New Program Aims to Teach Teens and Parents About Safe Driving

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Posted in General Auto News

Learning to drive is a rite of passage into adulthood, but many young motorists and their parents may be unaware of just how dangerous it can be for a new driver to get behind the wheel. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, car accidents are the leading cause of death among teenagers, and teens are three times more likely to get into fatal accidents than drivers 20 and older.

A recent survey conducted by The Allstate Foundation indicates that more than two-thirds of parents expressed their regret in not spending more time teaching their teens about driving in high-risk situations, such as traffic jams and bad weather. Helping someone learn to drive can be a difficult task, but Allstate will be lending a hand with the launch of its new program, "Drive it Home." The initiative will offer vital information to teens and parents through the use of videos and graphics.

"We know from our research that parents are the No. 1 source of information for teen drivers, yet 40 percent don't know car crashes are the leading case of death for teens," said Vicky Dinges, vice president of corporate social responsibility at Allstate. "Drive it Home can help protect teen drivers, educate parents on the crucial role they play in the driving process, and help ensure our sons and daughters return home each and every night."

Once young drivers are armed with the know-how to stay safe behind the wheel, they will need a car that offers the utmost of safety. There are plenty of used cars that feature technology like lane departure warnings and backup assist, and drivers in the New York/New Jersey area can head to NJ State Auto Auction to check out the wide selection of makes and models.

Used Car Prices Increased Slightly in February, Will Hold Steady Through Spring

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Posted in Auto Industry News

Conditions are in favor of the buyer for anyone looking to purchase a used car this spring. The most recent report from the NADA Used Car Guide indicates that the average price for a used vehicle up to 8 years old only rose 0.8 percent in February.

In previous years, the price increase in February was closer to 3 percent, showing that rising used car costs have slowed considerably. Federal financial issues like the fiscal cliff and sequester have contributed to the slow but continuous growth, as has the increased demand for used models following Hurricane Sandy.

"Price growth for used vehicles through early spring will be weaker than what is typically seen for the period," said Jonathan Banks, NADA Used Car Guide's executive automotive analyst. "Consumers and businesses are beginning to react to the expiration of the 2 percent payroll tax holiday as well as political activity surrounding the federal budget sequester and debt ceiling extension. These factors will have a negative impact on household income and reduce spending."

NADA also predicts that prices will remain flat in March and possibly even drop slightly come April. This means it could be a good time for motorists to begin researching their options. They can take their time finding the right car to suit their needs and be fully prepared to head to the dealership in the coming weeks to take advantage of the buying environment.

While used car prices have increased slightly, drivers looking to get behind the wheel of their next ride can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction to find their next ride. The dealer carries a wide selection of affordably priced makes and models, and every vehicle on the lot is CARFAX certified. 

Consumer Reports Features Best and Worst Used Cars

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Posted in General Auto News

When you're in the market for a used car, you might feel overwhelmed with all of your options and wonder how you can possibly weed through years' worth of makes and models to find the right vehicle for your budget. Thankfully industry experts often compile lists of the best vehicles for certain criteria, and Consumer Reports recently released its picks for the Best & Worst Used Cars for model years 2003 through 2012. This list can help drivers see which cars, trucks and SUVs are worth considering and which might be better to avoid.

"With so many choices, shopping for a used car can be overwhelming," said Rik Paul, automotive editor for Consumer Reports. "Our report provides a much-needed cheat sheet that Americans can refer to for help getting the best and most reliable used car that fits their budget."

Drivers who are looking to spend less than $20,000 on their next vehicles can check out models like the 2009 Mazda CX-9 and the 2007 and 2008 Honda Pilot. These choices offer ample seating, legroom and storage space, making them good choices for big families. Those on the lookout for fuel efficient vehicles can find hybrid models that are reliable and affordable, such as the 2010 and 2011 Toyota Prius, which Consumer Reports indicates has the best mileage of any used, non-plug-in, five-passenger model.

Models drivers may want to avoid include the Kia Sorento with a V6 engine, Mini Cooper S and Ford Explorer with a V6 and four-wheel drive. These and other models on Consumer Reports' "Worst" list rated poorly due to continued reliability ratings that fell well below the average.

Lists like this can help vehicle shoppers pare down their options in the search for used cars. Once they've eliminated all but a few options, drivers can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction to see some of the possibilities firsthand and take them for test drives before making a final decision.

To Repair or Trade In: Knowing When Enough is Enough

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Posted in How To

When your vehicle starts to need more work more often, it might be time to say goodbye and start thinking about used cars to replace your current ride. Yet, this doesn't mean you should dump your car the minute it needs a major repair. It's important to weight your options when you're facing extensive auto body work, as the cost may be worth it in some cases, but in others, it might be best to ditch your ride and get behind the wheel of something in better shape.

