Best used cars for carpooling

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Posted in Auto Brands News

As the school year rapidly approaches, many families will be faced with having to bring kids from activity to activity. This can be especially tough if parents are involved in carpools and will need a bigger car to accommodate all the children. Luckily, used SUVs have dropped in price since January, and there are certain models that stand out above the rest.

According to a study conducted by CarGurus, the most cost-effective used SUV for families is the 2008 GMC Acadia. This spacious vehicle can seat eight passengers, making it a good fit for parents who have to take lots of kids from place to place. Additionally, it gets an efficient 24 miles per gallon on the highway, all for under $25,000.

As for crossover models, the 2008 Honda Pilot is an excellent pick, experts say. It can fit eight children as well, while costing drivers under $20,000.

"If you are looking to upsize your car and save money, now is a good time to be shopping for used cars and specifically for SUVs, crossovers, and minivans, which have not seen the dramatic price increases of many compact models," CarGurus CEO Langley Steinert said.

V-6 Ford F-150 a surprise hit

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Ford

Many people were shocked when Ford announced that it would start selling an F-150 with a turbocharged EcoBoost V-6 engine. Now, five years later, it appears as though the bold move has paid off as sales of F-150s with the V-6 have bested those with the V-8, Automotive News reports.

The reason for the success is due in large part to the fact that the the turbocharged V-6 offers both improved gas mileage (22 mile per gallon on the highway) as well as a boost in horsepower and torque – something invaluable to truck owners.

"We knew 'there's no replacement for displacement,'" Doug Scott, manager of Ford's truck marketing group, told the news source. "That's a very popular saying among full-sized pickup customers – which just shows their love for the V-8 engine. We knew we had a marketing challenge."

Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a Ford pick-up truck may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers plenty of models at affordable prices.

Analysts: Do research before heading to the dealership

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

Many car dealers often attract prospective buyers with discounts and other incentives, but sometimes they may not be as good as they seem. However, that does not mean that consumers can't get the most out of these deals. Experts say they just need to do their proper research beforehand.

According to the Lansing State Journal, the most important thing for buyers to have in mind is how much other dealers are asking for the particular car that they're looking for. Industry analyst Scott Watkins says that doing so will signal to salespeople that the customer has done their research, and may remove the necessity of the usual negations.

"It's possible for the customer to go in and get a good deal if they know what the dealer is paying for the car and if they know what dealers in that area have been selling the car for recently," Watkins told the news source.

Reading the fine print on certain discount plans is also crucial as well as many customers walk into a dealership thinking they qualify, only to find out they'll have to pay much more.

Drivers looking to get the best deals on a used car should check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers plenty of makes and models at affordable prices.

Chevy Volt design to be used in Cadillac

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Chevrolet

The Chevrolet Volt has been at the forefront of the electric car movement, and now General Motors appears poised to use the Volt as a template for an electric Cadillac. According to GreenCarReports, the model would likely be the concept Cadillac Converj, which may be available as early as 2013.

The Converj debuted two years ago at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, but many speculated that the beautiful car would never be produced for consumers. However, the news source reports that manufacturers have received the go-ahead to begin making the electricity-powered vehicle.

Though it's in the very early stages, the move could be a smart one for GM. Analysts at USA Today point out that the Chevy Volt already has a pretty steep price of nearly $40,000, but Cadillac drivers are probably less likely to stay away from an electric luxury car due to big price tag.

Although the Converj may be a few years away, drivers looking to get behind wheel of a fuel-efficient Honda Accord or Toyota Prius can check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which has plenty of makes and models at affordable prices.

iPhone apps can help save money on gas

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Posted in General Auto News

From playing games to paying bills, smartphones have made almost every aspect of life a little bit easier. That applies to saving money on gas as well, as Forbes magazines recently unveiled its list of top iPhone apps that can help drivers reduce the amount of cash they spend on filling up at the pump.

Perhaps the most useful program is the AAA TripTik Mobile. This easy-to-use app provides drivers with the locations of the lowest-priced gas in the area. Not only that, but it will also give them turn-by-turn directions to make finding the gas station even easier.

In addition to finding the best-priced gas, apps can also help drivers maintain their fuel economy. According the publication, the Gas Manager program can do everything from tracking a car's gas consumption to miles traveled and even its environmental impact.

Along with picking up a few apps for their iPhone, drivers can also save money on gas by getting behind the wheel of a fuel-efficient car such as a Ford Focus or Toyota Camry. Those in the market for a used car can head to New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers plenty of makes and models at affordable prices.

Ford, SunPower team up to provide solar panels to Focus Electric

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Ford

Ford is on schedule to release its much-anticipated Focus Electric later this year, and thanks to a new partnership it will be one of the greenest cars on the road. The company has paired with California-based SunPower to offer roof-top panels in the Focus.

This system uses the company's SunPower® E18 Series solar panels, which will provide drivers with around 50 percent more energy than conventional panels. By outfitting the Focus Electric with solar panels, it will give drivers a clean alternative to plugging in their car when it needs to be charged.

