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Used Luxury Crossovers, SUVs Retain Good Value In 2014

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Posted in Auto Industry News

The allure of a luxury vehicle is obvious: quality, comfort, performance – these high-profile automobiles tend to have it all. Unfortunately, they usually come with a hefty price tag as well. Just because new cars are expensive, however, doesn't mean drivers have to give up the dream of owning one of these automobiles. Used cars tend to offer better value thanks to their lower starting prices, providing plenty of options for prospective buyers. 

Kelley Blue Book's January Market Report noted that luxury crossovers and SUVs appear to retain the best value. Vehicles between 1 and 3 years of age are expected to see a slight price decline in 2014, as more lease offers and an increased vehicle pool will create a greater supply of the models. 

"Luxury crossovers and SUVs continue to perform well at auction, beating the luxury average in retained value for the past three model years," said Alec Gutierrez, an analyst for Kelley Blue Book. "The strong values are being driven by models such as the BMW X5 (85 percent retention for 2013), Audi Q5 (86 percent retention for 2013) and the Lexus LX (86 percent retention for 2013)." 

While these options may still cost a bit more than their standard counterparts, many drivers may find that the extra expense is worthwhile, especially considering the improved performance that comes as a result. 

Do you want a luxury vehicle without paying the typical luxury price? You may be able to find just that at NJ State Auto Auction. There, you can browse through hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, any one of which could prove to be the ideal option for your next investment. 

Subcompact Cars Have Excellent Auction Value

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Posted in Auto Industry News

Investing in a pre-owned vehicle can be a smart choice for many drivers, but they must be able to find the right model – and the perfect value – before they can enjoy the open road. Luckily, there are a number of worthy options that can fit the preference and budget of a motorist. 

According to Kelley Blue Book's Market Report for January, there are a few areas where drivers will be able to find value. One of the most intriguing segments is subcompacts, as there are a number of opportunities for motorists to take advantage of low prices, high quality and excellent performance. Especially now, when more car buyers are looking to find used cars that don't cost much but still have impressive fuel efficiency, the subcompact segment is particularly appealing. 

The latest Kelley Blue Book report cited a few models that are worthy of consideration for buyers considering a used car. Among the top choices were the Fiat 500, Mazda Mazda2 and the Chevrolet Spark, which can all be found for less than $10,000. While the Ford Fiesta missed the $10,000 cutoff, it was only by a small margin, making it a good choice for drivers with a more flexible budget. 

“As long as there is strong demand for lower cost and value-focused vehicles, this group of 1- to 2-year-old vehicles with auction values that fall in the sub-$10,000 range will only continue to grow,” said Kelley Blue Book analyst Alec Gutierrez. 

Anyone in search of a subcompact car with superior value should check out the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot is home to hundreds of Carfax-certified options, including many that fill the needs of drivers who want smaller, subcompact vehicles. It also has a wide array of automobiles under $10,000, allowing shoppers to find a car without busting a budget. 

New List Identifies Most Common Car Repairs

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Posted in General Auto News

Taking a car in for a tune up or quick repair job is fairly common. In fact, many motorists encounter these minor problems several times a year, sending them to a garage to get all of the proper work done. AutoMD.com recently compiled a list of the Top 10 Auto Repair Jobs for 2013 to see just what was plaguing used cars.

The list tracked what types of maintenance work drivers were searching for on the website, as well what kind of vehicles needed to have repairs done. Brake pad replacement claimed the top spot, edging out alternator and water pump replacements. Drivers frequently had to replace spark plugs, fuel pumps, radiators and brake rotors as well. 

While certain aspects of an automobile were the most common areas of need, the complete list also showed that many motorists are looking to fix up used cars rather than purchase a costly new one. Additionally, the cars themselves seem to be performing well, as the repairs were typically for parts that have a relatively short life expectancy. 

“This top 10 list is continuing evidence that consumers are holding and repairing their vehicles, and that the vehicles they are driving are lasting and serving their owners well,” said Brian Hafer, vice president of marketing for AutoMD.com. “The most researched repair estimates are for parts that have a shorter life span than most of today's vehicles, and certainly than the average age of the top 10 most repaired vehicles, which was 11 years.” 

Maintenance and repair matters can pop up when drivers least expect them. To remedy any problems, consider taking the vehicle in question to the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have. 

Honda Earns Accolades For Value

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Posted in Auto Brands News

Finding good value is an important part of shopping for a used car. After all, although a vehicle may have been previously owned, it can still offer a fun driving experience as well as strong performance. Unfortunately, it's not always easy to track down these vehicles, which is why accolades like Kiplinger's Best Value Awards may help motorists sift through the noise and find the car of their dreams. 

