All posts by Nathalie Godoy

Can’t Afford to Buy New? Consider a Certified Pre-Owned Vehicle.

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Posted in Auto Industry News

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NJ State Auto Auction and Sales’ wide selection of used vehicles includes some choice Certified Pre-Owned vehicles. For a lot less money, you can buy a car that feels almost new, even if it has some miles on the odometer.

 

Buying a CPO vehicle also takes some of the uncertainty out of buying a used car because it guarantees that the mechanical condition of the vehicle is up to the manufacturer’s high standards.  CPO vehicles are inspected by factory-trained mechanics to ensure it meets specific standards. The dealership replaces or repairs anything that is worn beyond the limits of the manufacturer’s program.

 

For example, Volkswagen’s CPO program specifies that a vehicle must be no more than five model years old with fewer than 75,000 miles. In addition, it must have been operated by the previous owner for at least 12 months.  A factory-trained Volkswagen mechanic performs a 112-point inspection, repairs any problems, bringing the vehicle as close to new condition as possible. The vehicle then comes with a limited two-year/24,000 mile warranty that covers the powertrain, air conditioning and electrical system, among other things. VW also provides two years of 24-hour roadside assistance. Other manufacturers have similar programs and comparable warranties. Visit your favorite automaker’s website to see the specific CPO details.  

One caution –  the term “certified” can mean different things at different dealerships. Make sure to know if the manufacturer is certifying the car of just the dealership and find out what is covered in the certification and warranty.

CPO programs are perfect for anyone who wants to save money over the price of a new car, but who also wants to drive a near-new car that comes with a solid warranty.  While a little more pricey than non-certified used cars, they can be a good investment.

The experienced and knowledgeable team at New Jersey State Auto Auction and Sales can help you find your perfect CPO vehicle. We have a huge inventory at our Jersey City showroom and invite you to come in for a test drive. Our expert finance team will work with you so you can drive off the lot in your dream car. And our dependable service team can keep it running in top-notch condition.

 

 

#NJSAA

#NJStateAuto

#NJStateAutoAuction

New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com

2014 Chevrolet Malibu – A Great Car for the Whole Family

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Posted in Auto Industry News

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Looking for a more upscale family sedan? Bring the family over to New Jersey State Auto Auction in Jersey City to test drive the 2014 Malibu mid-size sedan.  The kids will find lots of leg-room in the rear seats and you’ll appreciate the large center console with plenty of room for storing things.  If you’ve got tall drivers in your family, you’ll find the power driver seat can adjust to fit your larger frame. Smartphone use is easy with the touch screen interface that allows for voice control, stream music and is compatible with internet radio. With the quiet cabin and smooth, bump-free ride, it’s sure to please everyone!

The Malibu also looks great with its sleek front-end styling. And it performs well!  Its 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine has a combined fuel economy rating similar to the Eco model, with a combined fuel economy rating of 25 mpg city/36 mpg highway. The engine is powerful enough to keep up with the flow of traffic, both around town and on the highway. The stop-start system is hardly noticeable while you drive, though you’ll see its advantages when you fill-up at the pump. The good handling and responsive steering makes this an easy car to drive.

Safety features include antilock brakes, stability and traction control and lots of airbags: front knee, front side, rear side and side curtain in the event of a crash. The OnStar telematics system provides lots of useful features. The optional rearview camera helps with visibility and you can also get advanced warning and alert systems for forward collision, lane departure, monitoring blind spots as well as rear cross-traffic.  The Malibu got five stars out of five for overall crash protection as well as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s highest rating.

The above average-sized 16.3-cubic-foot trunk accommodates travel gear and shopping purchases.

Come give this car a spin at New Jersey State Auto Auction. If it turns out not to be the car for you, our sales team is sure to find just the perfect car to suit your family’s needs.

 

#NJSAA

#NJStateAuto

#NJStateAutoAuction

New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com

Best 2012 Sedans Under $15,000

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Posted in Auto Industry News

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Sedans are a popular choice for millions of people each year. They have a practical design with comfort in mind for the driver and passengers. Best-sellers from 2012 reflect the trend toward stylish cars packed with features normally found in more expensive models. NJ State Auto Auction has a wide choice of sedans in this affordable price range.

 

A popular model is the standard-setting Ford Fiesta. Its front-wheel-drive package is small on the outside yet roomy on the inside. The 120-horsepower, 1.6-liter engine is peppy as well as fuel efficient, getting 28 city and 37 highway mpg with a manual transmission. You can get nearly the same mpg with the high-tech automated transmission.  Other high-tech options include an impressive array of electronic features, such as keyless ignition/entry as well as voice-command for MP3 players and cell phones.

