Honda Accord tops the list of most stolen cars

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Posted in Auto Industry News

Cars get stolen across the United States virtually every day, but some makes and models are much more attractive to thieves than others. The National Insurance Crime Bureau recently released its list of the top 10 most stolen cars in 2010, and six of them are made in the United States.

Though domestically-built cars were well-represented on the list, the top three were all foreign-made. Specifically, the 1994 Honda Accord was the most stolen, while the 1995 Honda Civic and 1991 Toyota Camry came in second and third, respectively.

As for American-made cars, the 1999 Chevrolet Pickup came in at number four, while the 1997 Ford F-150 rounded out the top five.

The results also highlighted several ways to prevent having one's car stolen. In particular, new technology has helped, as NICB noted that nearly 52,000 Accords were stolen in 2010, and 44,000 of them were made in the '90s.

Additionally, the organization offered up some tips. For example, the NICB recommends investing in immobilizing devices such as fuel shut-offs and smart keys, which can ensure that one's vehicle is not started by anybody but the driver.

Federal Trade Commission looking to crack down on “yo-yo” financing

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

Over the last several years, some car buyers have fallen victim to the rather unscrupulous practice of "yo-yo" financing. The Baltimore Sun reports that in an effort to help protect consumers, the Federal Trade Commission is trying to crack down on the harmful method.

Yo-yo financing is when auto dealers themselves provide consumers with loans. After letting the customer drive off with their new car, the dealer will then call them back and tell them that the financing did not work out – often resulting in the customer having to sign a new, less favorable deals.

"It's a major problem in our state and other states," Karen Straughn, an assistant attorney general in Maryland, told the news source.

Though it may be a large problem, there are certain ways around it. The news provider reports that many consumers are instead turning to the internet to shop around for deals on financing before purchasing their car.

Experts suggest that anybody looking to finance a car should be sure to check their credit first to inform themselves of anything that might keep them from getting a loan.

Chevy hopes to boost production of electric Volt

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Chevrolet

The Nissan Leaf has drawn a line in the sand when it comes to electric cars, and it looks like General Motors is doing what it can to catch up. Bloomberg reports that the manufacturer is boosting production of the Chevrolet Volt in an effort to jump ahead of Nissan.

It may be tough to do, though. Nissan has sold 3,875 of the fully-electric Leaf, while Chevy is a bit behind at 2,745 Volts sold. As part of its plan to eclipse Nissan, Chevrolet hopes to be building 5,000 Volts a month by January of next year.

Despite the apparent fledgling rivalry between the two electric cars, analysts say it might be too early in the process to tell which car, if any, is better and more popular among consumers.

"It’s too soon to tell any definite direction in the race between the two cars," analyst Ivan Drury told the news source. "Even next year it will be very limited. It’s going to take five to six more years before we see these cars selling over 100,000 a year."

Though such prevalence of electric cars is a few years away, drivers can still check out fuel-efficient options by visiting New Jersey Auto Auction.

Ford Explorer: The most fuel-efficient SUV

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Ford

The Ford Explorer has long been one of the most popular SUVs on the road, and now it hopes to be among the most fuel-efficient as well. The manufacturer recently announced that its new turbocharged Explorer offers an impressive 28 miles per gallon.

Ford used its unique EcoBoost technology, which combines turbocharging and direct fuel injection to not only offer drivers with more power but better mileage as well. In fact, its improved efficiency is 20 percent better than the Honda Pilot and 12 percent better than the Toyota Highlander.

"Today's SUV buyers place a high priority on miles per gallon, so Explorer has expanded its portfolio of fuel-efficient engines with an all-new EcoBoost offering," said Ford group marketing manager Amy Marentic. "SUV buyers deserve economy with their capability, so Explorer now offers best-in-class V6 and four-cylinder fuel efficiency."

The Explorer is having an especially good 2011 (year). The company reported that in the first half of the year it sold nearly 66,000 vehicles, which already exceeds its 2010 total.

Driver looking to get behind the wheel of a used Ford may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers numerous models at affordable prices.

Driving convertibles with top down lowers gas mileage

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Posted in General Auto News

There's nothing quite like taking a summer drive in a convertible with its top down, but doing so may be costing motorists a great deal at the pump. Driving on the highway with the top down could reduce gas mileage by as much as 14 percent, and according to Cars.com, automakers are looking for a way to limit the impact.

Unfortunately for motorists, industry insiders have yet to find a suitable fix to the problem. Though they have attempted to deflect wind to minimize drag in a number of different ways, including adding a mesh window screens, they have done so to little avail.

"Designers are making every attempt they can to make the air flow smoothly up the windshield, across the roof and down the back deck," James Smith, former president of the Society of Automotive Engineers, told the website. "And when you remove that roofline you have more area there – more room for the air to get recirculated back in."

Lower gas mileage may just have to be the sacrifice some motorists make to enjoy the benefits of a convertible. Drivers looking to get in a convertible may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction for a model at an affordable price.

