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Traffic Congestion Continues To Get Worse, Study Shows

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Posted in General Auto News

If you've headed out on the highway recently, there's a good chance that you've noticed there has been a heavy amount of traffic. Your eyes aren't deceiving you: There really is more congestion than in years past, at least as stated in the latest report from the INRIX, a provider of traffic information. 

According to INRIX, which recently released its Annual Traffic Scorecard Report, traffic congestion throughout 2013 increased, even after the previous two years saw a decline. Traffic congestion grew 6 percent in 2013 as the U.S. GDP increased 1.9 percent, signifying that economic growth is bringing more people to the roads as they head into work. 

If the economy continues to grow, more traffic could be coming to the roads. That has the potential to be bad news for commuters. Although much of the heaviest traffic could be situated in major hubs like Sao Paolo, Brazil, and Beijing, China, it will also extend to local areas such as New York City, Newark and Philadelphia. 

"If we do nothing we could end up with global gridlock," said Stephen Odell, Ford Motor Company president of EMEA. "The problem will be particularly serious in cities. We must all work together." 

Anyone who anticipates being a part of heavy traffic should be sure their cars are able to handle the stress. A large part of this can be taken care of by scheduling an auto tune up at a garage, such as the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. That facility caters to the public and can address any issue you may have, and the standard preventative maintenance offered may be enough to ensure your car is prepared for any type of traffic. 

Watch Out For Car Damage From Potholes

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Posted in General Auto News

During the winter months, freezing temperatures, ice and heavy drifts of snow can wreak havoc on the roads. This frequently manifests itself in the form of potholes, but these divots in the pavement are more than just bumps along the way. They can cause severe damage to your car, and even the most careful drivers may find an unavoidable and dangerous pothole in their path. 

According to the U.S. PIRG Education Fund, potholes and similar road problems will cost the average driver about $335 per year in maintenance and repair costs. In total, more than $5 billion will be spent to fix the damage done by potholes, WJLA News reported. 

"No matter where you drive these days, there's a pothole epidemic, and as winter turns to spring, it's only going to get worse," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "Drivers know immediately when they hit a pothole, but what they don't know is if their vehicle has been damaged in the process. While tires and wheels can be visually checked, potholes can also cause considerable damage to the steering, suspension and alignment systems that you just can't see." 

There are a few things drivers can do to get around potholes, including paying attention to the traffic patterns ahead. However, swerving at the last minute should be avoided – especially in the winter – as this can cause motorists to lose control of the vehicle. 

Drivers should make sure they are getting their vehicles checked for damage and fixing any problems as they arise. The Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction caters to the public and is capable of addressing issues you may have, so anyone concerned about what potholes may have done to a car should schedule an appointment. 

Long-Term Auto Loans Becoming More Popular

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

Many used cars available today offer high quality and an impressive driving performance that prospective buyers are looking for. However, sometimes subprime buyers need help affording these options, even if they have been owned before. A significant portion of motorists are taking advantage of these options, though, and that may ease the minds of others who are more apprehensive about auto loans. 

According to information from J.D. Power, more drivers are taking advantage of long-term loans. These debts, which are classified as any loan with payments lasting 72 months or more, are becoming more popular, making up about one-third of purchases. 

Although these longer loans are becoming more popular, the average duration of one of these repayments is 66 months, which is just three months longer than the figure from 2009. Most drivers choose a plan that lasts anywhere from 24 to 60 months. 

J.D. Power also noted that even longer loans, such as those that last 84 months or even 96 months, are available for buyers. However, these make up only a small percentage of all auto loans, as many drivers are hesitant about spending that much time paying back auto loans. These longer loans may be an attractive option for subprime buyers, as it allows them to keep monthly payments low. 

If you're looking for a used car that can meet all of your needs, head to NJ State Auto Auction and browse through the selection of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans on the lot. With hundreds of options, you can find one that suits your style and budget. You can also stop by NJ State Auto's financing department, which is ready to help you sort out loans and make decisions on auto payments. 

Viewers Say Chrysler Commercial Is One Of The Best

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Posted in Auto Brands News

It's been less than a month since the Super Bowl was held in East Rutherford, New Jersey, but some of the commercials aired during the big game have already paid dividends for parent companies. To determine which promos have the biggest impact, YouTube conducts its annual Ad Blitz contest, which asks viewers to identify the ads that were the most memorable and effective. 

For the fourth consecutive year, Chrysler emerged as a winner of the Ad Blitz competition. The brand's "America's Import" spot, which ran for two minutes and featured narration by Bob Dylan, was cited as the most memorable auto commercial from the game by viewers. 

