As the year draws to a close, dealerships are making every effort to get rid of their 2012 inventory, and as such there are many incentives and other offers for new vehicles. TrueCar.com recently put together a list of the best deals on new cars, and they found drivers looking to buy can save an average of 8.2 percent off the MSRP in December. Models like the 2013 Chrysler 200, Chevrolet Silverado, Ford Focus and BMW 5 Series all have even more savings, each offering over 11 percent off the original price.

"Manufacturers continue to offer attractive year-end incentives to help move metal off dealership lots," said Jesse Toprak, senior automotive analyst for TrueCar.com. "December has always been a good month to purchase or lease a luxury vehicle. This year, we're also seeing some strong incentives on large trucks as well. Car buyers should always to their research before buying a car…"

Car shoppers may want to consider used cars as well when researching options for their next vehicle. Not only can they save on the initial price, but there are other advantages as well. Previously owned cars depreciate much more slowly than brand new cars, which can lose as much as 50 percent of its value in just four years of ownership, according to Edmunds.com. If you are planning to trade in your vehicle after a few years for a newer model, as many drivers do, then you could save a lot more in the long run by opting to purchase a used vehicle.

Additionally, as more drivers trade in their current vehicles to take advantage of new car deals, the inventory of used models will grow as well. New Jersey State Auto Auction has four acres of used cars, trucks and SUVs to choose from, and every model on the lot is CARFAX certified. This allows drivers to know they'll be getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride.

Kelley Blue Book recently announced the winners of its annual Best Resale Value Awards, and Toyota and Lexus came out on top again. Experts from the automotive information company examine the value of vehicles in order to project which will have the lowest depreciation over a five-year ownership period. In addition to a handful of Toyota models, the Honda Fit and Civic as well as the Jeep Wrangler and Chevrolet Volt were also deemed to have the best resale value for their segments.

"The competition for Best Resale Value within many segments has become very heated in the last few years, as major vehicle redesigns and new model introductions have challenged the traditional favorites," said Eric Ibara, director of residual consulting for KBB. "However, for the second year in a row, Toyota and Lexus retain the top Best Resale Value ranking for both non-luxury and luxury brands, based on the average 60-month residual value across all models in each brands' respective lineup."

A total of 12 different Toyota and Lexus models earned Best Resale Value awards, including the Toyota Sequoia and Sienna as well as the Lexus LX and IS. These two brands account for half of the top 10 vehicles in this year's awards.

Drivers looking to trade in their current cars can do so at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The money they get for their current vehicle can easily be put toward the purchase of a used car, truck or SUV. With more than four acres of vehicles, it can be easy for car shoppers to find their next ride. Plus, every model on the lot is CARFAX certified, ensuring motorists will be getting behind the wheel or a reliable car.

The new year is not even here yet, but Cars.com has already begun the selection process to determine the best vehicles of 2013. The online automotive information site recently announced the nominees for the "Best of 2013" awards, narrowing down the list of brand-new or fully redesigned models based on innovation, change, forward thinking and other factors.

The judges chose seven vehicles as finalists, including the Scion FR-S and the Subaru BRZ. These two models are nearly identical and represent affordable options for sports car lovers on a budget. Honda was the only company to have two entrants in the competition – the Accord and the CR-V. The Accord's updated and improved features, and the CR-V's fuel efficiency and styling helped give these vehicles the added appeal to put them at the top of the pack. The BMW 3 Series, Ram 1500 and Toyota Prius c were also included as
finalists.

"There is no shortage of great cars on the market these days," said Patrick Olsen, the editor-in-chief for Cars.com. "However, these seven cars – representing a variety of segments, buyers and lifestyles – are what we consider to be the best of the best. Car shoppers can be assured that a Cars.com award nominee has out highest seal of approval and is a worthy investment."

Drivers who are gearing up to buy cars are not limited to new vehicles to find models that suit their needs. There are plenty of older cars and trucks that have great features, such as safety technology and fuel efficiency. Car shoppers may be able to find vehicles with infotainment systems, lane departure warnings, backup cameras and more at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer carries a wide selection of makes and models, and every car on the lot is CARFAX certified.

WardsAuto World, a leading automotive publication, recently released its annual list of "Ward's 10 Best Engines," which is comprised solely of gas-powered motors. Electric, hybrid and diesel powertrains were considered, but in the end, the gasoline engines proved more impressive and innovative for the 2013 model year. While there have been significant advancements among alternative fuel options in recent years, these newer engines are not yet ready to stand up against traditional gasoline-powered motors.

