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Certain Brands Stand Out With 2013 Success

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Posted in Auto Brands News

The brand of a vehicle can have a significant impact on the buying process for drivers. Although you may start the task with an open mind, it's easy to be swayed by the opinions of peers and experts, attractive prices, flashy commercials or anything else you encounter as you shop. 

With positive reviews, impressive car sales and plenty of other promising news dominating the headlines, it was easy for some brands to separate themselves from the rest with regard to auto sales. According to IHS Automotive, there were five brands that boasted major increases in business in 2013. A few of these top performers were luxury automakers, such as Maserati and Jaguar, but others were more affordable manufacturers that may be appealing to everyday drivers. 

One option is Subaru. Superior safety features, comfortable interiors and family friendly amenities make models like the Forester, BR-Z and Impreza highly regarded. Ram also stood apart from competitors, in large part because the Ram 1500 pickup truck is ranked among the best on the market. 

Drivers who want a slightly more luxurious option may appreciate the success Cadillac had in 2013. That brand stood out with creations like the Escalade, SRX and ATS, which helped it outperform similar automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. 

While these five brands may have stood out from the rest, that doesn't mean they were the only ones to perform well in 2013. In fact, the vast majority of the segment had a successful year, which in turn opens many doors for prospective buyers. 

No matter what brands you're considering for your purchase, you may be able to find what you're looking for at NJ State Auto. The auction lot is home to hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, including many that blend high-quality performance with an affordable price tag. 

Consumer Reports Highlights The Best Used Cars

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Posted in Auto Brands News

With so many options available to shoppers considering used cars, it's easy to get caught up in the rush of browsing through vehicles. There are many different routes drivers can go, and all of those choices can be overwhelming, causing some stress for prospective buyers. 

To make the shopping process easier, Consumer Reports has compiled a list of the Best and Worst Used Cars. The vehicles included on the list were all produced between 2004 and 2013, making the automobiles solid choices for drivers. 

“When shopping for a used car, it's really important to find a car that drives well and will hold up down the road,” said Rik Paul, the auto editor of Consumer Reports. “Our guide makes it easy for shoppers to choose a great used car by highlighting the best small cars, sedans and SUVs in four different price ranges.” 

Among SUVs, Consumer Reports selected the 2006-2007 Lexus RX and the 2009-2010 Subaru Forester. These models represent two sides of the spectrum for drivers, with the Lexus offering a more upscale ride and the Forester representing an ideal option for families. 

For sedans and small cars, vehicles like the Toyota Camry, Acura TL, Hyundai Elantra and Subaru Impreza topped the list. These vehicles are available with options such as hybrid technology, and many have features like sporty handling, extra legroom, impressive fuel economy and more. 

If you're searching for a place to begin the search for the right used car, then look no further than NJ State Auto Auction. The lot has a wide selection of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans that offer excellent performance and high quality at a relatively low cost. 

Tax Refunds Can Be Used To Buy A Car

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

Tax season isn’t exactly the most relaxing for drivers. You have to gather up official documents and forms, schedule appointments with accountants and get all of your banking information in order, but it can all pay off if you get a tax refund. While saving that sum of money is always an option, many people choose to invest this refund in something worthwhile, such as a car.

According to GOBankingRates, about 25 percent of Americans plan to purchase a car with the help of their tax refunds. Because the average refund comes in at more than $3,000, that is a significant step toward funding the purchase of a car. It also allows buyers to take a look at higher-quality used cars that may have previously been outside their price range.

“The average tax refund is equivalent to a 20 percent down payment on a $15,000 auto loan; combined with today’s very low interest rates, it is a great time to buy a car,” said Casey Bond, the managing editor for GOBankingRates. “In fact, qualified car buyers can expect to find a three-year loan around just 3 percent. Three years ago, you’d pay double.”

There is even more good news for drivers interested in a used car. Auto loans in the New York City area are at a relatively low rate of 2.81 percent interest. That is lower than major metro areas like Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Houston and others, according to GOBankingRate.

If you’ve decided to use your tax refund on a used car, be sure to shop smart at NJ State Auto. The lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, and one of those vehicles could be right for you and your budget.

Used Cars Are The Only Affordable Option In Most Areas

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

Purchasing a car is expensive, and the cost of ownership can vary greatly based on your location. A recent study from Interest.com looked at those geographical differences, examining if a median-income household in a given area could afford a new car. 

Of the 25 largest metro areas in the U.S., Washington, D.C. was the most expensive for drivers. New York City landed in the No. 10 spot, with a maximum monthly payment mark of $441. The Big Apple was just ahead of Philadelphia, which had a maximum payment of $434 per month. 