"The annual YouTube Ad Blitz poll is a key indicator of impact of the Super Bowl commercials, and we are proud to hold the top auto position now for the fourth consecutive year," said Olivier Francois, CMO for Chrysler. "This year's two-minute commercial entitled 'America's Import' struck a chord with millions of viewers …" 

"America's Import" did not fare as well in the overall rankings despite being the No. 1 car commercial. It only ranked third out of all ads that aired during the Super Bowl – certainly nothing to scoff at. It was only beaten by the "Puppy Adoption" commercial and the Coca-Cola ad celebrating the diversity of the U.S. 

Whether the Super Bowl piqued your interest in Chrysler or any other brand, you can continue the shopping experience at NJ State Auto Auction. The lot is home to hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans from a wide variety of automakers. These vehicles also come in many different styles and price ranges, ensuring that any driver can find something that appeals to them. 

Brands Stand Out On Consumer Reports’ Auto Rankings

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Posted in Auto Brands News

Finding a used car can be difficult, especially when drivers are faced with a wide variety of choices that they must wade through before selecting just the right fit. The good news is that there are a number of brands that stand apart from their competitors with regard to comfort, performance and style, and one of those selections may be the top choice for motorists. 

Consumer Reports recently released its Car Brand Report Cards, which grade the various offerings on the auto market. The rankings detail some of the best-performing brands within each segment, and the results may shed a light on which options are the most reliable. 

One takeaway from the list: There are many options for drivers who want to invest in a used car. Luxury brands such as Audi and Mercedes-Benz were two of the top finishers, while manufacturers like Chrysler, Infiniti and Subaru also ranked highly. 

“The competition in the marketplace has grown fierce. There was a time when a handful of brands dominated our Top Picks list, but in recent years we've seen a more diverse group make the cut,” said Rik Paul, Consumer Reports' automotive editor.

Although there is some diversity among the top picks, Japanese brands on the whole performed well in the Consumer Reports testing. In addition to Subaru and Infiniti, automakers like Toyota, Mazda and Honda were also well regarded. 

No matter what brands you are looking for, you may be able to find the right investment at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans that are high-quality options without the equally high price tag. Plus, the facility is also home to a financing department, which can help prospective buyers determine which auto loans and payment options are best for them. 

Collection of James Bond Vehicles Going Up For Sale

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Posted in Celebrity Auto News

James Bond, the International Man of Mystery, is known around the world for his debonair attitude, world-saving heroics and sleek cars. In fact, the world's most famous spy regularly gets behind the wheel of expensive, lustrous vehicles, and when those automobiles make an appearance in one of the James Bond films, they get a fair amount of publicity. 

The hype surrounding the James Bond vehicles makes them a big draw for collectors, which is why one multimillionaire took the time to accrue a multitude of these cars. In 2011, American real estate investor Michael Dezer purchased dozens of these automobiles from the official Bond Museum in England, adding to his collection along the way to acquire nearly 60 cars, according to The London Express. 

Now, he is planning on selling the cars, and the sticker price is beginning at $33.25 million. That may seem like a hefty sum, but it's likely chump change for a used car collection that includes six Aston Martins, a Lotus Espirit from "The Spy Who Loved Me," the Land Rover Defender 110 from the opening scenes of the recent "Skyfall" and even a Renault 11 that was chopped in half for "A View To Kill." 

"It is the best private collection of Bond cars in the world, but it is probably in the wrong place being in Miami," Barbara Donovan, a sales representative for the current owner, told The London Express. "When we found the collection, we shipped it all out the U.S.A. Hopefully we'll be able to ship it back to a British buyer so the public can enjoy the collection." 

While your budget may not allow you the freedom to purchase a Bond car, you can at least get a high-quality option at lots such as NJ State Auto. There, you can browse through hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, searching for the automobile that is just the right fit. 

Honda Accord Is Tops For Retail Sales

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Posted in Auto Brands News

There are a few vehicles that are often touted as the best-selling options for one segment or another. Ford is widely considered to be among the top brands in the U.S., and the F-Series has been the most in-demand automobile for years, but there are a few other vehicles that are popular with drivers looking for used cars as well. 

Recently, the title of the No. 1 car for all retail sales went to the Honda Accord. The automaker claims that its Accord is the leader among used models, with its reliability and strong value making it a popular choice for motorists. In fact, retail sales for the brand increased more than 8 percent in 2013, and sales of the Accord jumped 12.2 percent, making it one of the most sought-after options on the market. 

Many people are drawn to the Accord and similar Honda models due to the dependability and ease of maintenance of the vehicles. They also typically offer solid fuel economy and excellent safety features, making them a viable choice for families and solo drivers alike. 