"By taking advantage of this program, Focus Electric customers can receive the added benefit of installing a SunPower solar system, the highest-efficiency, most reliable on the market today, generating the electricity needed to charge their vehicles," SunPower president and CEO and Tom Werner said.

The Ford Focus Electric will likely be made available to the general public sometime in 2012, and will join similar models including the Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf in the push to do away with fuel.

Drivers looking to be more fuel efficient may want to pick up a smaller vehicle at New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers plenty of models at affordable prices.

Suzuki unveils new look for its Swift

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Posted in Auto Brands News

The Suzuki Swift is getting a dramatic update for its latest model, and the company recently unveiled the new look in advance of the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, Germany, in September. The car has an updated, sleek look that will likely appeal to a younger generation.

The company announced that this is the first major update for the model since 2006, when the Swift Sport first launched. While maintaining its compact size, Suzuki says that the car's exterior will have much different appearance.

"It has a more aggressive and dignified exterior look thanks to a ground-hugging form that gives a sense of stability and tension and a big front grille that evokes sporty performance," the company said.

However, the look isn't the only thing that will be different about the new Swift. It will also include a 1.6-liter engine that will offer more power while still maintaining high fuel-efficiency.

Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of a Suzuki or any other car will want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which has plenty of makes and models for sale at an affordable price.

Larger cars still popular despite high gas prices

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Posted in Auto Industry News

In the face of higher gas prices than a year ago, it looks like drivers aren't considering downsizing their cars. USA Today reports that a new study by AutoPacific found that just 16 percent of respondents were planning on buying a smaller vehicle for their next car.

In addition to not wanting to downsize, the survey also revealed that a surprisingly large amount of drivers are sticking with SUVs and trucks. Specifically, 25 percent of those polled said they want an SUV or crossover for next year, and 14 percent said they prefer a pick up truck.

The news source says there may be a few reasons to explain the surprising numbers. Among them is the fact that many manufacturers are rolling out cars that are more fuel-efficient than ever, removing part of the need to downsize. Furthermore, 41 percent of respondents said they're combining trips in a car.

Regardless of whether or not you're looking to get behind the wheel of a smaller car or staying at the same size, New Jersey Auto Auction has plenty of makes and models at affordable prices.

IIHS reveals picks for safest cars

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Posted in General Auto News

While some drivers might look for a flashy exterior or excellent gas mileage when selecting a new or used car, there's one thing almost everyone can agree on: safety trumps every other characteristic a car might have. In an effort to help consumers make the right decision for their safety needs, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently revealed it's rankings.

Many drivers often think that midsize SUVs are the best choice for safety, especially since they are bigger than the more-vulnerable sedans but are easier to control than their larger counterparts. Among the midsize SUVs, the Acura MDX stood out from the pack. The IIHS says that betwen 2005 and 2008, the MDX was involved in zero fatal multi-car crashes, with the only fatalities coming in single-car accidents.

In the much the same vein, the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee was also highly rated by the IIHS. It scored well in a number of categories including front, side, rollover and rear collision tests. The Grand Cherokee experienced no fatalities in multi-car crashes between 2005 and 2008.

As for minivans, the organization had only good things to say about the Toyota Sienna. The popular car was given the highest rating in a plethora of different areas including side impact tests and roof strength tests, so it's no surprise that in the three year period it enjoyed an overall death rate of zero.

Of course, some people don't need the seating capacity that SUVs and minivans offer, but are still looking to be kept safe behind the wheel. According to the IIHS, there are plenty of smaller choices that can work just as well. For instance, the four-door Ford Focus has come a long way in the past several years. Maligned between 2000 and 2007 for poor side impact test results, the newer models have improved greatly in that area.

Although the list serves as a good guide for buyers, they should have a few things in mind themselves when they go looking for a new car including airbags, head safety restraints and anti-lock breaks.

Whether one is looking for a new Acura SUV or a more manageable Ford Focus, New Jersey Auto Auction is sure to have it at an affordable price.
 

Pair of historic cars up for auction at Monterey Car Week

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Posted in General Auto News

Monterey Car Week is slated to kick off in Monterey, California, next Monday, and there are certainly some impressive rides up for auction to coincide with the much-anticipated event. Among the highlights is Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa prototype that is worth an estimated $13 million.

Bloomberg reports that the car is set to go up for sale on August 20 at Gooding in picturesque Pebble Beach. If analysts' projections are correct and the historic automobile does bring in $13 million, it would be a record for a car.

It's no surprise that the Testa Rossa has such record-setting potential. Built in 1957, this model is complete with a sleek red body and was one of the most revered racecars during the '50s and '60s.

"It's an iconic car and an iconic design." Ferrari historian Marcel Massini told the news source.

Of course, the Ferrari is not the only impressive car on the block next week. Collectors can also snatch up a 1925 Rolls-Royce New Phantom specially made for hunting tigers.