 

The Chevrolet Sonic is one of Chevy’s best small cars. Its front wheel drive is a pleasure to drive. In addition to the standard 1.6-liter engine, a turbocharged version is available for those wanting more power.  A 1.4-liter inline-4 that generates 138 hp and 148 lb-ft of torque, it gets an impressive 29 city/40 highway mpg with the manual transmission.

 

The Hyundai Accent provides a lot of car for the money. This stylish car drives like a downsized version of the Hyundai Sonata, performing well in commuter mode with its front-wheel-drive,138-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine delivering 30 city/40 highway mpg when using the manual transmission.

 

We’ve got more makes and models at NJ State Auto Auction and our elite sales team looks forward to helping you find your perfect sedan.  Since opening over 20 years ago, our dealership hasn’t budged on its core values: honest, straightforward business done with integrity.  There are no high-pressure sales or gimmicks – just great vehicles sold by real people. All of our sales people do what it takes to help our customers find exactly what they’re looking for from our inventory of carefully selected and extensively inspected cars, trucks, vans and SUVs.  We provide world-class service that brings customers back to Jersey City for their second, third and fourth used car. Come see for yourself!

 

 

#NJSAA

#NJStateAuto

#NJStateAutoAuction

New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com

Six Easy Steps to Finding Your Perfect Used Car

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Posted in Auto Industry News

Buying your first car is an important milestone, and the tips in this article can help make the process even more enjoyable.

With nearly 40 million used car sales per year, you’re in good company if you’re considering buying a used car!

 

Since there are so many choices, New Jersey State Auto Auction has created this list of steps to help you find your perfect car.  For more personalized help along the way, reach out to our experienced and knowledgeable team for free assistance.

 

Step 1: Determine Your Budget

If you’re taking out a loan to pay for your car, aim to keep your car payment to less than 20 percent of your take-home pay. Used cars can use a little extra attention from time to time for new tires and maintenance.  And don’t forget operating costs, such as fuel and insurance.

 

Step 2: Create a Target List of Used Cars

Make a list of three cars that meet your needs and fall within your budget.  For example, while the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry are good used cars, they might cost a few thousand more than a comparable Ford Fusion or Kia Optima.

 

Step 3: Research Online

One easy place to create your target list is the New Jersey State Auto Auction used-car inventory page, where you can filter you can filter your search by many factors—including the miles on the car’s odometer, price and other features.

 

Step 4: Check the Vehicle History Report

You can use either AutoCheck and Carfax. Just supply them with the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

 

Step 5: Test-Drive the Car

Take the car for a test drive to see if it’s the perfect car for you.

 

Step 6: Have the Car Inspected

If you like the car, have it inspected by a mechanic.

 

Our elite sales staff at New Jersey State Auto Auction looks forward to helping you find your perfect used car.  We’re a family owned business serving the Tri-State area for over 20 years.

 

#NJSAA

#NJStateAuto

#NJStateAutoAuction

New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com

What to Consider When Buying a Used Truck

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Posted in Auto Industry News

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Buying a used pickup can have many advantages over buying a high-priced new model.  Here are a few bonuses when you buy a used truck:

 

Avoid rapid depreciation: New models can lose half their value in the first two to three years, so if you financed a truck with a low down payment, you could end up owing more than the truck is worth.

 

More choice: With more than three times as many used trucks on the market, there are many options. At New Jersey State Auto Auction you can choose from our extensive inventory of used trucks. And if we don’t have what you are looking for—tell us!  We can find it for you.

 

What to look for: Find a pickup truck that’s only a few years old, since it will have already taken a big depreciation hit while still having lots of life left. Modern pickup trucks, if well maintained, can be on the road for 200,000 miles or longer, especially those with a diesel engine. Rust isn’t the problem it used to be, and with solid-state electronics, frequent tune-ups are not an issue.

 

Towing capacity: If you are buying a used pickup truck to tow a trailer, make sure you know the truck’s towing capacity. Besides engine power, important considerations include cab and bed size, wheelbase length, rear axle ratio, and the presence (or absence) of a factory-towing package.

 

Focus on reliability: Shop for a pickup truck with the highest reliability scores. But remember, every used truck is unique. Be sure to have a pre-purchase inspection. It’s also a good idea to get the truck inspected by a professional mechanic. Given that trucks can often be workhorses, it is important to look for signs of extreme duty, such as off-road driving or large-trailer towing.