"We're always excited to see the advancements being made in hybrids and all-electric vehicles," said Drew Winter, editor-in-chief for WardsAuto World magazine. "But there are still significant barriers for the average consumer to look past when considering these vehicles. The cost for most of them remains high, and the driving ranges of the battery electric vehicles will have to be extended to meet the needs of most people."

A panel of WardsAuto editors considered many different engines, looking at factors like innovation, efficiency, power, sound and how they matched the vehicles in which they are used. The winning engines ranged across European, Asian and American offerings, indicating that design engineers across the board are working hard to keep their engines modern and fuel efficient. Ford, Honda and BMW each had two engines make the grade. Subaru, Audi, Dodge and
Cadillac also had engines that met the judges' criteria.

This list can help drivers narrow down their selection when choosing the next vehicle they will buy. While the awards are for new engines, there are plenty of used cars, trucks and SUVs that have powerful and fuel efficient motors under the hood. The "20 Best Engines" list has been produced annually for the past 19 years, providing a valuable resource for car shoppers.

Drivers in the market for used vehicles can check out the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has more than four acres of vehicles to choose from.

A new report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates that the number of car crash-related deaths in 2011 has reached the lowest level in more than 60 years. Car crashes were the leading cause of accidental fatalities in 2010, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and while they are still a major concern when it comes to public safety, the recent NHTSA findings indicate conditions are improving.

The report found that there were 32,367 traffic fatalities last year, with is a 1.9 percent decline from 2010 and a 2.5 percent drop since 2005. National programs to raise awareness of vehicle safety and good behaviors behind the wheel have contributed to the improvements over the years. For instance, the rate of deaths caused by drunk driving accidents declined 2.5 percent from 10,136 in 2010 to 9,878 in 2011.

"In the past several decades, we've seen remarkable improvements in both ways motorists behave on our roadways and in the safety of the vehicle they drive, and we're confident that NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings Program and nationwide collaborations like 'Click It or Ticket' and 'Drive Sober or get Pulled Over' have played a key role in making our roads safer," said NHTSA administrator David Strickland. "Even as we celebrate the progress we've made in recent years, we must remain focused on addressing the safety issues that are continuing to claim more than 30,000 lives each year."

In addition to staying safe behind the wheel, driving a reliable vehicle can help reduce the risk of crashes. Drivers in the New York/New Jersey area who are thinking about buying vehicles can head over to NJ State Auto Auction. The dealer carries a wide selection of used cars, which are all CARFAX certified, so car shoppers know they'll be getting behind the wheel of reliable rides.

Top Gear magazine, the BBC's automotive news publication, gives accolades to the best vehicles by class, and the Land Rover Range Rover was recently named the publication's Luxury Car of the Year. The car was chosen by a panel of the magazine's writers as well as the hosts of the popular show that goes hand-in-hand with the publication. The judges were impressed not only by the fourth generation Range Rover's sleek exterior design, but its comprehensive list of interior features swayed their decision further. Luxurious amenities like four-zone climate control, built-in chair massagers and mobile device connectivity set the Range Rover apart from similar models in its class.

"Rather than playing it safe and developing, the new Range Rover is an example of boundaries redefined, manufacturing technologies pushed, luxury taken to the next level," said Charlie Turner, editor-in-chief for Top Gear. "…From the daily slog to work to a cocooned blast across Europe, the Range Rover really can cope with anything. The ultimate car."

In addition to the fancy interior features that set the bar high for luxury vehicles, the Range Rover also boasts numerous safety devices and technologies that can reduce the risk of crashes and other issues. Adaptive cruise control, intelligent emergency braking and brake assist, blind spot warnings, and park assist are just a few options that drivers gain with this vehicle. Reverse Traffic Detection helps to keep motorists safe when they are backing up, which is ideal for navigating driveways and parking lots.

The Range Rover has been available for a few years, which means even drivers who want to buy used vehicles may be able to get behind the wheel of an older model of this luxurious vehicle. Car shoppers who are interested in finding a luxury ride like the Range Rover can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has a wide selection of luxury vehicles to choose from.

Every year Motor Trend puts a number of popular pickup trucks through a series of tests to determine which model is the cream of the crop. This year, the Dodge Ram 1500 was the clear victor, as the truck is fuel efficient, powerful and loaded with features. Motor Trend's panel of judges gauge each contestant's worth in six categories – design advancement, efficiency, safety, performance, value and engineering excellence, and the Ram exceeded expectations in every test.

"We had a small but solid field of contenders for Motor Trend's Truck of the Year," said Edward Loh, editor-in-chief of Motor Trend. "But in the end, the choice was clear: Ram 1500 not only withstood our rigorous testing, it impressed at every step along the way. Our judges were won over by the performance of Ram 1500's broad array of standard and optional equipment. It's a truck that can be tailored to meet most anyone's needs. For these reasons and more, we're excited to name the Ram 1500 the Motor Trend 2013 truck of the Year."

