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Savvy Used Car Buyers Know About Auto Recalls

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Posted in Auto Industry News

Drivers have a lot of concerns to juggle. Whether they're worrying about gas prices, the next scheduled tune up or starting the process of buying a used car, motorists have to focus on all kinds of financial and practical needs. While this may take a lot of time, effort and brain power, it's not an excuse to let other bits of auto news fall by the wayside. In fact, people who strive to stay on top of current events in the industry may find they are able to make smarter decisions. 

Stay knowledgeable about recalls
One of the most important things drivers can do is pay attention to auto news. There were a record number of car recalls in 2014. Although some industry leaders believe this may be attributed to people being overly cautious about potential problems, it's an area that used car owners should focus on. It can be tough for these drivers to get alerts regarding updates, so motorists need to go the extra mile to stay safe – no matter what type of vehicle they're driving. 

"I'd rather have people be preemptive," Mark Rosekind, the chief of the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, told The Wall Street Journal. "… Safety should not be based on the price of your car." 

Used cars you can trust
If you want to get behind the wheel of a used car, the fear of recalls shouldn't stop you. In fact, there overwhelming odds are that there won't be an issue relating to your ride, as many of the initial bugs vehicles experienced have likely been worked out. This is also easy to verify. For example, the selection of used cars at NJ State Auto Auction is made up of Carfax-certified vehicles, making it easy to get a vehicle history report. 

Making an effort with used cars
The work doesn't stop once you've secured the car you want. Make sure you're staying up-to-date on the latest recalls and related events in the auto industry. You should also be ensuring you're giving your car the care it needs. Proper maintenance is essential to good performance and fuel efficiency, and by heading to a shop for regular tune ups, you can be sure experts are catching any issues. 

Drivers Still Care About Gas Prices

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Posted in General Auto News

Unless you've recently won the lottery, you're probably looking for ways to save money. One of the best methods for keeping cash in your wallet is to find savings at the gas station, and drivers around the country are doing their best to seek out affordable places to fill up. 

Drivers will always care about gas prices
According to a recent report from the National Association of Convenience Stores, most drivers are willing to go the extra mile – literally – for cheaper gas. More than 60 percent of people said they would drive five extra minutes if it meant they could save 5 cents on each gallon of fuel. Even more reported that they would pay by cash instead of card if it meant saving money. 

Additionally, about 71 percent of respondents stated that price was an important factor in choosing a location to fill up the tank, and about 65 percent say they participate in loyalty or rewards program to save even more money. 

"It doesn't matter whether gas prices are $4.00 or $2.00 per gallon, consumers still want to find the best price possible," said Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives. "Retailers are constantly fighting to attract price-sensitive drivers to their stores, especially given that 35 percent of gas customers say that they also go inside the store after fueling." 

Gas prices may be turning around
Although the average cost of a gallon of gas has been dropping steadily, that trend may be coming to an end. The most recent AAA report noted that gas prices increased about 2 cents per gallon during the first week of February. That brings the national average to $2.06 per gallon, which is still a considerable drop from the same time last year. 

"Many drivers are noticing an uptick in gas prices for the first time in months," said Avery Ash, AAA spokesman. "It is typical to see gas prices increase this time of year due to refinery issues, yet hopefully the consumer impact will be less problematic given how low prices are today."

Anyone who is still concerned about how much they are spending on fuel should check out the efficient options at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, and one of these vehicles could be a huge advantage for drivers trying to save. 

Car Loans Should Continue To Grow In 2015

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

In today's world, even used cars are expensive. While you may be grateful for the high quality and longevity of these vehicles, the corresponding price tag is not as welcome. In fact, the expensive nature of used cars is forcing many people to turn to financing options such as auto loans. This is nothing new, but it's still important for would-be motorists to brush up on their knowledge and know the basics of financing. 

The importance of car loans
According to NPR, the number of people using car loans to get behind the wheel is reaching an all-time high. It's expected to remain relatively steady throughout 2015. That should be good news for many prospective buyers, as the average cost of used cars has been increasing, which makes auto loans necessary. 

"The ability to provide auto financing – be it prime or nonprime – is very important for our economy and for the health of our citizens in keeping people employed and money coming in," Jack Tracey, of the National Automotive Finance Agency, told NPR. "Not everybody can get on a bus and go to a job. Most people in the country need to have transportation."

