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3 Tips For Used Car Shopping

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Posted in General Auto News

The time may be right to invest in a used car, but there are a few things you need to know before beginning your search for the right vehicle. 

Narrow down your options
Even before you head out to find a used car, you should make a list of needs and wants for you and your family. What do you absolutely need to have? What would you like to see if possible? Is there anything you definitely don’t want? Once you have the answers to these questions, you can begin narrowing down your list of potential vehicles, which can come in handy when you’re on the car lot and overwhelmed with options. 

Shop around for interest rates
The financing department at a car lot can be a hugely beneficial resource to motorists looking to make an investment. Still, you should do a little digging of your own to see what your best interest rate would be, as well as what would be your ideal monthly loan payment. Going to the appointment with some background will give you the knowledge you need to converse with the finance department and end up with the right deal. 

Take a long test drive
You may be so eager to say yes to a car that you feel the need to rush the test drive. However, you would be remiss if you did not drive the automobile in a variety of different circumstances to see how it performs in all conditions. Tight traffic, smooth highway driving, reversing, parallel parking – these should be thoroughly tested before you make up your mind. 

Once you’ve brushed up on the best tips for buying a used car, you can head over to New Jersey State Auto Auction. There, you’ll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans – one of which could be your next purchase. 

Prepare For Unexpected Winter Delays

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Posted in General Auto News

Rough winter weather has impacted most of the country in the past several weeks, and even Southern regions that don't typically get snow and ice were hit by storms. With inclement weather wreaking havoc on much of the nation and leaving drivers stranded in the cold, many motorists are taking this time to reevaluate their car maintenance to ensure they are ready for any type of conditions. 

"When unforeseen events occur, like severe weather or a major accident, your car could become your home for hours," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "… It's never good to gamble with safety when it comes to your vehicle, so if you haven't had your vehicle checked recently, now is the time to be car care aware and get a thorough vehicle inspection, including a brake inspection, battery check and tune up." 

The Car Care Council recommends all drivers survey the basic maintenance features of their automobiles before heading out, especially if the forecast calls for snow or ice. In addition to the brakes and battery, make sure the heater and defroster are functioning properly. Drivers should also be checking the lights, antifreeze levels, and tire pressure. 

Even if all of the mechanical aspects of the car are in good shape, packing an emergency kit is still a safe bet. Start with blankets and spare clothing, along with bottled water, snacks and any necessary medications. Adding items such as a flashlight, jumper cables, matches, and an ice scraper is also a smart idea. 

Any drivers who are wary of looming winter weather should be sure to take their vehicle in for a tune up. The Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto is ideal for performing these tasks, as it caters to the public and is full of professionals capable of addressing any issues you may have. 

Honda Entices Drivers With Safe Cars

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Posted in Auto Brands News

When you’re shopping around for a used car, searching for a model with top-notch safety features is incredibly important. After all, even a pre-owned vehicle can boast some of the most effective safety measures on the market – drivers just have to know where to look.

Honda recently revealed that it has created more top safety-rated cars than any other brand. Between Honda and its luxury counterpart, Acura, there are several models that have achieved the best possible ranking from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety, which is based on performance in multiple crash tests.

“Honda and its passionate engineers are delivering crash safety test performance at industry-leading levels as a result of our strong and continuous focus on innovation in safety technology and vehicle design,” said Art St. Cyr, a vice president at American Honda Motor Co. “When you add safety leadership to our world-class durability, inventive packaging and top-class fuel efficiency, you’ve got the makings for a really smart choice for American car buyers.”

One of the benefits of Honda vehicles, along with several similar automakers, is the fact that the safety measures included in the models have stood above the rest for years. That is good news for prospective buyers, as they can be sure they are purchasing high-quality vehicles even when shopping for used cars.

If you’re looking for a used car to meet your needs, consider checking out the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot is home to hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, and many of those options are from recent years – meaning they have plenty of superior safety features. You’ll be able to find

Auto Ads Dominate The Super Bowl

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Posted in Auto Brands News

The Super Bowl has come and gone, and at the end of the day, the real winners of the big event are car shoppers. With so many high-profile commercials filling the ad space during the game, there was plenty of opportunities to get acquainted with some of the coolest rides in the U.S. 

AutoTrader.com tracked interest in certain makes and models throughout the game, following which brands made the biggest impact on the general public. Luxury brands like Maserati made a splash, as searches for the Ghibli model jumped more than 2,000 percent. Similarly, Jaguar experienced a 1,460 percent increase in searches following its high-profile ad, which featured three prominent English actors. 

