What do you think of when you imagine your dream car? For some, the thoughts may revolve around slick exteriors, revving engines and bold colors. Other drivers may have some simpler ideas that focus more on affordability and reliability. No matter what you think, there's one common theme that's probably not present: stopping at gas stations. Interrupting the smooth sailing of the open road to spend money on fuel isn't a fun experience, which is why many drivers are opting for models that boast impressive fuel efficiency.
Fuel efficiency plays a role
A recent study from J.D. Power detailed the factors that drivers consider as they look for cars. Among the most important aspects is fuel efficiency. In fact, gas mileage is the second-most popular reason drivers reject a possible purchase and is the deciding factor for about 14 percent of final decisions.
Lower gas prices may encourage some people to look at larger vehicles that need a little more fuel to run, but for many drivers, it's only a short-term solution. Although the average price of a gallon of gas in the U.S. is down to $2.13, the potential savings aren't enough to get motorists to take a leap of faith.
"Consumers know that, although gas prices are low today, the cost of fuel will likely increase during the time they own their vehicle," said Arianne Walker, senior director, automotive media and marketing at J.D. Power. "Clearly, consumers are considering the total cost of ownership when selecting their new vehicle."
Price still reigns supreme
Ultimately, the majority of drivers still make the decision based on the price of a vehicle. But sticking to a budget doesn't have to mean sacrificing quality. At NJ State Auto Auction, shoppers can browse through hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans until they find one that tickles their fancy. Then they can embark on the buying process in whatever way they want, whether it involves bidding for the vehicle or making an immediate offer to drive the car right off the lot.
The team at NJ State Auto knows that budgets matter. That's why interested buyers can receive help from the on-site financing department. These experts can get you same-day, guaranteed credit approval, allowing you to quickly get behind the wheel of your ride without coughing up a ton of cash.