playing a greater role in what drivers are looking for in safety features, with 91 percent saying they want a lane-change or blind-spot warning in their car.

The study polled 7,000 drivers across the globe, and while the blind spot warning system was the overwhelming favorite, respondents had some other preferences as well. Specifically, 83 percents said they wanted a feature that would automatically contact a vehicle recovery organization in the event of a breakdown, and 75 percent would like a car that calls the nearest emergency service providers if there is a crash.

While technology for saftey's sake is important to many drivers, it is not the only area where they want the latest gadgets. In particular, most respondents said they want improved communication capabilities, with 63 percent saying they would like car-to-car communications and 58 percent prefer to read or dictate emails while driving.

"In-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems are quickly becoming part of mass-market car-buying as the latest IVI technologies inside today’s connected vehicle are increasingly as much a determinant of sales as design, fuel efficiency and performance," said Marcello Tamietti, managing director of Accenture’s Connected Vehicle group. "As consumer desire for IVI capabilities grows, it will be important for automotive manufacturers to seek partnerships that can offer a sustained, seamless IVI experience."

Regardless of what technology you have in your car, if its maintenance is not up to snuff it could all be for naught. Luckily, New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center provides general upkeep as well as repairs to make sure your car runs smoothly.

More often than not, motorists looking to save money turn to used cars. While most pre-owned vehicles offer an affordable option compared to new ones, there are certain models that stand out above the rest. Kelley Blue Book's Kbb.com recently named what it thinks are some of the best used cars selling for $8,000 or below.

Coming in at number eight on the list was the 2003 Mazda Protege5. This reliable car has been a mainstay on the road for years, and this version in particular offers a number of advantages. For one, its five-door configuration provides plenty of seating while also offering excellent gas-mileage and handling, all for a retail value of $7,970.

SUVs also made an appearance on the list, with the 2003 Ford Escape taking the number six spot. With a price tag of around $7,500, this compact SUV has long been a favorite among drivers, thanks to its reliability and ease of use.

Every car on the list represents a good deal, but the 2004 Honda Civic got the top spot. The car is well-known for its quality and safety, and despite being a compact sedan, it often stands above other similar models in terms of being fun and comfortable.

Whether you are looking to get behind the wheel of a used SUV, compact sedan or pick-up truck, New Jersey State Auto Auction is the place to go. The dealer offers motorists with a wide variety of makes and models – all at affordable prices. Additionally, because all the of the vehicles are Carfax certified, you can be sure you're getting a reliable product.

Though sales of new cars were up in 2011, consumers were not only looking to get behind the wheels of vehicles fresh off the lot. Used car sales were also up considerably compared to 2010, with about 39 million pre-owned vehicles going home with new owners, TheDetroitBureau.com reports.

Consumers bought three times as many used cars as in 2010 with the bulk of the sales coming in November and December, just as prices began to slip from a summer high. The reason for the increase likely stems from the fact that drivers’ cars, which they held on to for longer than normal, began to wear down, according to analysts.

“We saw a lot of people whose existing cars were just tired so, after two years of pent-up demand, that finally led to a surge of used car sales last year, and especially in November and December,” CNW Marketing chief Art Spinella told the website.

The figures are indicative of a trend that has been ongoing since 2008, when the recession first hit. Although the economy has begun to stabilize it has not changed consumers’ penchant for previously-owned vehicles over new cars.

Another big trend that some industry insider have noticed is that dealers, like New Jersey State Auto Auction, are more likely to use the internet to provide comprehensive lists of the cars they have for sale. According to the website, 73.1 percent of used cars are listed online.

New Jersey Auto has more to offer than just an easy database of available cars. It also has a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices and with guaranteed credit approval, getting a used car is easy.