Popularity is surging
Many lenders are prepared to continue growing auto loans in 2015. Automotive News reported that, while organizations are being cautious, they are still ready to provide loans for prime and subprime borrowers. The key will be to remain disciplined and provide options that benefit everyone. For example, many people agree to longer-term loans because it lowers monthly payments. These can be advantageous for lenders as well, as they can offer different interest rates and appeal to a wider range of people. 

Finding the right option
Although subprime auto loans are popular, it can still be tough for drivers to find a financing option that works for them. This is especially true for anyone who may be in a difficult financial situation or those who aren't familiar with car loans. The financing department at NJ State Auto can be a huge advantage if this is the case. A team of experts is available to help drivers secure credit approval and sort through all of the potential loan options. As a bonus, this entire process can be done quickly, allowing you to get behind the wheel in a timely manner. 

3 Tips For Keeping Maintenance Costs Low

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Posted in General Auto News

One of the biggest expenses you could face as a driver is car maintenance and repairs. Although these may take a backseat to insurance and loan repayments, you still need to budget for surprise costs and regular preventative maintenance. Planning for these expenses may be daunting, but there are ways you can keep your budget in check. Be sure to remember these three tips for keeping your car maintenance bills manageable. 

1. Brush up on your knowledge
Even if a mechanic is the one doing the actual repairs, you should have a basic understanding of the tasks that need to be completed. The Internet makes it easy to troubleshoot potential issues and have a general idea of what the diagnosis will be. This allows you to budget for likely tasks and avoid being blindsided by major repairs. If you think something may be wrong with your automobile, make sure you take the time to compile a list of symptoms or red flags you've noticed. You can pass along this information to ensure a mechanic is examining all aspects of the car. 

2. Search for special deals 
Standard maintenance, which could range from oil changes to tire rotation, may not seem so costly. However, these relatively low-key procedures can add up to an expensive investment over time, which means you should constantly be on the lookout for ways to save. Whether you use coupons or build a relationship with a mechanic to have a trusted advisor, the effort could pay off in the long run. 

3. Make the change when it's needed
At some point, the extensive repairs your car needs will become too much of a money pit. The last thing you want is to be pouring cash into a vehicle – especially if you're paying more than the car is worth. Know when to cut the cord. Take a moment to look over your finances, including figuring out how much your current ride is worth and determining how much you're funneling into it. 

You can find a great used car to invest in at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot is home to hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans, any of which could meet your needs. Search for an option that offers high quality at a low price. You can even work with the financing department to secure a loan and keep your expenses low. 

New Jersey Bill Protects Car Owners

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

Anyone who has ever borrowed money has likely been concerned about paying it back. It doesn't matter if it's $5 from a friend or thousands from a huge company – the odds are you have some sort of plan to make up the amount. Unfortunately for borrowers, some lenders are more forgiving about repayments than others, and those large organizations are usually the most ruthless of all. But people who take out car loans may soon have some wiggle room when it comes to working off these debts. 

Protecting borrowers at every turn 
Currently, some cars have what's known as a "kill switch." These devices have the ability to shut down a vehicle remotely, which often gives lenders the power to locate the car and even disable it if payments are missed. There's even a chance the switch is added to a loan agreement. However, usage could soon change in New Jersey. Local officials from the Assembly Consumer Affairs Committee recently pushed out a bill that would ban the use of kill switches, according to NJ.com. 

"No one should have their car disabled because they missed a payment by a day or two," said the bill sponsor, Assemblyman Paul Moriarty (D – Washington Township) in a statement. "These devices are akin to having a predatory debt collector riding in the car with the borrower, ready to strike at the slightest mistake. It's incredibly unsafe and unnecessary. We need this bill to protect the safety and privacy of consumers."

Not only do the politicians believe these devices are unethical, but they also argue that they're incredibly unsafe. Cars could be shut down in the middle of traffic or leave drivers stranded in an unfamiliar location, according to the source. Eliminating their use will keep all motorists safe while also removing a layer of stress facing many borrowers. 

Prevent problems with the right loan
Borrowers can increase the likelihood of on-time payments by signing off on a loan that makes sense for them. That's exactly what they'll find at NJ State Auto Auction. The lot has an on-site financing department that can work with buyers to find the right agreement for all parties involved. They also offer guaranteed credit approval and have many options for people who may not have the best credit history. 

Super Bowl Car Commercials: 3 Things We Learned

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Posted in Celebrity Auto News

Chances are you were one of the hundreds of millions of people who tuned into the Super Bowl. While fans of the New England Patriots are reveling in their championship joy and the Seattle Seahawks faithful are in despair over play calling, those with no rooting interest are probably more interested in the commercials.

