It seems as though many automakers are striving to make their offerings sleek, sophisticated and loaded with state-of-the-art features. Despite these efforts, not many brands are sticking out to young drivers – the very market they are striving to attract. That can be good news for many automakers and dealers, as prospective car buyers are open to investing in almost any brand.

The J.D. Power 2013 New Autoshopper Study looked at how members of Generation Y go about purchasing a car. According to the study, more than half of Gen Y shoppers are willing to look into options from any brand. They then begin narrowing down their options based on the research they collect about manufacturers and available models. 

"Automotive manufacturers have a great opportunity to influence these buyers during their shopping process, particularly since so many of them begin the process fairly open minded," said Arianne Walker, a senior director at J.D. Power. "Additionally, the digital presence of the brand through mobile advertising … may be a great way to reach Gen Y buyers, since we see almost half use a smartphone during the shopping process." 

In fact, members of Gen Y are using all sorts of technology to find an automobile that fits their needs. About 79 percent used the Internet to research what types of vehicles could work for them, with many accessing multiple websites to get professional opinions before they head to car lots. 

Luckily for buyers, NJ State Auto Auction had a wide variety of brands available on the auction lot. With an impressive range of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, drivers can find any type of used vehicle they may be looking for at a price they can afford. 

Hyundai recently announced a major milestone for its Santa Fe crossover SUV – the automotive brand just sold its 1 millionth model in the U.S. Since it first appeared on the market in late 2000, the Santa Fe has been a popular choice for people who needed a reliable ride with more space.

The launch of this model, the second crossover SUV to hit the streets following the Toyota RAV4, helped to reinvent Hyundai's image as a brand that produces reliable rides that were innovative and affordable. This was the first model that deviated from the compact cars previously offered by Hyundai, and it continues to be a strong contender in the crossover SUV market.

"The Santa Fe played a significant role in Hyundai's success and growth in the United States," said John Krafcik, president and CEO of Hyundai Motors America. "For many loyal Hyundai owners today, it was their entry point to the brand."

The first model came standard with a V6 engine that got up to 26 miles per gallon on the highway, according to Edmunds, which is an impressive number 13 years later. Drivers in the market for a used SUV may want to check out earlier models, as all three trim levels of the 2001 version can be found for under $5,000, and other early model years are comparably affordable.

The vehicle is currently in its third generation, and newer models seat up to seven passengers, while the earlier models were built to house up to five passengers. Whether drivers want to check out newer or older Santa Fe models, they can head to New Jersey Auto Auction to explore the selection. The dealership carries a variety of makes and models, and every vehicle on the lot is Carfax certified, providing added assurance that car buyers will be getting behind the wheel of reliable rides.

Sifting through all of the available information about potential car purchases can cause a major headache for drivers. With so many statistics and reviews targeted at the general public, you can find yourself mired among dozens of complicated write-ups that make it difficult to compare similar models. That's why Cars.com set out to translate all of this information into an easy ranking system to see which midsize sedan really offered the best value. 

The final list was created by combining the average price of the automobile with the estimated five-year cost of fuel. This way, each selection was ranked based on its fuel efficiency and cost of ownership as well as upfront expenses. 

At the end of the day, the Kia Optima – with a Convenience Plus Package – landed at the top of the list. It was followed by the Nissan Altima SV, the Honda Accord Sport and the Mazda6 Touring. 

"The midsize sedan remains one of the most popular segments in the U.S.," said Patrick Olsen, the editor-in-chief of Cars.com. "They serve as great cars for families, commuters, road trippers and more. Because of this, carmakers offer a dizzying amount of styles and options, but with differing content that can make it hard for shoppers to compare apples to apples. That's why we've put this list together, so that shoppers can understand where the most value is before they head to the dealer." 

Once you've done your research and narrowed down your options, you can make your way to an auction lot like New Jersey State Auto Auction. There, you can find a wide selection of CARFAX-certified sedans, trucks and vans that offer great value for your next purchase. 

Purchasing a used car doesn't have to mean you are stuck with limited choices. In fact, the current market for pre-owned vehicles boasts a large assortment of automobiles, with much of the growing selection consisting of recent models that offer great value for drivers. 

According to The Boston Herald, the combination of decreasing used-car prices and the riding quality in recent vehicles makes for lots of opportunities for excellent value, providing motorists know where to look. Many recent redesigns and popular new introductions have flooded the market, and drivers with money to spare have been investing in these automobiles while releasing their used cars – many of which are only a few years old – to the public. 