"Our focus on retail sales to individual buyers has a direct correlation to the high resale value of Honda products, which is a key factor in the value proposition for our customers," said John Mendel, an executive vice president at American Honda Co., Inc. "We want to thank car buyers for making four Honda vehicles America's top choices, purchases one car at a time." 

If you're in the market for a used car, you may want to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans available, and one of those high-quality models may be the perfect choice for your next investment. 

Auto Loan Delinquency Rates Continue To Drop

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

Buying a used car can be costly, which is why many drivers need auto loans and similar financing options to help them afford the vehicle of their dreams. While paying back loans isn’t the most alluring prospect, there is good news for motorists who take advantage of this opportunity, as more people are finding attractive financing plans that enable them to make payments on time.

According to Experian Automotive’s most recent report, State of the Automotive Finance Market, the number of 30-day auto loan delinquencies dropped 3.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2013, bringing the total number of delinquencies to just 2.63 percent of all loans. The rate for 60-day delinquencies remained steady at 0.74 percent.

Additionally, the total balance of auto loans in the U.S. reached a record level of $798.5 billion. These are good signs for the industry, as it shows more people are taking out loans to purchase a car, but they are able to pay back these debts.

“The automotive finance market continues to move along at a very healthy pace, and we are pleasantly surprised by the continued drop in delinquencies,” said Melinda Zabritski, Experian Automotive’s senior director of automotive finance. “The record level of open loan balances combined with the reduction in late payments shows that consumers who have purchased a vehicle are not only reliant on financing, but also firmly committed to making their payments on time.”

Anyone who needs the support of an auto loan to purchase a car should consider the options at NJ State Auto Auction. Not only does the lot have hundreds of Carfax-certified options that can fit a variety of styles and budgets, but it also has its own financing department that can be used to sort through loan and payment options.

Drivers Don’t Always Obey Cellphone Safety Laws

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Posted in General Auto News

Most drivers are aware of the basic tasks they must stay on top of to keep a vehicle safe. From standard preventative maintenance to swift auto repair, these actions can help motorists avoid problems on the road. However, drivers also need to follow the rules when they're behind the wheel, and that includes giving traffic their undivided attention. 

Unfortunately, many continue to use cellphones and other mobile devices when they're on the road. According to a survey from PEMCO Insurance, about half of drivers under the age of 35 report sometimes texting behind the wheel, and another one-fifth say they talk on the phone while driving. 

To top it off, drivers of every age report using cellphones when driving and trying to conceal this use from police officers or others on the roads. 

"Many of us see fellow commuters holding a cellphone, maybe not to their ear, but near their face or on their lap while steering one-handed," said Jon Osterberg, a spokesperson for an insurance company. "The law's intent is to ban drivers from holding cellphones, period, because it's unsafe for everyone sharing the road." 

The Department of Transportation found that sending a text causes a driver to look away from the road for almost five seconds. That distraction may play a role in one-fourth of all crashes on the road, despite the fact that many states have enacted laws to prevent texting and cellphone use when driving. 

Practicing good habits when you're behind the wheel is just one part of driving safely. You also must have a vehicle that has the safety features needed, and you can start your search for that automobile at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, many of which offer high-quality performance and amenities at affordable prices. 

New Study Identifies Most Dangerous Countries For Drivers

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Posted in General Auto News

Safety is one of the most important aspects of driving. Whether it is buckling up before hitting the road or practicing defensive driving, certain actions can go a long way toward improving the safety of a driver and passengers. However, there are still some areas around the world that may put motorists at more risk than others. 

Recently, the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute analyzed data from the World Health Organization to determine which regions were the safest or most dangerous for drivers. According to the information, motorists face the most risk in Namibia, while they may feel most secure behind the wheel in the Maldives. Other safe countries include the U.K., Japan, Switzerland, Sweden, Canada and Germany. The U.S. was not as well-ranked as those nations, but still came in below the global average of fatalities per 100,000 drivers. 

There is more good news for drivers in the U.S. According to the National Safety Council, the number of automotive fatalities dropped 3 percent in 2013, and crashes that resulted in the need for medical attention for an individual involved also fell 2 percent. 

Another fact drivers may be happy to hear is that fatal auto accidents aren't nearly as common as the public is made to believe. The advent of new safety features has helped in this regard, and in today's society, crashes account for less than 2 percent of all deaths. 

Safety starts with defensive driving and the features included in a vehicle. Drivers who are on the lookout for an automobile that has the tools they need to succeed should consider checking out the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. With hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, this lot could have just the vehicle you're searching for, all at the right price.