Kiplinger's Personal Finance recently rated the Honda Accord and Honda Odyssey as two of the winners of its Best Value Awards. These accolades recognized automobiles that blend a relatively affordable price with excellent features and amenities. The Accord was recognized among cars, while the Odyssey earned the title of Best in Class for the Minivan category. 

"The Accord and the Odyssey each hold benchmark status in their classes for fuel efficiency, fun-to-drive character, safety ratings and tangible value," said Michael Accavitti, the senior vice president of automobile operations at Honda. "We are proud to once again be recognized for offering true value to our customers." 

This is just the latest in a long line of awards given to Honda vehicles. Frequently singled out for their excellent fuel economy, safety features, handling and passenger comfort, these automobiles are known for their reliability and value – two qualities that make them an attractive option for used car shoppers. 

At New Jersey State Auto Auction, you can find plenty of used Honda vehicles, as well as offerings from a variety of other high-quality brands. The lot is home to hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, making it easy to find used cars that fit seamlessly with your style and budget. 

More Than 85 Million People Driving This Holiday Season

Salt Shortage May Impact Winter Driving

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Posted in General Auto News

Chances are you're familiar with the sight of salt on the roads during the winter. Whenever icy streets are a problem, salt is used to create some level of traction, and it's not uncommon to see giant trucks sprinkling the substance in cities across the U.S. However, the cold and snowy weather in recent weeks may have forced cities to use more than they predicted, causing a salt shortage throughout the country. 

"After two mild winters, the severe weather has caught a lot of people off guard," Lori Roman, president of the trade group the Salt Institute, told The Associated Press. 

A few areas are getting inventive to save money and capitalize on resources. In some areas, salt is only being spread on the most heavily trafficked areas, while others are mixing salt with sand to extend its life. While there is a limited amount of road salt available, the prices have jumped, and many areas don't have the budget to pay for the extra salt as well as the manpower and equipment needed to distribute it each time there is a storm. 

Government officials and drivers have reasons to be wary of future weather. The coming weeks may give way to slightly warmer temperatures during the day, but that might only ensure that freezing rain or melting snow is turned back into ice as night falls. That could make functioning 4×4 vehicles, or at the very least rugged SUVs, more valuable to drivers. 

Need a car that can handle driving in any kind of weather? You may want to check out the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, allowing you to shop around until you find just the right style for your budget. 

Stay Safe On Family Vacations With These Driving Tips

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Posted in General Auto News

Winter is a popular time for families to pile in a car and head out to snow-capped mountains, cozy ski lodges and other seasonal destinations. While this can be a stellar way to bond with loved ones, it often requires groups to travel great distances on unfamiliar icy roads. To ensure that every member of the family reaches the vacation spot safely, drivers should make sure they follow a few simple tips for a better overall experience.

“Driving in the snow can be a challenging and potentially dangerous activity, and drivers must be fully prepared for all scenarios,” said Tom Kelley, the vice president of Thrifty International. “Therefore we decided to share some helpful safe driving advice to anyone who plans to get behind the wheel for business or pleasure over the next month.”

Most motorists are familiar with the basics of safe winter driving. Driving slowly is always important, as accelerating, braking and turning all take more time in rough conditions. Because of this, you should also be increasing following distance between your car and others on the road.

Good visibility is essential, so make sure you are cleaning all snow and ice off the windows, lights and mirrors. However, it is important only to use proper tools like ice scrapers to complete this task. Pouring hot water over the surfaces could lead to costly damage.

If you do find yourself stuck in the snow, try shifting your vehicle into high gear. Then, keeping the wheels straight, try gently moving the car back and forth until you can free it from the snow.

It may be a smart move to take your car in for a tune up before setting off on a family adventure. The Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction can provide the maintenance you need, as the garage caters to the public and is familiar with addressing a wide variety of issues.

New Study Finds Cost-To-Own For Vehicles

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Posted in Auto Loans & Financing News

Anyone who has ever shopped for a car knows about the importance of sticking to a budget. Between the high sticker prices and the stretched-out auto loans, drivers have a lot of factors that need to be considered. One of the most significant areas is cost-to-own, which tracks the total expenses that a driver will accrue because of the vehicle. Those costs could range from fuel and maintenance to insurance and loans, and it is important to get a clear picture of these factors before making a final decision. 

To help in this regard, Kelley Blue Book recently released its list of the cars with the most valuable cost-to-own over a five-year period. 

“Kelley Blue Book's five-year cost to own information evaluates the other out-of-pocket expenses drivers will incur, which helps consumers choose the vehicle that fits them and their wallets best, helping save money down the road,” said Dan Ingle, vice president of vehicle valuations for Kelley Blue Book. 