Some of these figures may seem too high for families. However, because of the cost of ownership in some areas, these are the only deals available for new cars, which makes high-quality used cars a more viable option. These pre-owned vehicles often come at a palatable price, but they still have certain amenities and capabilities that drivers are looking for in an investment. 

"Too many families are spending way too much on new cars and trucks," said Mike Sante, the managing editor of Interest.com. "Just because you can manage the monthly payment doesn't mean you should let a $30,000 or $40,000 ride gobble up such a huge share of your paycheck. You can get a great car for much less and use the savings to invest in yourself. Here's where the money for your retirement or kids' college can come from." 

Anyone searching for a used car that won't exceed a budget should check out the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified vehicles, plus a financing department that can help you decide on a payment plan that is right for your family. 

How To Stay Green With Car Maintenance

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Posted in How To

In today’s world, many drivers are focused on making their vehicles as eco-friendly as possible. However, not everyone has the funds to invest in a hybrid or electric automobile. Even in these cases, though, it is possible for motorists to take advantage of a few techniques that will make their driving habits a bit more “green.”

Are you curious about what you can do to be more environmentally friendly with your vehicle? Pay attention to some of an automobile’s key areas:

Maintain tire pressure
The tires installed on a car can have a direct impact on the fuel economy of the vehicle. According to The Huffington Post, a change of 3 pounds in tire pressure can result in a loss of 1 percent of the car’s fuel economy, and simply filling the tire to the measurements set in an owner’s manual can be helpful. Investing in options such as low rolling resistance tires, which actively improve fuel efficiency, is also an attractive choice for drivers.

Invest in regular maintenance
One of the simplest ways to improve your vehicle’s impact on the environment is to get regular preventative maintenance. Ensuring that all aspects of a car are operating smoothly and properly can go a long way toward improving its efficiency. This is also a great opportunity to have a professional check out the tires and change the oil, examining the gears along the way. The last thing you want is a leak filtering harmful materials out of your car and into the environment, so inspecting these functions is essential.

If your car is in need of a tune up, schedule an appointment at the NJ State Auto Auction. There, you’ll find the Total Car Care Center, a garage that caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have.

Below-Prime Buyers Flock To Certain Vehicles

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Posted in Auto Brands News

Certain automobiles lend themselves well to below-prime buyers, thanks in large part to affordable prices and low ownership costs. CarFinance.com recently compiled a list of the top 10 options for below-prime buyers, and the results showed that certain vehicles and brands are tops when it comes to merging quality and price. 

Below-prime buyers are frequently turning to auto loans to purchase used cars, but that doesn't change the fact that they are typically drawn to certain vehicles. Compact cars and trucks are among the top choices for these drivers, but regardless of the type of vehicle, they always keep an eye out for good value. 

“The CarFinance.com Top 10 List offers a snapshot of the vehicle preferences of consumers credited with helping drive U.S. auto sales growth,” said Jim Landy, CEO of CarFinance. “The automaker brands that show up on these lists should take note: today's below-prime car buyer – who is already rebuilding credit with a car purchase – could be your brand-loyal prime customer of tomorrow.” 

Topping the list of vehicles were the Dodge Avenger and Kia Optima. The two cars tied for the No. 1 spot, thanks in large part to low sticker prices, decent fuel economy and amenities, and strong safety features. They were followed by the Kia Forte, Ford Focus and Kia Soul, all of which boasted a nice blend of the qualities that below-prime buyers are looking for. 

You may be looking for one of these popular choices or any other type of used car, but no matter what your preferences are, you could find the right investment at NJ State Auto Auction. The lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans that could prove to be a good fit for you. 

Low Auction, Fuel Prices Mean Good Deals For Buyers

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Posted in Auto Industry News

The springtime brings plenty of new life to the world, and this year, it is also reinvigorating the used car market. After the doldrums of January and February, when car sales tend to slow, spring presents many opportunities for drivers looking to upgrade their rides. 

According to Kelley Blue Book's Market Report for February, auction values of vehicles are increasing. However, they still remain lower than they were at the same time in 2013, which means motorists may be able to find value if they know where to look. Affordable sticker prices aren't the only thing drivers can keep an eye out for, as the cost of fuel remains relatively low, as well. Although these expenses are expected to jump a bit throughout the spring, as is standard each year, the average mark will still be below 2013's figures. 