 

At New Jersey State Auto Auction, our elite and knowledgeable sales team will help you find the vehicle that meets your needs and has been checked out by our professional service department. Shop online or come to our Jersey City showroom.

 

 

#NJSAA

#NJStateAuto

#NJStateAutoAuction

New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com

Do Your Homework

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Posted in Auto Industry News

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Researching your options and making a plan before you head to a dealership is a great plan for buying a pre-owned car. Doing your research will make sure you get the car you want at the price you can afford. There are a few ways to make sure you find what you want. Below are a few tips to follow when purchasing a pre-owned vehicle.

 

  1. Find out what you can afford.

 

Knowing how much you can spend is probably one of the most important things you need to figure out before you purchase a car. If you plan on taking out a loan, your payment shouldn’t be any more than 20 percent of your take home pay. If you have a tight budget, you probably should aim a little lower than that. It is always better to be prepared for sudden repairs or things you may need to replace on your car. Ownership costs also add up. Your car will need registration and insurance. Knowing all of this information can help you narrow down your options and help you find the perfect car.

 

  1. Figure out what you want.

 

Most people say you should build a list of what you are looking for in a car. If you are looking for a small vehicle, you can add things like a Honda Accord or a Toyota Camry. Depending on your budget, you may find a Ford Fusion or a Kia Optima may offer similar features and qualities, but cost less. If you consider more than one brand, you can widen your options and stick to your budget. Figure out what you are willing to compromise on and what options you can’t live without. This will make your search easier.

 

  1. Check the price.

 

After you make your list of vehicles you are interested in, check out the prices. Some models are less expensive than others. Some cars are less expensive when they are one year older than the one you are interested in. Looking at all of your options before you make a decision is always a good choice. Calculate the price of ownership for your top choices and do your research. It will pay off in the long run.

 

There are several benefits to owning a pre-owned car, and buying one shouldn’t be a struggle. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, we make the buying process as simple as possible. If you are ready to look at one of our cars, come visit us! For more information about our current inventory, check out our website.

 

#NJSAA

#NJStateAuto

#NJStateAutoAuction

New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com

Car Tips to Keep Your Pre-owned Car Top Shape

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Posted in Auto Industry News

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Owning a car is a huge investment. When you spend money on something like a car, it makes sense that you should want to keep it in tip top shape. There are several methods to keep your car well maintained and below we will look at a few of those methods.

 

  1. Clean your car once a month.

 

Keeping your car clean makes sense, but it can become an arduous task if you don’t clean it often. Cleaning your car not only keeps it looking like new, but it can prevent things like stains or damage. Also washing the exterior will clean off any buildup that can damage the paint. As much time as you probably spend in your car, keeping it clean should be a priority.

 

  1. Change the oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.

 

Depending on your car, how much you drive or the conditions of where you drive can influence your oil useage. Changing your oil in a timely manner will make your engine run smoothly, and you will avoid costly engine repairs. Your engine needs oil to lubricate all of the different parts in your engine. Dirt and debris will collect in the oil over time and can damage your engine. Checking your oil every month can save you time and money in the long run.

 

  1. Check your tire pressure and rotate your tires.

 

Making sure your tires have enough air is important. Without adequate tire pressure you can have problems with poor braking, poor gas milage and instability. Checking your tire pressure is easy. Lots of cars have sensors that can tell you your tire pressure or you can use a gauge. Your car will have a standard tire pressure listed that is the best number for your car. Rotating your tires often will also extend the life of your tires. Tires aren’t cheap. Keeping them rotating will cause them to wear evenly.

 

Keeping your car maintained is important to extend the life of your vehicle. Pre-owned cars, like the ones at New Jersey State Auto Auction, will have a few more miles than a brand new car. These rules still apply no matter how old the vehicle may be. If you are interested in purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, visit us at the New Jersey State Auto Auction. For more information about our current inventory, check out our website.

 

 

#NJSAA

#NJStateAuto

#NJStateAutoAuction

New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com

The Importance of Steering Maintenance – What You Need to Know

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Posted in Auto Industry News

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Having your steering maintained and repaired may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to preventative maintenance, but it is an important service to have completed. There are two different parts to your steering that are usually serviced. These two parts are the power assist and the mechanical parts that steer the vehicle.