These used vehicles have many modern features that drivers are looking for while still offering discounted prices. The news source reports that the average cost of used cars is down 6 percent from its high point in May 2011, and many experts believe the price will keep dropping as the supply of pre-owned vehicles for sale grows. 

"If the new-car prices are out of your budget and you're looking to buy used to save a few dollars, used cars [from] the past few years are really good products," Alec Gutierrez, an analyst for Kelley Blue Book, told The Boston Herald. "If you take a look now, the manufacturers have made huge strides in improving their product." 

Drivers who are looking for quality used cars can turn to New Jersey State Auto Auction for help. The auction lot has plenty of CARFAX-certified vehicles, ranging from compact cars and sedans to vans and trucks. With so many options, it's easy to find a pre-owned automobile that has all of the features you need to stay safe and happy on the road. 

With so many SUVs on the market today, it can be difficult to determine which is the best, so Cars.com ran a series of rigorous tests to find the midsize SUV that trumps the competition – the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The automotive information site compared six of the most popular new models – the Grand Cherokee, Kia Sorento, Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Toyota Venza and Nissan Murano.

The automotive experts looked at everything from fuel economy, practicality and driving ability to comfort and interior and exterior features. Each model was driven for 200 miles, each judge drove all six cars back to back, and every car was also tested by a family of four. With an average fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon, a slew of features and many other positives, the Jeep stood out from the crowd.

"After extensive testing, the Jeep Grand Cherokee took the top spot thanks to its luxurious interior, impressive multimedia system and overall driving capability," said Patrick Olsen, editor-in-chief for Cars.com. "The Grand Cherokee has been around for a long time and was once considered a true, off-roading, truck-like SUV, but thanks to some serious refinement, today's incarceration of the Grand Cherokee edged out the other, very worthy, midsize SUV options available to shoppers."

With a moderately hefty price tag of $28,800, the 2014 Grand Cherokee may be out of reach for some car shoppers, but that doesn't mean they can't find an older model that fits their budget. Kelley Blue Book lists a 2008 entry-level model in excellent condition without any extras at about $16,000, for example.

Drivers in the New York/New Jersey area can find plenty of deals like this on Jeeps and other SUVs at NJ State Auto Auction. The dealer also offers fast, guaranteed credit approval thanks to its partnerships with many major lenders.

Owning a car is expensive, so it's no surprise so many people do whatever they can to keep costs low. One way to do that is by investing in diesel vehicles or similar environmentally friendly cars, as these automobiles often require fewer stops at a gas station or less servicing throughout the course of its life. In fact, a new study from the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute found that diesel owners save a significant amount compared to their counterparts with standard vehicles. 

According to the Institute's research, diesel drivers save approximately $2,000 to $6,000 throughout the course of three to five years of ownership when compared to those with standard gasoline vehicles. Many of these diesel automobiles are 20 percent to 40 percent more efficient than their counterparts, which allows motorists to spend less money on fuel. 

Lower depreciation also contributes to this savings. The study found 11 of 12 diesel vehicles retained more value than their gas equivalent in the span of three years, with eight of those cars boasting double-digit savings. 

"These new findings that clean diesel vehicles are a more cost-effective investment for car owners reinforces what auto analysts and other comparative studies have determined in recent years," said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum. "The significant savings diesel owners experience compared to gas car owners highlights another major reason why clean diesel vehicle sales will increase significantly throughout the U.S. in the coming years." 

Drivers looking for ways to save money on their next used car should check out the selection of pre-owned vehicles at NJ State Auto Auction. Whether you want to find a diesel automobile or another low-cost option, the auction lot may have just the assortment of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans to help you find the perfect ride.

Mazda employees are getting out their party hats to celebrate the birthday of the popular Mazda3. This compact car was born in 2003 when the very first model rolled off the production line on June 25 in Hofu, Japan. Ever since then, the Mazda3 has seen nothing but success, quickly becoming one of the most popular models on roads around the world. The car has received 136 awards in its 10-year history, and considering it has been a leader in innovation since its inception, odds are there is plenty of award-winning left to do for this sporty Japanese ride.

"The Mazda3 has been a huge success for us and is clearly a cornerstone of our model range," said Jeff Guyton, president and CEO of Mazda Motor Europe. "We've always aimed to exceed customer expectations with the Mazda3, and plan to continue raising the bar in the ultra-competitive C segment. Here's to another exciting decade."

With 10 years of models to choose from, it is easy for drivers to find the perfect fit. The Mazda3 is a fun, sporty vehicle that offers excitement on the road, making everything from a shopping trip to a weekend getaway an exciting experience. According to Kelley Blue Book, used versions can range from $6,000 to $15,000, making the car a viable option regardless of budget.