"Lower prices for fuel translate into more money in the consumer's pocket and more flexibility when choosing between vehicles with higher and lower mpg," said Alec Gutierrez, a senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book. "This benefits truck segments and can decrease demand in the hybrid or fuel-efficient segments. We expect fuel prices to rise slightly due to seasonal factors in the short term; however, fuel prices should remain below 2013 levels for the remainder of the year." 

With low fuel prices and relatively stable auction values, now could be the time to purchase a used car. 

Searching for the right pre-owned vehicle doesn't have to be difficult. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, there are hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans that offer high quality and affordable costs. One of these options may be right for you, so don't hesitate to browse through the selection and find the perfect match. 

Used Luxury Cars May Have Value In March

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Posted in Auto Industry News

Are you searching for a used car? Many are, and March offers opportunities for prospective buyers to find great deals on the vehicles they want. These pre-owned options don't have to be older models or run-down automobiles either – in fact, many of them are relatively recent editions with plenty of luxury features. 

In Kelley Blue Book's February Market Report, the company highlighted some of the most interesting trends among used cars so far in 2014. One of the most intriguing is the fact that the value of used luxury vehicles rose in February, but still remains lower than in past years.

According to the report, the average cost of these automobiles, or at least the models between 1 and 3 years old, rose about 0.7 percent in the month. However, prices remain significantly lower than where they stood a year ago. If the trend follows the same pattern as the previous two years, the cost of these luxury vehicles should continue to drop as the year goes on. 

"There are signs that the market for used luxury is slowing, as values were down $37 on average in the last week of the month," said Alec Gutierrez, an analyst for Kelley Blue Book, in the report. "While the overall used-car market is seeing increases typical of the season, we expect luxury values to remain flat or slightly down in March." 

People ready to find used cars that meet their needs should consider browsing through the wide array of options at NJ State Auto Auction. The lot is home to hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, including many luxury options that can be had for a relatively low price. 

Auto Loans Are The Most Popular Car Financing Option

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

Paying for a used car can be difficult, but with many options available to buyers today, it is certainly not outside the realm of possibility. In fact, the wide variety of payment plans and financing choices make it easier than ever to find ways of purchasing a used car. Drivers still have a lot of decisions to make, however, and they must be aware of their options so they can choose the right course of action.

According to the latest report from Experian Automotive, auto loans are still the most popular choice for buyers. Additionally, these loans are becoming easier to obtain, as the average credit score for these loans decreased in the fourth quarter of 2013 compared to the previous year.

“We are still seeing remarkable stability in the automotive finance industry, even as lenders continue to ease slightly on credit standards to provide loans and leases,” said Melinda Zabritski, senior director of automotive credit for Experian Automotive. “What makes this good news for consumers is that the more credit-challenged car shoppers who need a vehicle may find that they have more financing options to choose from and can more easily shop around for the best rates and terms.”

By the end of 2013, the average credit score for a used vehicle loan was 646. The average monthly payments for these pre-owned vehicles remained relatively stagnant from year to year as well, only rising $4 to $352, Experian Automotive reported.

Drivers shopping for used cars should head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. Not only does the lot have a wide selection of pre-owned vehicles to choose from, but it also has its own financing department that can help anyone searching for the best payment plan.

Gas Prices Expected To Rise This Spring

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Posted in General Auto News

Many drivers were able to reap the benefits of lower gas prices in the winter. The season's multitude of storms and freezing temperatures kept demand low, which in turn led to relatively cheaper prices. However, now that warmer weather is finally on the horizon, the cost of fuel is expected to rise. 

"Buying gas in the spring can be a frustrating challenge because prices seem to be higher every time you get in the car," said Avery Ash, a spokesman for AAA. "Yet even as prices inevitably rise, there is a good chance that most people should pay less than recent years to buy gas." 

Much of the increase in price is because refineries are conducting maintenance for the spring, which limits production. However, because costs have been falling in recent months, the baseline remains lower than in past years. While prices in February grew by about 17 cents throughout the month, the national average is still $3.45 per gallon.

In March and April, the cost is expected to grow to anywhere from $3.55 to $3.75 per gallon. This would continue the tradition of gas prices rising in the spring. In 2012, for instance, the national average increased by 56 cents per gallon over a 70-day time span, and while it may not reach those heights again, drivers should expect to pay more than they did in the winter. 

Although gas prices may be outside of your control, you can make some changes to your car that will improve its fuel efficiency. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, for example, the Total Car Care Center can perform an auto tune-up that will have your vehicle performing at maximum efficiency. Whether you need to have the engine checked or the air filter replaced, the garage is capable of handling these issues and getting you back on the road in a timely manner.