 

Modern cars usually have a hydraulic power steering pump that gives you an extra boost that helps you steer. This pump is usually powered by the serpentine belt in your engine. Some new vehicles use their own electric pump. Others have an electric motor that specifically powers the steering. Knowing what kind of power steering you have will help you determine what kind of service you will need.

 

Like any machine, your steering will eventually wear out. Hoses leak and motors lose their steam. You can lengthen the life of your steering components by having them serviced. If you schedule a power steering service every once and awhile, your service technician will drain all of the old fluid from the pump and replace it will all new fluid. This service takes away materials that can potentially corrode the power steering parts like water and other contaminants.

 

Your steering parts are just as important as the power steering. It directs your car where you want it to go. Most service departments, like the one at New Jersey State Auto Auction, will lube your steering parts whenever you get a service like an oil change. Other than a simple lube, there isn’t much else you can do other than look for signs of wear. Usually you can spot issues by looking for uneven tire wear or loose steering.

 

Having your car routinely maintained will save you a lot of money in the long run and make your parts last. If you need to schedule a power steering service or any other service, visit us at New Jersey State Auto Auction. For a full list of our available services, check out our website. We are here to help!

 

#NJSAA

#NJStateAuto

#NJStateAutoAuction

New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com

Buying a Used Car is Loaded With Benefits

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Posted in Auto Industry News

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If you are deciding between purchasing a new or used car, you are in the right place. It is always good to do research before you buy! There are several benefits of owning a pre-owned car. Below we will take a look at a couple that will hopefully help you decide!

 

  1. Extras

 

We all love the features that come on new vehicles. There are usually a bunch of options to choose from that make your car feel like you’re driving around in a spaceship. However, these extras usually add up to way more than you want to spend. Extras can tack on thousands of extra dollars to that new car price. A used car already has all of the features that you want, but are included in the price. You can search for a vehicle that has a specific feature, like navigation, and narrow down your choices. Saving on extras is a huge benefit of buying used.

 

  1. Fees

 

No one likes fees. Except the maybe the people that collect them. New car dealerships usually add on fees for things like shipping charges and destination fees. These fees are obnoxious because you feel like you don’t have anything to show for the charges except less money. Most used car dealerships don’t charge extra fees. When buying a used car from New Jersey Auto Auction, the most you’ll have to deal with is paying title, tag and registration fees at the DMV.

 

  1. Condition

 

Cars these days are made to last for a long time. When buying a used car, you won’t have to sacrifice the condition or reliability of your car just to save a little money. You can find a great car that is in excellent condition for your budget. Be sure to ask if the used car dealership offers any extended warranty, but you will usually be in great shape either way.

 

If you’re looking to purchase a used car, you’re off to a great start. Researching all of your options is always a good choice. Visit us at New Jersey State Auto Auction to take a look at the car you’ve been eyeing or to just look at your options. For more information about our inventory, check out our website!

 

#NJSAA

#NJStateAuto

#NJStateAutoAuction

New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com

Used Car Buying: Three Benefits

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Posted in Auto Industry News

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There are so many great reasons to buy a used car. Knowing the pros and cons before you make your big purchase is important, so you know you’re making the right decision. If you’re looking to buy a used car, below are three benefits that could help you make your decision.

 

  1. Price

 

Everyone knows that used cars will be less expensive than new cars. But to what extent? You can find the car or truck of your dreams available in a later model at a price you can afford. The price of a used car can be almost cut in half compared to a new car price. For example, if you have a luxury SUV on your wishlist, it probably would cost two times as much new as it would used. Your used car won’t depreciate as fast so, ultimately, you are getting the best deal.

 

  1. Sales Tax

 

No one warns you about sales tax. New car sales tax can add up to thousands of dollars. Used cars, however, can be significantly less or even non-existent. Some states don’t require sales tax on used vehicle sales. Doing your research on your state’s tax laws could save you thousands before your next car purchase.

 

  1. Registration Fees

 

We all have to register our vehicles. Registration fees are based on the car’s value and the year it was made. In certain states, registration fees rapidly decrease over the first few years of ownership. When registering a used car, the fees have already decreased since the car is usually a few years old. You can end up saving lots of money on these fees when your car isn’t brand new.

 

All of these are great benefits of owning a used car. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, we want you to find the best vehicle for you! Come visit us to see all of our cars and learn more about our options. For more information, visit our website!

 

 

#NJSAA

#NJStateAuto

#NJStateAutoAuction

New Jersey State Auto Auction

406 Sip Avenue

Jersey City, New Jersey 07306

Phone: 201.355.4138

Website: www.NJStateAuto.com