When you buy a new truck, like the Ram 1500, every optional feature you want will increase the price, and this can really add up. However, if you opt to seek out a used model, you may be able to find all the features you want and more. Since the vehicle is pre-owned it may already come with all of the amenities you were looking for at a fraction of the cost. If you shop at New Jersey State Auto Auction, you'll have the added guarantee of buying a reliable truck, because every model on the lot is CARFAX certified.

The numbers are in, and November turned out to be a good month for the automotive industry. New car sales saw a 2.6 percent month-over-month increase from October, according to a recent report from TrueCar.com. Compared to November 2011, last month's new vehicle sales improved 12.7 percent. Not only are there more buyers, but consumers are also spending more on their purchases than they have in the recent past.

"November was a strong month for new car sales, and the impact from hurricane Sandy helped to boost auto sales to its highest since February 2008," said Jesse Toprak, senior market analyst for TrueCar.com. "Import automakers got the biggest lift due to some increased incentive spending building momentum heading into next year."

When there are improvements in new car sales, the effects can also be felt across the used vehicle market. During the recession, many drivers held on to their current vehicles or opted to buy used models instead of new ones. These two factors led to a decline in used car inventories and an increase in prices.

Now, as more drivers are trading in their cars and purchasing new models, the used market is seeing improvements. In fact, TrueCar.com reported that used car sales last month were 3.8 percent higher than in November 2011. There are more vehicles available for sale, and a smaller pool of buyers, making it easier for drivers to find the cars they want at lower prices.

New Jersey State Auto Auction is a great place for those in the New York/New Jersey area to track down the cars, trucks and SUVs they want. Not only does the dealer have 4 acres of vehicles to choose from, but every model on the lot is CARFAX certified. This allows car shoppers to drive away confident that they are behind the wheel of a reliable ride.

The Mazda Miata has been a popular sports car since it made its debut in 1989, and the small roadster continues to dominate the rankings. Car and Driver recently included the 2013 MX-5 Miata on its 10Best Cars list, marking the eighth consecutive year that the sports coupe has made the cut. In the 22 years the car has been on the road, the Miata has been on the 10Best list 14 times, including in 1990 – the first year it was sold to the public. The coupe has a well-balanced chassis, which, coupled with dynamic driving control and handling, makes it a fun vehicle to drive.

"The MX-5 Miata sets the bar high on sports car performance and driving pleasure, which is not lost among its increasing fan base as the vehicle continues to be a world record holder as both the most popular two-seat roadster ever built and the most raced nameplate in motorsports," said Jim O'Sullivan, president and CEO of Mazda North American Operations. "Sleek, stylish and sporty – the MX-5 remains an uncomplicated sports can with such a visceral driving experience you won't want to take your hands off the steering wheel."

Since the Miata has been on the market for so long, it is not hard for drivers to find used models in good condition. Whether they prefer the fun headlights that lift from the hood of older models or they want something sleeker from a more recent generation, they can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction to find a Miata that suits their desires. These sports cars are affordable, and they can make excellent choices for daily drivers. Miatas are also ideal for car shoppers looking for a weekend getaway car to have some fun in.

Across the automotive industry, November's sales are expected to surpass pre-recession levels, and Honda is one of the many brands that has seen vast improvements in recent years. In fact, the Japanese automaker just announced that its sales for the month broke the company's all-time record. Last month, there were more than 116,500 units sold, which is a 38.9 percent increase over the numbers from November 2011. The industry as a whole only saw about a 1.1 percent improvement in the same time period.

"We are now surpassing sales records set pre-recession, a true sign that our business has recovered," said John Mendel, executive vice president of sales for American Honda. "Honda's all-time best November demonstrates the fundamental strength of our core products."

The Civic, which debuted in 1973, broke a 22-year-old record in November as well, selling more than 30,000 units. This not only shattered the record set in 1990, but it marks a 75 percent improvement from one year ago. While this may seem high, it pales in comparison to the Accord's sales improvements. This sedan saw an 83 percent increase over the same month in 2011, even though it undersold the Civic by nearly 4,000 units.

Honda's most popular models, including the Civic and Accord, have been pleasing customers for many years, which means that drivers interested in purchasing used models will have no trouble finding the pre-owned Honda of their choice at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer carries a wide selection of makes and models, and every vehicle on the lot is CARFAX certified. This lets car shoppers know they'll be getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride when they buy a car from NJ State Auto.