Other vehicles, including the Audi A3, Toyota Highlander and Ford Fusion, also saw an increase in interest due to memorable commercials. According to AutoTrader, Kia came out near the top, as the brand has a whole had interest grow 150 percent in the hour after its first commercial. 

"It's not easy to achieve these kinds of large shifts in search activity at the brand level, so it's clear that these ads were doing something right," said John Kovac, the vice president of marketing at AutoTrader. "The Kia ad in particular was a great example of leveraging smart creative to shift brand perception in a very relevant, intentional way, and it definitely resonated with car shoppers." 

Commercials may be a good way to bring attention to certain brands, but ultimately, the decision about which vehicle to purchase will come down to several different factors. Although the Super Bowl ads didn't spend a lot of time delving into important qualities such as fuel efficiency, auto repair statistics and other factors, you can learn more about these aspects at NJ State Auto Auction. The lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans that can fit in a variety of budgets. 

Used Car Prices Expected To Decline In 2014

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Posted in Auto Industry News

It's only a month into 2014, and some people across the country are already eager to make a change. In many instances, this is the perfect reason to begin shopping for a used car. Although the costs associated with this purchase have gone up since the recession, things finally look to be settling down for the industry, and buyers can take advantage of this slowdown. 

More people are beginning to realize the many benefits of investing in pre-owned vehicles instead of expensive new cars. Not only do these options take less of a toll on your wallet, but they still offer high-quality performance and plenty of modern features to make the driving experience a good one. 

There is more good news for buyers as well. According to the NADA Used Car Guide, the prices of these vehicles are expected to drop in the coming months, a welcome change after years of rising costs. This trend could make used cars a more attractive option for drivers who are considering a different investment, especially as motorists realize that these vehicles can provide safety and security without making a major dent in their bank account. 

"Certified pre-owned has really taken off," Tom Webb, an economist with Manheim Consulting, told CNBC. "Consumers flock to these models. People are comfortable with the guarantee. In fact, some people who used to be new-car buyers are now certified pre-owned-buyers." 

Falling prices could help some drivers find high-quality cars that fit within their budget. To see all of these offerings, head to New Jersey State Auto Auction to browse through hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans that are available for sale. The lot also has its own financing department, which is available to help buyers determine which loans and payment options are right for them. 

Super Bowl Cities Are Alike In Car Preferences, Study Shows

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Posted in Auto Brands News

With this weekend's Super Bowl set to match up the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., most of the attention has been focused on what sets these two teams apart on the field. However, there are many similarities between the two cities, including the types of vehicles that residents like to drive. 

To get a closer look at what fans of these teams enjoy driving, Cars.com conducted a study examining the buying habits of drivers in both cities. In each location, the Ford F-150 was the most popular automobile – which doesn't come as a surprise, considering it's the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. This was just the tip of the iceberg, however, as the majority of the automobiles searched for and purchased in each metropolis were trucks and SUVs. 

“Even though they are more than 1,000 miles apart, Seattle and Denver are similar in their demographic composition, which is reflected directly in how close they car-buying preferences are in each city,” said Jesse Toprak, the chief analyst at Cars.com. “Adverse climate is also clearly influencing buyer preferences, with SUVs and trucks dominating the rankings.” 

Additionally, buyers seemed to be curious about models such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee and brands like Subaru. Both were among the most popular searches and final purchases in the two cities. 

While Denver and Seattle may be alike in their general car-buying preferences, there are people who don't fit in those trends. To find a wide array of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, head to NJ State Auto Auction. The lot has hundreds of pre-owned vehicles that could be perfect for your next investment, regardless of what team you root for. 

Examining The Effect Of Different Grades Of Fuel

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Posted in General Auto News

Many drivers are used to pulling up to a pump at a gas station and hurriedly selecting the lowest grade of fuel available, largely because it is usually the cheapest option. Although gas prices around the country are going down, they still remain high enough to put a major dent in the wallets of frequent drivers, so choosing the most economic type of fuel becomes important. 

However, some motorists may be hesitant to select the lowest grade of fuel. Premium gas often comes with additives that can clean and protect the engine of a car, and that could be enough to convince drivers that the preventative action is worth the extra cost. Edmunds.com recently asked several auto experts their thoughts on the topic, and the responses suggest that drivers can be comfortable choosing the most affordable option for their vehicles. 

According to the feedback from experts, even the most basic fuel won't harm a car. New technologies allow vehicles to adapt to a wide variety of fuel types, so moving from a premium grade to a basic won't cause any performance problems. 

