Buying a car is an extensive process that involves lots of research and hard work to ensure you find the right ride for your needs. You spend countless hours in front of your computer looking up reviews, costs and other details about the used car you want, but when you get to the dealership you might not remember everything. That's why it's helpful to have an app or two on your smartphone. It's also going to be easier to grab your phone than consult a list of handwritten notes when you want to find out something like the average retail price of a certain model.

KBB.com
This free app by Kelley Blue Book can help you find out just how much your current car is worth when you trade it in, so you will have the knowledge you need to negotiate the best value for your trade-in. It will also help to know what a dealership may have paid for the model you want to buy, giving you a bit of leverage when it comes time to talk sale price.

Cars.com
With this helpful, and free, app from Cars.com you can browse cars for sale at dealers in your area. When you see one you like, you can get directions right from the app. You'll have access to user reviews so you know what to expect before you test drive and what types of issues you may encounter with a certain model.

Vinny
Relatively new to the app market, Vinny allows you to scan a car's VIN number to find out the wholesale price of the particular car you're considering. This lets you know exactly what the profit margin for the dealer is, giving you the upper hand when it comes to price negotiations. Reuters reports used cars are marked up about 14 percent on average, compared to a 2 percent profit margin for new models.

These apps can help you get the right vehicle for the right price, and you can start your search at New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has a wide selection of makes and models at affordable prices.

A recent study from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University found that women were frequently quoted higher prices for auto repair. The report, titled "Repairing the Damage: The Effect of Price Expectations on Auto Repair Price Quotes," showed that gender does play a role when it comes to paying for car repairs. 

Many auto repair shops will alter price quotes if drivers, regardless of gender, appear to be well-informed. Car owners who seemed uninformed were given higher price estimates, especially if they were women. 

"This comes down to stereotypes and assumptions," said Meghan Busse, associate professor of management and strategy at the Kellogg School. "Our findings suggest that auto shops may assume men know the market price for a given repair, so they automatically grant it. However, they may not expect women to be knowledgeable in this area, so the perception is they can charge them more." 

Despite the fact that women were quoted more, they were often given the benefit of the doubt in negotiations. Although most shops were unwilling to change their original price estimates, when they did lower the price, women were most likely the beneficiaries. The study found about 35 percent of women had their requested price met, compared to just 25 percent of men. 

Drivers who do a bit of research before heading to an auto repair shop to learn about what their vehicle needs may benefit from their efforts and pay a lower price for the work. Of course, they can also decide to visit reputable sites that are known for quality repairs.  

Drivers who are looking for affordable prices and fair deals can look to NJ State Auto Auction for help. The lot's Total Car Care Center provides a great place for a car tune-up or repair that can address any issues you find with a vehicle.

With so many U.S.-centric holidays occurring over the course of the summer, many Americans are letting their patriotism shine through. For some residents, however, the love of country extends beyond holidays and into the streets, where people choose to drive American-made cars to support national companies instead of foreign manufacturers. 

According to an analysis from TrueCar, there are a few states that stand out when it comes to purchasing "patriotic" cars. Michigan tops the list, with about 79.2 percent of drivers buying vehicles from one of the country's "Big Three" automakers – GM, Ford and Chrysler. All three of these manufacturers are headquartered in the state, so it's no surprise that the companies have such a stronghold on the market. 

Michigan is followed by North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Wyoming and Montana in the ranking of the most patriotic states. Each of these regions has more than 60 percent of its car purchases involving an American-made vehicle. 

Regions with the lowest percent of American buyers were Hawaii, Washington, D.C., and California, each of which had less than one-fourth of auto purchases involving a U.S. manufacturer. 

"Despite Asian and European automakers having a number of factories in the U.S., many Americans still have strong loyalty to the brands they view as 'domestic,'" said Jesse Toprak, a senior analyst for TrueCar. "Even as the line defining what is or isn't domestic has blurred, perception, attitudes and buying habits are more resistant to change, particularly in the heartland."

Drivers who are looking for any kind of vehicles, whether they are made in the U.S. or a foreign country, can turn to NJ State Auto Auction for some of the top options. The auction lot is filled with CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, and it may even contain a used automobile that could serve as your next ride. 

