Used cars are often the best choice for consumers looking to save money on a quality automobiles. But sometimes it can be overwhelming to decide on a particular make and model since there are so many options at their disposal. To help make the decision process a little bit easier, Edmunds.com recently released its list of the top 15 used cars for 2011.

Drivers looking to hop into a midsized sedan will want to check out versions of the Nissan Altima made between 2004 and 2009, according to the news source. The Altima scored so high because of its high performance V-6 engine as well as its exceptionally smooth operation and increased fuel economy. As for smaller cars, the best used compact sedan around right now is the Hyundai Elantra.

However, families looking for a use car that is able to fit plenty of passengers and other items will want to look into the 2004 to 2009 Ford Explorer, which is considered to be the best midsize SUV or crossover. In addition to plenty of family-friendly features, the Ford Explorer offers substantial towing capacity.

When it comes to pickup trucks, Edmunds says the best choice is the Toyota Tacoma, mainly because of its versatility. The popular truck can fit the mold of everything from a street vehicle to off-roading. The Ford F-150 was mentioned as well as good chioce for full-size pickups.

The Toyota Prius stood out among hybrids, the website says. More than just its optimum fuel efficiency, the Prius provides a spacious interior as well as excellent performance.

The list was compiled by auto experts at Edmunds and focused on a number of factors that are most important to drivers across the country. Among the issues they took into consideration were reliability, safety, value and availability, and to be eligible to be included on the list, each car had to be in a range of 2 to 7 years old.

"With used car prices still soaring, it’s important for consumers to have expert guidance to get the best value," said Scott Oldham, editor-in-chief of Edmunds.com. "By taking into consideration a range of factors from consumer ratings, to NHTSA crash safety tests, to True Cost to Own metrics, these cars are the most attractive options in the used car market."

Whether looking for a midsize sedan or a spacious SUV, New Jersey Automotive Auction has plenty of used cars at affordable prices.  

Sports car drivers are likely known more for their affinity for speed than having a penchant for saving money, but results of a new study may be changing their perception. USA Today reports that a new survey found fuel economy topped the list of what sports car buyers look for in a vehicle.

The study, which was released by Ford and conducted by Martiz Research, found that 42 percent of respondent said fuel economy was very important, with 37 percent saying it was their largest determining factor.

The numbers are indicative of a growing push from Ford to provide better fuel economy in all of its models, including muscle cars like the Mustang.

"Since December, we have seen industry-wide small car purchases increase from 19 percent  to 24 percent," sales analyst George Pipas told the news source. "It drives home the point that consumers are looking at more fuel-efficient choices."

Whether looking for a powerful used car or a fuel-efficient hybrid like the Ford Fusion, New Jersey Auto Auction has pre-owned vehicles at an affordable price.

Thanks in large part to their larger size and the fact that they sit higher of the ground, SUVs have earned the ignominious reputation of being a high rollover risk. However, results of a new study indicate how misguided that notion is.

CNNMoney reports that new statistics released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that someone driving a 2009 SUV is almost half as likely to die in a rollover accident as someone driving a 2009 sedan Experts believe the declining rate is due to the implementation of electronic stability control, which is a computer-based technology that provide drivers with the ability to maintain better control of their vehicle even if they find themselves on slippery roads and other dangerous conditions.

The new statistics paint SUVs as being among the safest vehicles on the road, behind only minivans. With the public perception of the large-sized vehicles likely to change, many prospective buyers looking for a safe way to transport large amount of people, cargo and other items may have just been given a reliable choice.

But what SUV is the best one to get? According to Edmunds auto analysts, there are a number of factors to take into consideration if you are looking for a new or used SUV. Price, of course, is a big sticking point for many drivers, and the Chevrolet Equinox is one of the most affordable options on the road today.

Additionally, the Honda CR-V gives prospective drivers a suitable option for navigating the suburban streets with the entire family in tow while still offering a modicum of class and elegance.

Although price is certainly an important factor, some drivers are looking for a vehicle that comes with plenty of power as well. In terms of size and strength, few SUVs have proven to be more reliable than the GMC Yukon, which has the capacity to seat as many as nine people, all while providing substantial towing capacity. But for those looking for greater fuel economy, Edmunds suggests Buick Enclave, which still offers the truck-like qualities of SUVs but with a more relaxed and refined look.

Regardless of whether or not you are looking for seating, towing or style, New Jersey Auto Auction carries used SUVs at affordable prices.

If motorists are looking to purchase a used car, now may be the time to start the search. USA Today reports that after spending much of the year on the rise, prices of used cars are likely set to start sliding back down.

The cause for the dip in costs is likely due to the fact that gas prices are starting to come back down after reaching especially high levels. If gas prices continue to drop or stay where they are Kelly Blue Book believes used car prices will fall by around 5 percent by the end of the summer. With that in mind, industry insiders suggest waiting a few months to make purchases.

"Our advice to dealers and consumers is to shop with caution today, since values are likely to fall through the early part of summer," said Alec Gutierrez, manager of vehicle valuation for Kelley Blue Book, told the news source "If possible, it would be best to hold off on purchasing a fuel-efficient vehicle until after summer, when values should be more stable."