"It's not like any of the fuels are totally junk," John Nielsen, director of engineering and repair for AAA, told Edmunds.com. "If you buy gas from Bob's Bargain Basement gas station because that's all that's available, it won't hurt your car." 

Drivers may be comfortable using any type of gas, but they still need to pay close attention to the vehicle maintenance their cars need to ensure that no hidden problems are happening under the hood. If you are ready to schedule an auto tune up, reach out to the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and has professionals that are capable of addressing any issues you may have. 

Chrysler Inspires Brand Loyalty In Drivers

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Posted in Auto Brands News

What keeps a driver coming back to a particular brand? For some, it may be a vehicle's impressive fuel economy or safety features that convince them to continue buying from the brand. Others may appreciate the overall comfort and driving experience that an automaker offers. While everyone may have different qualities that inspire them to remain loyal to a certain brand, there are a few models that offer so many benefits that a wide range of owners take notice. 

Each year, IHS Automotive presents the Polk Loyalty Awards, which recognize the vehicles that inspire drivers to buy from that brand again in the future. Data examined what automobiles drivers turned to in 2013, and the results showed that a few manufacturers make an impression more than others. 

Chrysler is one company that performed well. Its Town & Country earned top honors in the minivan segment for the 13th year in a row, which is a record for the Loyalty Awards. The brand also had its Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Challenger and Fiat 500 win prizes for their respective categories. 

"Chrysler Group's emphasis on owner loyalty across their lineup is an indicator that the organization is truly working with consumers to bring them back," said Jeffrey Anderson, a director at IHS Automotive. "To see five awards across multiple segments is impressive, and Town & Country's run is unprecedented." 

Whether you're shopping for one of these Chrysler vehicles or models from any other brand, you may be able to find what you're looking for at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot houses hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans from a variety of automakers, and one of these options could be right for your next investment. 

Honda Accord Is Tops For Retail Sales

How To Know When A Car Needs Maintenance

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Posted in How To

Winter can be a difficult time for your car. Between the fluctuating temperatures, inclement weather and the high probability of season-related accidents, there is a good chance that some kind of damage will be inflicted on a vehicle. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to know when an automobile needs work unless there is obvious physical damage. So how can you stay ahead of the problems? 

You can be alerted to the need for repairs or preventative maintenance through the updates on the dashboard. Because the instrument panel will provide you with real-time notifications about the functions of your vehicle with elements such as the check engine light, that is the first line of defense. This panel is usually programmed to follow automaker recommendations, so you should also pay attention to alerts regarding oil changes, brake pads and the like. 

Although this will provide maintenance updates, you should still read through a vehicle's owner's manual to get an idea of what the general repair schedule should be. Keep track of things like mileage in between service appointments and the dates of your maintenance visits, as this can allow you to stay on top of the preventative measures needed to extend the life of your car and ensure all features are operating at a high level.

Drivers who think their vehicles may be in need of maintenance should schedule an appointment at the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and is capable of addressing a number of issues that you may have, regardless of what initially caused you to think about what's going on under the hood. 

How To Prevent Cracked Windshields In Winter

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Posted in How To

During the winter, most drivers have to deal with freezing temperatures and snowy conditions. While this is a common obstacle, it can also lead to plenty of problems, spanning everything from extra vehicle maintenance to a copious amount of time spent cleaning and treating cars. 

Cracked windshields are among the most prevalent winter-related problems. There are times when these breaks may be caused by small stones or pebbles getting kicked up to the glass, but in many instances a quick temperature change may also lead to damage. Suddenly going from a freezing surface to a hot one causes changes in the makeup of the glass, which can result in large cracks in the windshield. You may also encounter problems when using the wrong tools to clean the surfaces or ignoring smaller issues until they become more significant. 

To prevent damage, you should learn how to use all of the related tools properly. For example, you can avoid cracked windshields simply by using a car's defroster correctly. Instead of pouring boiling water onto glass to clear off ice, turn the vehicle on and slowly let the heating system warm up. Then turn on the defroster and let that gradually heat the windshield before using an ice scraper to clear off the glass. 

You should also be sure to get smaller nicks in the glass looked at as soon as possible. Even the tiniest of scratches can be expanded in the winter, causing bigger problems. 

If you're concerned about keeping your vehicle maintenance throughout the winter season, consider enacting these best practices to reduce the risk of damage to a car. You may also want to consider scheduling an appointment at the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto Auction. That garage caters to the public and is capable of addressing any issues you may have, including questions related to the HVAC systems and windshield wipers.