Nissan Cube, Inifiti EX good choice for bad parkers

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Nissan

As anybody who has driven through a crowded parking lot can attest, there are plenty of drivers out there who can't park very well. Whether it be parallel parking or simply backing in, the process can be difficult for some. However, there are certain models that make parking a little simpler, according to Automobile magazine.

Although small vehicles, like the Smart car or the Mini Cooper, are certainly a good choice, sometimes driving such a compact ride is not feasible. If that's the case, the publication suggests that less-than-perfect parkers might want to check out the Nissan Cube.

The Cube gets the nod because not only is it a few inches shorter than the compact Mazda MX-5 roadster, but it can also fit five people and offers plenty of storage room.

Those looking for a luxurious car that is easy to park will find it with the Infiniti EX. In addition to being an easily-manageable size, the car features the Around View Monitor, which offers a 360 degree view of the car's surroundings.

Drivers looking to get behind the wheel of an easy-to-park used car may want to check out New Jersey Auto Auction, which has plenty of models at affordable prices.

Nissan Leaf earns five-star rating from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Nissan

The accolades keep stacking up for the innovative Nissan Leaf. Theelectric car recently earned a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, making it the first fully-electric car to earn the distinction.

The rating was part of the administration's New Car Safety Assessment Program (NCSAP) and was issued using its updated, stricter guidelines. However, it's no surprise the Leaf earned an excellent rating given the number of impressive safety features.

Among the fixtures are dual-stage supplemental front air bags with seat belt and occupant classification sensors, a child seat upper tether anchor and a traction control system that comes standard in every model.

"The Nissan LEAF is the first all-electric vehicle to achieve 5-star overall for safety," Brian Carolin, senior vice president, sales and marketing, Nissan North America said. "Not only is the LEAF the most innovative car on the planet, it is also one of the safest."

Whether drivers are looking for fuel-efficiency or safety, New Jersey Auto Auction has plenty of makes and models at affordable prices.

Audi, Chevy Aveo top favorite cars among baby boomers

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Posted in General Auto News

As baby boomers continue to age, many are choosing to get a new car to go with their new lifestyle. Most are looking for a sporty car after years of being behind the wheel of an SUV or minivan, and according to Forbes magazine there are several models that stand out above the rest.

The general assumption might be that baby boomers will automatically gravitate toward luxury cars or convertibles, but one of the most popular is more subtle. The Chevrolet Aveo offers a sleek design that will appeal for anybody looking for a more youthful ride. Additionally, since it is available for around $15,000, the price tag is appealing as well.

Although the Aveo is more subdued, there are certainly baby boomer consumers looking to get behind the wheel of something more flashy. Specifically, the Audi A5 is a popular choice to those who are not afraid of spending a little extra, which is usually not a problem as analyst Jesse Toprak told the news source that many "have reached a heightened income level giving them both time and financial freedom."

Whether one is looking for a sporty Audi or a youthful Chevy, New Jersey Auction has plenty of makes and models at affordable prices.

Sheryl Crow to auction classic Corvette for tornado relief

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Posted in Celebrity Auto News

In an effort to raise money to help the citizens of Joplin, Missouri, Sheryl Crow is auctioning off one of her most impressive cars. (this sentence is a bit winding)The "Soak up the Sun" songstress is set to sell her 1959 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL for the cause, USA Today reports.

Crow was especially motivated to help out Joplin since she grew up in Kennett, Missouri. The vehicle, which was completely restored in 2005, features a new interior with black leather upholstery to contrast its white paint job and white hard top.

The classic car will hit the auction block on August 21, and all the proceeds from the sale will go to help rebuild the Joplin schools. Experts believe that the car could fetch as much as $80,000 for the cause.

"This is a very heartfelt donation to auction an item that has such special meaning to Sheryl and her family," Community Foundation of the Ozarks President Brian Fogle told the news source. "We very much appreciate how committed she is to her Missouri roots."

The Joplin tornado struck on May 22 and killed 158 people in the small town, and caused as much as $3 billion in damage.

Honda CR-V gets sleek new look for 2012

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Posted in Auto Brands News

The Honda CR-V has been one of the most popular SUVs over the last several years, but the manufacturer is set to unveil a new design. The fourth-generation CR-V is set to go on sale in the United States later this year and will feature a bold look.

Known as the CR-V Concept, the new model will focus more on deeper sculpting of the body lines, along with a bolder approach in the front fascia. Additionally, its front bumper will be complemented by a three-bar grille and deeply-set headlights.

"Long considered the benchmark for packaging and user-friendly design in the small SUV segment, the all-new CR-V will offer an added dimension of style, amazing interior versatility and Honda's latest technologies for convenience and refinement," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda.

Of course it's not just all about aesthetic, either. The company announced that the 2012 model will also include a more fuel-efficient engine.

Drivers who are looking to get behind the wheel of a used Honda may want to look into New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers a variety of models at affordable prices.