Drivers in the New York/New Jersey area can find the used Mazda they're looking for at New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a constantly revolving inventory, the dealership makes it easy to get behind the wheel of a reliable and affordable model. Plus, every vehicle in the inventory is CARFAX certified, ensuring car shoppers will be able to drive off the lot in a good car, whether they opt for a Mazda Mazda3 or another fun sedan.

Shopping around for cars is about more than finding the vehicle with great options under the hood – motorists also want a ride that's going to have them feeling cool as the cruise the open road. That's why Kelley Blue Book compiled a list of the 10 Coolest Cars Under $18,000. The vehicles awarded a spot on the list are among the top options for drivers who want to look and feel great behind the wheel, but don't want to break the bank to do so.

The Hyundai Velostar grabbed the No. 1 spot on the list, mostly because of its unique look and array of technological features. Other high picks include the Ford Focus, Kia Soul, Honda Fit and Dodge Dart, the four which filled out the remaining top five spots in the rankings, respectively. Each of the offerings was singled out for its polished exterior and a comfortable interior. 

The best part of these automobiles? All of them retail for under $18,000, making the cars affordable options for all kinds of drivers. 

"Quite frankly, automakers keep making it easier to pay them less," said Jack R. Nerad, an executive director with Kelley Blue Book. "While many inexpensive cars are decidedly uncool, the world's manufacturers are putting more personality and distinction into their lower-priced offerings. Not only have small cars never looked so good, but they have also never been more filled with cool content." 

Drivers who are searching for an affordable vehicle should check out the selection at NJ State Auto Auction. The auction lot has plenty of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans that have a wide range of features and accouterments that can make the driving experience extraordinary. 

When it comes to choosing between pickup trucks, it can be tough to single out the best of the best. With the help of competitions like the Light-Duty Pickup Truck Challenge, conducted by PickupTrucks.com, drivers can get some guidance as they seek out the top options for their needs. 

PickupTrucks.com pitted six of the top trucks against each other for its Light-Duty Pickup Truck Challenge. At the end of the competition, the Ford F-150 narrowly beat the Ram 1500 for the No. 1 spot. The two models also outdistanced the four other entrants, which were the GMC Sierra 1500, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Nissan Titan Pro 4-X and Toyota Tundra. 

Each truck was judged based on how it performed in a number of categories, including hill climb ability, fuel economy, handling, and acceleration and braking. They were also evaluated on the quality of the interior and exterior, towing capabilities and the value for the price. 

"The F-150 is the best-selling half-ton truck in the U.S., and after conducting this testing, it's no surprise why," said Mark Williams, the editor of PickupTrucks.com. "It was a tight contest, with Ford, Ram and GMC finishing close together, but the F-150's performance and capability gave it an edge. Shoppers looking … in this competitive truck market have several great options and should consider which one best meets their needs." 

With the Ford F-150 claiming the title of the top selling truck as well as the winner of this challenge, many motorists may consider models from the lineup as a possibility for their next car. Drivers searching for a top truck selection can look at the assortment of vehicles at NJ State Auto Auction. The auction lot is home to a number of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, meaning you can find a used vehicle capable of handling anything. 

After the Tesla Model S was named Motor Trend's Car of the Year – the first all-electric vehicle to receive the accolade – CEO Elon Musk began talking about bringing a more affordable option to the table for those who can't afford the $62,400 price tag. According to Bloomberg, talks of the economy Tesla came after the company repaid the rest of the loan it got from the Department of Energy back in 2009. Repaying the remaining $451.8 million of the loan will free up any future profits to be put toward the development of new cars.

Rumors rose quickly that Tesla might be snatched up by a larger company like Apple, Inc., but Musk was quick to reject that possibility. He claims that his first priority is to develop a car that combines the impeccable technology of the Model S with the affordability of cars like the Nissan Leaf.

"With the Model S, you have a compelling car that's too expensive for most people," Musk explained to the news source. "And you have the Leaf, which is cheap, but it's not great. What the world really needs is a great, affordable electric car. I'm not going to let anything go, no matter what people offer, until I complete that mission."

AutoBlog reports that Musk is hoping to keep the price tag for this new car under $40,000. As long as things go according to plan, the CEO is hopeful the affordable electric car will be available by 2017.

Those who cannot wait for the Tesla to be developed and produced can find a reliable ride today at New Jersey Auto Auction. The dealer carries a wide selection of makes and models, including a few hybrid and electric models like the Leaf and the Toyota Prius.