Throughout July, drivers have to be aware of more than engines overheating or vehicle maintenance before beach-bound road trips. The summer month is one of the most popular for vehicle theft, so motorists are encouraged to take some precautions to prevent theft or damage from affecting them. 

The International Association of Auto Theft Investigators (IAATI) has joined forces with LoJack to raise awareness of stolen vehicles. Together they are launching a national campaign of public service announcements and online videos to show drivers how they can remain vigilant and take steps to prevent themselves from becoming victims of theft. 

"This month – like every month – LoJack and IAATI are laser focused on educating every innocent driver about the importance of vehicle safety, which includes protecting your 'family fleet' from criminals and encouraging better, safer driving practices to decrease accidents on the road," said Randy J. Ortiz, president of LoJack Corp. 

KLTV News recommends drivers take advantage of a few simple tips to help keep their cars safe. Small actions such as parking in a well-lit, high-traffic area can go a long way toward pushing potential thieves away. It's also a good idea to remove or hide any personal items, spare change or technological devices, as any of these products might encourage someone to break into a car. Always locking a vehicle and taking the keys with you is also a must. 

Whether you're looking for a vehicle that comes equipped with anti-theft devices or want a car that is better served to protect you and your family, you can find worthy options at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The auction lot is home to plenty of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that could very well be your next ride. 

It may seem counterintuitive to think that when the weather is warmer the roads get more dangerous, but a new study from Driving-Tests.org found that July is actually the worst month in terms of fatal car accidents. While this doesn't mean you should be more reckless when the snow starts to fall, it raises concern for added precaution behind the wheel all year long.

Driving-Tests.org, an educational website for those learning to drive, examined crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ranging from 2005 to 2011, and they found that 27 percent of fatal accidents occurred during June, July, August and September, with the majority of these incidents falling in July. The spike could be a result of more drivers on the road, as children are out of school and families take more trips to the beach and to visit loved ones. Often people taking long trips may be less accustomed to being behind the wheel for extended periods of time, which can result in sluggishness and delayed response times. It is important to stop and take a break or let someone else take over for a while when you feel yourself growing tired during long voyages.

You should also avoid speeding, abstain from distractions like using cellphones, playing with the radio and daydreaming. Instead, focus your attention on what's going on around you – check your side and rearview mirrors frequently and glance back at your blind spot before changing lanes or making turns. If you are on vacation and planning to go out on the town or attend a barbecue where you have a few drinks, make sure to designate a driver or make other arrangements.

Another way to stay safe is to drive a reliable vehicle. If your current car needs a lot of work, you might want to consider trading it in for a newer model in better shape. New Jersey State Auto Auction has a wide selection of used cars, trucks and SUVs to choose from.

There's nothing worse than being stuck in seemingly unending traffic. The long minutes spent at a standstill when you're behind the wheel can have you dreaming of your destination, especially if it is the summer and you're heading to a family party or the beach for some relaxation. Drivers who set out in the coming months may have to deal with this unwanted congestion, however, as traffic is expected to increase. 

The INRIX Gridlock Index recently released information regarding the projected traffic congestion throughout the summer months ahead. According to the research, May 2013 saw a 9.3 percent jump in traffic when compared to the same time last year, a result of more people driving cars frequently. The study also found that in the 100 most populated areas around the U.S., drivers needed more than 7 percent more time to reach a destination than in the past. 

"The overall rise in traffic in the first five months of the year is indicative of increased confidence in the direction of the economy," said INRIX CEO Bryan Mistele. "Renewed consumer spending, especially on new vehicles, means more shoppers at stores, more cars on the road and more traffic on our streets." 

Motorists in New Jersey will have to be particularly careful as to how they handle traffic. MSN reports that the state is considering a bill which would double the fines for drivers who linger in the left or center lanes instead of just using them to pass. Proponents of the legislation believe it will reduce the opportunity for road rage and help to improve the flow of traffic. 

No matter where they are, drivers will want to make sure their vehicle is ready for whatever heavy traffic they encounter throughout the summer. The Total Car Care Center at New Jersey State Auto Auction can provide a car tune up for motorists who want to have their vehicle looked at, as the garage caters to the public and is familiar with most common problems a car may have.