If you're looking at an extensive repair, you should take more than just the bill into consideration. Are you still making loan payments or is the vehicle paid off? If the car is completely paid off, it might be worth it to shell out the money for this one-time expense rather than enter into a new loan contract that will put added pressure on your budget. If you have a loan, you may be able to refinance it to make room in your budget for the repairs or you can consider selling the vehicle if its worth is greater than the outstanding balance, such as if you're only a few months away from paying it off entirely.

It is also a good idea to weigh the age and current state of the vehicle. If there are many minor issues as well as the larger one, you may wind up spending more in repairs to get the car up and running than it would cost to get a new one. Plus, if the vehicle is already pretty old, chances are you'll have to replace it sooner than later. On the other hand, a newer car that needs a replacement part may be worth fixing, as most of the other parts and accessories are likely still in good shape, so the vehicle will last longer once the repairs have been made.

If you're ready to give up on your current vehicle, you can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which carries a wide selection of affordable and reliable used cars, trucks and SUVs.

Cars.com Highlights Best Used Cars For Under $10,000

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Posted in Ford, General Auto News

When you're searching for a used car on a budget, it can sometimes feel impossible to find the right ride for the right price. However, you can look to industry experts like Cars.com to help you narrow down your selection. The online resource for new and used car information recently released a list of 10 used cars with price tags below the $10,000 mark to help car shoppers like you find a vehicle that suits their needs without breaking the bank.

"Although the price gap between new and used cars has decreased, many shoppers are still going the used route," said Patrick Olsen, editor-in-chief for Cars.com. "We took a look at cars from 2006 or later and came up with the best 10 used cars that shoppers should be able to find for around $10,000. To make our list, the cars had to pass crash tests and have key standard safety features. We also analyzed reliability, drivability and practicality."

Ford was a popular brand, as the 2006 Escape, 2007 Freestyle and Fusion, and 2008 Focus all made the grade. The Focus, for instance, comes with Bluetooth connectivity and USB/iPod integration – two features that aren't as common in older vehicles. The 2006 Honda Civic also made the list thanks to its fuel efficiency and impressive handling. Those looking for a spacious interior can check out the 2006 Hyundai Azera, 2008 Nissan Versa and 2008 Kia Optima. The 2007 Scion xD and Hyundai Sonata also made the list.

Once you've whittled your list of options down to just a few, you can head to New Jersey Auto Auction, which carries a wide selection of used makes and models. Here, you will be able to see and test drive the models you want before you buy, and every car on the lot is CARFAX certified, so you know you'll be getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride with any car you choose.

Check Oil Between Regular Service to Catch Problems Early

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Posted in How To

Getting the oil changed in your car regularly is one of the most important things you can do to keep it running smoothly. A good rule of thumb is to flush and replace the fluids every 7,500 miles, but this may vary depending on the age and condition of your vehicle. Your mechanic can help you determine how often you should be bringing your car in for an oil change. However, this is not a be-all, end-all solution – you should also be checking the oil in between routine services. This can help you catch leaks and other issues early, before they get worse and become expensive problems.

Make sure that your car has been off for at least an hour, giving it plenty of time to cool down before you pop the hood. You'll want to wear some protective gloves and have clean paper towels or rags handy when you check the oil. Locate the dipstick, which is typically toward the front of the engine bay, and pull it out. Wipe it clean, insert it all the way back into the pipe and then pull it out again.

Take a look at the end of the dipstick to see how high the fluid level is. There should be markings to indicate the appropriate fill line. If the liquid is low, you'll want to add more – usually, a quart will do – and check back again in a few days. If the level has dropped again, this could indicate there is a leak, and you'll want to bring the car in to the garage as soon as possible.

The color and consistency of the fluid is also important. Clean oil should be golden to light brown in color and free of debris. Dark brown or black fluid may indicate it is time for an oil change, while dirt, debris or flecks of metal are signs there is likely a leak in the system.

If you notice any of these issues, you can bring you car to New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center. This auto shop is open to the public and staffed with experts ready to help get your vehicle back in working order.

Maintain Current Cars, Buy Used to Save Money

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Posted in General Auto News

In the years before the recession, it was commonplace for drivers to buy new vehicles every one to three years, but after the economic downturn, fewer Americans can still afford to do this. In fact, the Car Care Council suggests it could be a smarter financial move to put off trading in your current car for a new vehicle. Instead, it can be better to spend money on maintenance and repairs for the car you own now, and allocate the funds you would spend on car payments to more pertinent needs, such as credit card debt.

"Hanging on to your current vehicle allows you to redirect money you would spend on a new car to pay off credit card debt, college loans and other bills, beef up savings or even take a road trip vacation," said Rich White, the executive director of the Car Care Council. "By simply budgeting the equivalent of just one new car payment, consumers could cover an entire year's worth of basic maintenance."