There were plenty of memorable ads that aired during the big game, but some stood out more than others. Many of these spots came from the auto industry. While there were fewer commercials from automakers than in recent years, the spots certainly had some resonance. Here's three things we learned from these ads.  

1. Technology matters
Chevrolet decided to give Super Bowl viewers – all 100-million plus of them – a brief scare in the early minutes of the game. The ad began with a Super Bowl introduction before the screen abruptly cut to black. Then it returned with a simple message: "What would you do if your TV went out?" Although viewers were likely breathing huge sighs of relief, they also got the chance to think about the Chevy Colorado and its built-in Wi-Fi. 

In another tech-centric ad, BMW used a 20-year-old clip from "The Today Show," which featured anchors Katie Couric and Bryant Gumbel attempting to talk about the Internet. Then the scene cut to the present day, with the two newscasters sitting in a BMW and trying to wrap their minds around the new advancements. 

2. We love adventure 
Automakers have long tried to appeal to drivers' sense of adventure. That's certainly what Jeep was going for in its ad. The 90-second commercial including some sweeping shots of global landscapes, all set to "This Land is Your Land." The Detroit Free Press noted that this "Beautiful Lands" campaign aims to raise awareness of safe water supplies as well as Jeep models. 

3. Humor is overrated 
In the past, commercials have competed to be the funniest of the night. They usually employ a combination of celebrities, athletes and outrageous situations. This year was a bit different. Although Fiat elicited some chuckles with a spot centered around a special blue pill enhancing a 500X crossover, many commercials were a bit somber, with several focusing on fathers, life lessons and sharing special moments. 

With something for everyone, these commercials may have struck a chord with prospective buyers. If that's the case for you, be sure to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars for sale. 

Most Drivers Choose Hands-Free Devices

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Posted in Auto Industry News

Drivers in the Mid-Atlantic have a lot on their plate. In addition to dealing with extreme inclement weather and heavy hordes of traffic, they also have to battle distractions found within the car. Other passengers and electronics can be detrimental to safe driving, causing countless distractions and putting people at risk. As a result, a large amount of motorists are turning to new technology to help them focus on the roads. 

Understanding local laws
One of the most important things drivers can do is pay attention to the laws in their area. For instance, people in New Jersey who are caught using a hand-held device will face a hefty fine. Repeat offenders may even have their license suspended or reviewed. By staying up to date on regulations and standards, drivers can proactively practice safe driving and take advantage of advanced technologies.

"Laws on using cellphones while driving vary from state to state," said Stephanie Rahlfs, attorney-editor at FindLaw.com. "So it's important to know the applicable law in the state where you are driving. This is particularly important because cellphone laws are primary enforcement laws, meaning an officer can issue a citation for illegal use of a cellphone without any other traffic offense taking place."

Hands-free is the way to go
FindLaw.com recently conducted a survey to determine how Americans feel about electronics. The study reported that about half of U.S. drivers support laws that restrict drivers to only using hands-free cellphones. Approximately 42 percent of people think there should be a total ban on phone usage, while the other 8 percent don't want any type of restrictions. 

Keeping your hands on the wheel is important, which is why many drivers search for ways to minimize distractions. A great way to do this is with hands-free technology. Car features such as infotainment systems make it easy to follow driving directions, receive phone calls or complete other assorted tasks. While these amenities may seem like extra perks when you're shopping around, they can be a major advantage for drivers who want to stay within the law. 

Anyone looking for a vehicle with advanced tech capabilities should check out the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot houses hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans, many of which have top-notch features that help drivers stay focused on the roads. 

Subprime Auto Loans Continue To Grow

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

It's no surprise that some people need help affording a used car. In today's world, these high-quality options can be costly – unless drivers know where to look. Searching through auto auctions and taking advantage of opportunities to submit low bids can be a huge boon to motorists, particularly those who are facing a tight budget. But those aren't the only options. Auto financing provides all kinds of drivers with ways to afford a purchase, and as long as motorists know some of the basics regarding loans, they can put themselves in a position to get behind the wheel quickly and economically. 

Subprime loans are still growing
CNN Money reported that subprime auto loans are increasing in popularity. Currently, these subprime deals make up 30 percent of all car loans, with billions of dollars owed by borrowers. The news source noted that only 0.71 percent of these loans are in default, which is slightly higher than earlier in 2014, but that's not a sign of concern for experts. That fact may scare some, but the market is still in a good place, which is great news for future buyers. They should continue to have opportunities to secure loans and purchase a quality used car. 