To find the best deals on pre-owned vehicles, drivers will want to look to New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers numerous makes and models at affordable prices.

Toyota recently announced it was expecting a significant dip in earnings as a result of the Japanese earthquake earlier this year, and it looks like Honda is following suit. BBC News reports that the manufacturer is expecting a 65 percent drop in profits by the end of March next year.

The earthquake and resulting tsunami wreaked havoc on nearly all parts of Honda’a operation. Officials say that in addition to cutting production and inflating costs due to reconstruction, they also believe they will be hurt by an increase in the price of raw materials.

"They [the estimates] are very, very conservative and come in well below what analysts had expected," industry insider Kkochi Ogawa told the news provider. "Honda had some research and development centres damaged by the quake and I have the impression that its recovery hasn't been as speedy as its peers."

Although Honda is struggling to produce new vehicles, used Hondas are among the most reliable cars on the road. If you’re interested in a pre-owned vehicle, look to New Jersey Auto Auction, which offers Hondas at an affordable price.

The long road back from the economic recession has reached another milestone for Chrysler, as the automaker has finally completely severed ties with the U.S. government.

Italian automaker Fiat struck a deal to purchase the U.S. treasury's remaining six percent of shares in Chrysler, officially ending the era of government involvement in American automakers. In May, Chrysler was able to organize a refinancing package that allowed the company to officially pay back its loans to the U.S. and Canadian government, allowing Fiat to up its stake in the automaker.

Fiat originally received shares in Chrysler during the bailout, when Chrysler sought Fiat's expertise in small cars for help moving forward. The tie-up between the two companies has grown into something greater, with Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne revitalizing the company and slowly building its stake in the company.

Although the deal still needs regulatory approval, the final six percent of shares being sold to Fiat will give the Italian company 52 percent of Chrysler, giving it full control over the automaker's future.

Drivers seeking a used Chrysler may want to consider New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers these cars and other models at affordable prices.
 

Chrysler has announced that its next generation of minivans will feature all-wheel drive, according to an interview with CEO Sergio Marchionne by the Detroit News.

Marchionne dropped a few hints about the new minivan platform that Chrysler is developing in comments to the news provider. The new platform will support all-wheel drive and will be used on at least two models, which Marchionne described as a "classic minivan" and a "people mover that is still taking shape."

"This platform better have more capability than the one we have, including all-wheel drive capability and the ability to get narrower," Marchionne told the news source.

Most minivans don't offer all-wheel drive, as flexible seating capabilities typically prevent the architecture underneath the car from supporting it. Currently, the only model that does feature all-wheel drive is the Toyota Sienna. Chrysler models had the feature up until 2004, when they elected to go with stow-and-go seating instead.

The talk of two distinct models built on the same platform will likely relate to the future of the Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country. The automaker has expressed interest in differentiating these cars before, so one will likely retain the minivan shape while the other goes in a different direction.

Chrysler minivans are scheduled for a redesign in 2014. In the meantime, families in the market for a vehicle can shop the wide variety of cars for sale at New Jersey State Auto Auction.
 

Automakers are primed to report their May sales in the coming days, and the early estimates aren't showing favorably for the major brands.

Car sales were hot to start the year, partly due to the recovering economy and a wave of incentives offered by automakers. Since then, the high price of fuel and production slowdowns have conspired to keep sales low, USA Today reports. While April's sales figures were generally average, it appears that dealership lots weren't very crowded in the month of May, according to early projections from the car website Edmunds.

Specifically, Honda is reported to be set to report their worst May since 1997. Its Japanese rival, Toyota, is also poised for a bad month, set to lose 3 percent of its markets share to other automakers.

Despite the slowdown in sales, Edmunds auto analyst Michelle Krebs told the news source that small cars continue to be a big hit with consumers.

"Even though gas prices have moderated slightly from recent weeks, small cars continue to fly off dealer lots at a pace not seen since the gasoline-price run-up in the summer of 2008," said Krebs.

Drivers interested in a small car or any other vehicle may want to consider New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers a wide range of cars for sale at affordable prices.
 

The Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Agency, have revealed new winder stickers that will provide buyers with more information on the fuel efficiency and emission of the vehicles they're purchasing.

Set to debut on new models in 2013, the new stickers mark the first time that information for electric vehicles will be included. Specifically, charge time and range are detailed, along with an easy conversion that allows drivers to compare the models with gas-powered vehicles.

"Today's car buyers want the best possible information about which cars on the lot offer the greatest fuel economy and the best environmental performance," said EPA administrator Lisa Jackson. "The new labels provide comprehensive information to American car buyers, helping them make a choice that will save money at the gas pump and prevent pollution in the air we breathe."

Beyond that, the stickers go into more detail than their predecessors, predicting things like average fuel costs each month. The stickers will also be readable by smartphones, allowing drivers to instantly connect online to get more information about a particular vehicle.

Drivers interested in a fuel-efficient vehicle may want to consider New Jersey State Auto Auction, which offers a wide range of high-MPG cars for sale.