Eventually, drivers will need to replace their current rides, but they don't have to break the bank on a new car. there are plenty of used cars, trucks and SUVs that offer many of the same safety and entertainment features as new models, and they're more affordable. It doesn't hurt that the depreciation rate of a used car is well below that of a new one, which means you'll get more money back when you're ready to sell or trade in the used model. Drivers in the market to replace their vehicles can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction to check out the wide selection of makes and models. 

Reader’s Digest Ranks Kia Soul Among Best Affordable Cars

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Posted in Auto Industry News

The Kia Soul was recently chosen as one of the six Best Car Deals Under $15,000 in the March edition of "Reader's Digest." This unique vehicle has been turning heads since it first appeared on the market back in 2009, as it not only has a fresh, boxy design, but also comes standard with state-of-the-art technology like Bluetooth connectivity and USB connections for nearly any handheld device. Plus, a brand-new model starts at $14,400, making it an affordable option whether new or used.

"The Soul is the vehicle that sparked Kia's design led transformation back in 2009, and it has been a runaway hit ever since," said Michael Sprague, executive vice president of marketing and communications for Kia Motors America. "Inclusion in the 'Reader's Digest' list is another great honor for Kia, recognizing our funky, urban passenger vehicle's winning combination of technology and value. It's gratifying that the vehicle that jump-started our unprecedented growth continues to resonate so well."

Kelley Blue Book indicates a 2010 Kia Soul in excellent condition has a retail value of about $11,400, making it easy for drivers to save money and still get behind the wheel of a fun vehicle. Plus, purchasing a used car has other advantages, as the value will decrease far slower than that of a new model. This means, drivers will get a larger return on their investment when they trade in the car.

Car shoppers who want to drive something a bit more unconventional and modern can find used cars like the Kia Soul at NJ State Auto Auction. The dealer has a wide selection of makes and models from which drivers to choose, making it easy to find an affordable and stylish ride.

Justin Bieber’s Fisker Karma Wrecked by Lil Twist

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Posted in Celebrity Auto News

Pop sensation Justin Bieber is known for his catchy songs and ability to make girls swoon, but his fancy cars and motorcycles are also well known, and the Canadian entertainer's Fisker Karma recently made headlines. The car was wrecked, not by Bieber, but by his close friend Lil Twist.

The young rapper reportedly crashed the chromed-out exotic car, worth $100,000, on Tuesday night and then fled the scene, according to TMZ.com. Lil Twist, 20, drove the car into the protective cement poles outside of a liquor store in San Fernando Valley, California. Shortly after the accident, witnesses told the source a BMW pulled up and waited while the hip hop star loaded broken pieces of the Fisker Karma into the trunk, and then it took off with Lil Twist in tow.

Daily Mail reports this is not the first time Lil Twist has had a brush with danger behind the wheel of one of Bieber's vehicles. Back in December, the Texas-born rapper was driving the Bieb's white Ferrari 458 when he was stopped by police. The story made headlines across the globe, as a member of the paparazzi was struck and killed by another vehicle while photographing the incident.

As of yet, it remains unclear whether Lil Twist will be pursued by the law for his actions following the Fisker Karma crash. According to TMZ, he did not make any attempt to speak with the property owner before fleeing the scene, which is a crime in California. The damage to the Fisker Karma is unknown as well.

Regardless of how it happened, this accident serves as a good reminder for drivers across the country to take caution behind the wheel. Whether they're driving flashy, expensive rides or sitting behind the wheel of more modest used cars, motorists should drive safely to reduce the risk of a crash.

Safety is an important factor when buying a vehicle as well, and every model on the New Jersey State Auto Auction lot comes with a CARFAX certification, giving drivers added assurance that they'll be getting a reliable ride.

Pet Safety is Pertinent for Car Owners

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Posted in General Auto News

Everyone knows the importance of using proper safety restraints for children in vehicles, but not nearly as many are aware that pets require special safety precautions when traveling as well. As fun as you might think it is to have Rover on your lap or bounding around in the backseat, this is actually extremely dangerous, as your pet is not only serving as a distraction, but he is also at serious risk of injury in the event of a car accident.

Pets need to be properly secured, whether they are wearing special harnesses that can be clipped to seats or kept in crates that are safely tied down. There are many different options available for car safety devices designed for animals, but it is especially important that pet owners do their research before buying.

Subaru of America recently announced a partnership with the Center for Pet Safety which will help fund testing of such devices to provide consumers with better information and help keep their furry friends safer on the road.

"The Center for Pet Safety conducted a pilot study which showed that the majority of pet safety restraints currently on the market do not provide acceptable protection in a crash situation," said Michael McHale, Subaru's director of corporate communications.

In addition to finding the safest products, you should also take your pet's comfort into account. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reports you should make sure any carrier gives your pet enough room to sit, stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. You can also help your pet acclimate to his new car confines by taking him on short trips, which will ensure he is ready for a longer trek.

If you have a lot of pets or very large ones, you might need a bigger vehicle to accommodate them on your next journey. New Jersey State Auto Auction has a wide selection of used cars, trucks and SUVs to choose from.