Mazda and Lexus vehicles ranked among the best, as the brands consistently have automobiles that retain their value throughout the years. With solid reliability and mileage as well, these luxury rides are near the top of the list. Also ranking highly was the Buick Encore. Kelley Blue Book proclaimed that this car offered slow depreciation and an impressive driving experience. 

Are you ready to begin shopping for a used car that will retain its value long after purchase? At New Jersey Auto Auction, you can browse through a selection of hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, most of which are available at an affordable price. If you need a little more guidance, head into the financing department, where staff members can help you find auto loans and make tough decisions about your budget. 

New Survey Identifies Most Iconic Cars

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Posted in Celebrity Auto News

There are a few vehicles that have likely made such an imprint on your mind that they are impossible to forget. Whether it's the station wagon that you took family trips in when you were young or your very first car, these automobiles shaped many of your fondest memories.

Much like those cars are important to you, there are a wide variety of special models that have influenced American culture. To discover more about these vehicles, Cars.com created a list of the Top 10 Most Iconic Cars – but with a few limitations. 

"Aside from Hollywood, there's no industry that creates as many icons as the car business," said Patrick Olsen of Cars.com. "With so many to choose from, we decided to narrow our focus to cars from the past 25 years, and we looked at which cars truly made a statement." 

Topping the list was the 2004-2009 Toyota Prius. As one of the first major strides made in the green-car movement, the effects of the Prius can still be felt today, making this model a special one. It was followed by distinctive rides like the Mazda Miata, Volkswagen New Beetle, Ford Mustang and Dodge Viper. Not all of the entires on the list were sports cars, however. The Jeep Wrangler and Hummer H2 also earned slots thanks to their sporty styles and, in the case of the H2, the controversy that followed. 

Hunting down the most iconic cars of all time may be difficult, but that doesn't mean you can't start searching for a used car that will be at the center of many new memories. At NJ State Auto, you can browse through a wide selection of Carfax-certified vehicles that may be just the automobile you need to create a whole new set of memories. 

Certain Car Brands Have The Best Public Perception

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Posted in Auto Brands News

Image is everything. The way the general public views a certain auto brand or style of car can influence the decision to purchase the vehicle or the review they give to others. Consumer Reports recently conducted a study to see what perceptions of certain auto brands were like, and the results showed that a few stalwarts continue to dominate the driver mindset. 

According to the study, consumers view Toyota as the top brand overall – at least with regard to quality, safety, performance, value, fuel economy, design and technology. The brand has a 25-point lead over Ford, which sits in second place. Honda and Chevrolet were also ranked highly based on the public's overall positive perception of them. 

"The key word is 'perception.' Consumers are influenced by word of mouth, marketing and hands-on experience," said Jeff Bartlett, deputy automotive editor of Consumer Reports. "Often, perception can be a trailing indicator, reflecting years of good or bad performance in a category, and it can also be influenced by headlines in the media." 

A few other brands managed to make great strides in the rankings. Tesla jumped up 47 points, thanks in large part to the success of the Model S, while Subaru also posted strong improvements. Safety was key for both of these automakers, as drivers recognized them as offering top-notch features, which bumped up the scores. 

One of these brands could prove to be the rest investment for you. If you're considering an investment in a used car, browse through the selection at NJ State Auto Auction. The lot is home to many Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans that can fit any budget. 

Millennials Want Cars, Use Rentals For Inspiration

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Posted in General Auto News

A common misconception has been that the Millennial generation doesn't care about owning cars. However, this perception is quickly changing. A recent survey from Enterprise Holdings found that almost 80 percent of drivers ages 25 to 34 think having a car is very important to accomplishing daily tasks. That is about the same as other age groups, showing that this generation is ready to get behind the wheel. 

Unfortunately, it's not easy for Millennials to be exposed to different styles of vehicles. That's where rentals come in. Having a positive experience behind the wheel of a rental can significantly impact how an individual views a car. In fact, about 88 percent of Millennials claimed that time spent with a rental changed their opinion on the brand or model, and it also gave them a chance to test out different technologies. 

"Millennial respondents were particularly influenced by the rental experience, indicating that car rental is one of the best ways to introduce an automotive brand to the next generation of car buyers," said Kurt Kohler, a senior vice president at Enterprise. 

Because the average age of passenger vehicles on the roads is 11 years, many people do not get a chance to test out styles or technologies that have been introduced in the last decade. By renting an automobile with these options, as well as one that fits an individual's style, drivers can get an inside look at a potential purchase. 

If you're curious about purchasing a used car or perhaps even have an image in your head based off of a rental, you should head to New Jersey State Auto Auction to check out the options it has in stock. With hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, you may be able to find the right fit for your style and budget.