Drivers must make smart decisions
Although subprime loans are experiencing a surge in popularity, it's important for drivers to understand all of the ins and outs before signing a deal. They should have a clear idea of how much they're going to be expected to pay back each month, as well as how that figure fits into a budget including gas expenses, repair costs and more. You also must take a long look at interest rates. Subprime borrowers often face higher rates and longer loan terms, which ultimately results in a bigger bottom line. Try to negotiate your way to lower numbers and a more budget-friendly final cost. 

Find help with financial matters
With big decisions looming and piles of paperwork to complete, there's a lot to consider when shopping for a used car. That's why many people reach out for help from financing experts like those at NJ State Auto Auction. This team of professionals offers guaranteed credit approval and is able to assist you in securing a loan you can manage. All you need to bring is a few forms of identification and proof of your address, and then this team can help you do the rest. 

Car Shoppers Follow Their Desires

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Posted in Auto Industry News

When people shop for used cars, they typically look at a few key areas of interest. Price, fuel efficiency, repair costs and other related factors all play a role in how a prospective buyer looks at a potential purchase. But these qualities are not the only ones that matter. In fact, drivers are increasingly looking away from financial matters. 

Drivers change their strategies
When motorists are truly strapped for cash, price dictates the final decision. Nowadays, however, people are choosing their rides based on more than just the price tag. The latest AutoTrader.com survey, the 2015 Automotive Buyer Influence Study, reported that many car buyers are looking for a ride because they want one, not necessarily because they need it. Approximately 61 percent of shoppers say their most recent purchase was something they wanted.

"This is another great indicator for the overall state of the automotive industry," said Jared Rowe, president of AutoTrader.com. "When consumers start to make big purchases out of desire rather than necessity, they are clearly showing more confidence about their personal financial situations."

Features dictate the decisions 
Many of these drivers don't even have a specific model in mind – they just want to get behind the wheel. The AutoTrader.com survey found that almost two-thirds of motorists don't have a set budget and instead begin researching potential cars before deciding on a price point. This method allows shoppers to zero in on certain features that appeal to them and make informed decisions based on their desires. 

Although some may think these amenities raise the price, the current landscape is very hospitable to shoppers. As more people look for new cars, they are trading in older models, which in turn floods the used car market with high-quality options. So if drivers know where to look, they can find used models loaded with attractive features – all at a price they'll like. 

How to handle finances
Even motorists under a tight budget have the freedom to find vehicles with the features they want. Once drivers select a used car from the hundreds present at New Jersey State Auto Auction, they can work with the team at the financing department to acquire auto loans and credit approval. That enables motorists to stay within a budget while still getting behind the wheel of the car they want. 

Pay Attention To Auto Recalls

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Posted in Auto Industry News

Car maintenance and repairs can be a major drain on drivers. They are often costly and time consuming, which results in many motorists putting the tasks off for as long as possible. Unfortunately, the same holds true for recall notices. Although dealerships may offer to fix recall problems for free, many drivers don't bother having their vehicles looked at. In today's auto industry, that can be incredibly risky and short-sighted. 

Recalls becoming more common
Motorists experienced a record number of recalls in 2014. The New York Times reported that more than 60 million cars were recalled throughout the year – more than double the previous record high in 2004. That is troubling on its own, but many drivers are not having the issues fixed.

A recent report from Carfax found that about 46 million vehicles across the U.S. have at least one safety recall that has never been addressed. The biggest risk is with minivans and SUVs: As many as 1 in 3 vans and 1 in 5 SUVs have an outstanding recall. Approximately 5 million of these cars were bought and sold throughout the year, indicating that buyers are ignoring vehicle history and potential problems. 

Mid-Atlantic drivers must be aware
Drivers in New Jersey and surrounding states need to stay on top of their game with regard to recalls. According to the Carfax report, New Jersey is one of the states with the highest ratios of unfixed cars in the nation, only beat by West Virginia, Michigan, Mississippi and Wyoming. Additionally, Pennsylvania and New York are among the top five states with the largest number of unaddressed recalls. 

Know the vehicle history
With recalls and the corresponding lack of repairs staking a claim as one of the most important issues in the auto industry, it's essential for drivers to pay attention to the problems. That starts with examining a vehicle's history and ensuring any recalls have been addressed. You'll also have to look to the future. Make sure to complete any and all required paperwork so you know you can be contacted in the event there's a bug found on your make and model. 

At New Jersey State Auto Auction, the auction lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans. You'll be able to take a look at the vehicle history of each model and make sure there are no outstanding issues.