Google has been working on its self-driving cars for years now, and the project has just taken a very prominent step forward. The Internet giant’s own autonomous vehicles are currently roaming the streets of California. Google is testing its prototypes in Mountain View to see how they will handle in real-world situations, and how other drivers will adapt to their new road companions. So far, the results have been fairly promising, potentially even revealing the possibility that these vehicles could be safer than those driven by people.

Are the cars completely driverless?
While the goal of Google’s efforts is to develop a car that does not even need a person present to operate, the developers are not yet ready to let their cars roam free without a little manpower. Each car is equipped with its own “safety driver” who can take over in a moment’s notice. Since the autonomous cars are intended to operate without having any of the traditional controls – steering wheel, gas pedal and brake pedal – Google installed removable equipment for the safety drivers. The cars are also designed to have a maximum speed of 25 mph, ensuring they will be able to navigate suburban streets as safely as possible.

Is Google really building its own cars?
In initial tests, Google has used Lexus models adapted with the technology, but now it is using its own prototype vehicles, which look at once futuristic and retro, that have been full integrated to support the hardware and tech required for them to operate themselves. The Associated Press reported that while Google unveiled the design of the vehicles last year, the company has not set them loose in public roads until now. These small cars, which have a body similar to that of the Fiat 500 but with far more space-age styling, were designed with the technology in mind. They are small and rounded in shape so the sensors are best able to analyze the environment. The cars, which are entirely electric, seat two passengers and have beacon-like protrusions on the front and top of the body where the lasers, cameras and radars have been placed to best sense the surroundings.

Google is even getting people involved in the testing phase. California residents are able to submit their artwork to be incorporated on the doors of the prototypes. Google wants to focus on the theme of “my community, my neighbors,” and will choose the 10 best submissions to feature on the prototypes. The winners will all get to ride in the vehicles as well.

How do the cars know how to drive? 
Google has not created a sentient machine, but rather used a variety of technology to gather and analyze data in real time. Using satellite maps, GPS and a number of on-board sensors, the Google driverless cars are able to navigate roads and find their way from point A to point B without any human assistance. The cars are even able to tell which lane they are in and how far they are from other objects like vehicles, pedestrians and road signs. Not only can the processors determine a vehicle’s surroundings, but they are able to predict possible changes, such as other vehicles changing lanes or stopping short, pedestrians crossing the street or cyclists passing by. If necessary, the cars will make adjustments to avoid incidents, whether they have to change lanes, slow down or swerve.

How have Google’s cars been performing so far?
While it’s still too early to know how the Google cars are doing, Google has had its Lexus test fleet driving the roads for a few years already. The AP stated that these earlier iterations of driverless vehicles have only had 13 minor accidents in the few years they’ve been on the open road. Most importantly, the cause of these crashes was never found to be a result of Google’s technology. Only one of the incidents was found to be caused by a driverless car, and even in that one instance, the safety driver had taken over and was behind the wheel when the incident occurred. With such positive results so far, it’s a good sign that Google is on the right track to bringing autonomous cars to the general public.

When will self-driving cars be available to buy?
Unfortunately, it’s impossible to know exactly how soon automakers will start selling self-driving cars. However, CNET reported that this dream may be a reality in the near future, as Ford and Nissan have claimed this technology could reach showrooms as early as 2020. However, at the rate Google is expanding its testing, the possibility of seeing one of its vehicles on East Coast roads is not that far-fetched.

Drivers who want to be the first to relinquish the title of “driver” in one of these cars can start saving now by finding a used car to get around in the meantime. New Jersey State Auto Auction carries plenty of affordable makes and models to choose from. While older models may not be able to drive themselves, newer used cars may have ultra-modern features like parking assist, lane departure warnings and rearview cameras that can let drivers feel like they’re driving into the future.

Drivers have their own way of shopping for used cars. Maybe they start by browsing websites looking for great deals or researching to fully understand the ins and outs of auto loans. Some motorists go into the process with a clear idea of which make and model they want to invest in, while others may base the decision solely on price.

Regardless of what guides you, there's a good chance you're unhappy with the overall car buying process. Autotrader recently found that most prospective buyers would like to change a lot of aspects of shopping for and financing a vehicle. Knowing some of these key areas, as well as hunting for the right used car lot, can make a big difference when it's time to buy. 

The current state of car shopping
The car buying experience will be different for everyone, but shoppers who use facilities like New Jersey State Auto Auction may find that certain parts of the process are made easy with the help of the site's resources. On the website, for instance, customers can browse through all sorts of used cars based on make, price, owner history and more. This is only the beginning, however, as they can then seamlessly start the financing process and register to bid for a car. Speed is a priority for these car shoppers. 

Finalizing financing is just one part of the car buying process.

Unfortunately, not all car lots are as dedicated to the customer experience as NJ State Auto. Autotrader's latest report, titled the Car Buyer of the Future Study, found that many dealerships have a long way to go when it comes to catering to shopper preferences. Customers want improvements on everything from test drives to how they interact with salespeople, and finding a car lot that meets their needs could encourage them to buy. 

"While there is good work going on right now to adapt decades-old sales processes, consumers are telling us that we as an industry are not moving fast enough," said Jared Rowe, president of Autotrader. "By recognizing – and embracing – the need for change, we have a tremendous opportunity to surprise and delight our consumers."

Financial changes are a must
One of the areas in need of major changes is vehicle financing. According to the Autotrader study, the vast majority of drivers want to have the option of completing credit applications and other financial forms online on their own time. This allows them to spend less time at a dealership and devote more energy to researching areas of financing they may not know about. 

Contrary to popular belief, drivers don't always jump at the lowest price. The report noted that more than half of respondents said they would pay a little more at a dealership with a good overall shopping experience. Additionally, most people don't mind negotiating the details of a financing deal. About 56 percent said they prefer negotiating or bidding to ensure they're getting a fair price. 

Luckily, NJ State Auto Auction can satisfy many of these demands. The car lot allows you to start all processes online, making it easy to complete paperwork and figure out deals on your own terms. A well-oiled auction system makes bidding on vehicles a breeze, but if that takes too much time, shoppers can choose to meet an asking price and drive off the lot on the same day. 

Every driver is different. Each one will have a distinct driving style on the road, in addition to specific ways of finding the right car in a sea of options. But many of these motorists learned from someone, and in most cases it was their parents. Even so, most young people believe they're better drivers and buyers than their parents, at least according to a recent survey from Edmunds.com. 

While the report found that 73 percent of car buyers ages 18 to 34 thought they were better than their parents, it also took note of a few other trends present among these young drivers. Millennials are increasingly becoming more informed, especially as they start looking for cars to invest in, and as a result, they are quickly becoming major players in the auto industry. 

Young drivers see the value in used cars
If there's one thing millennials can agree on, it's that value matters. That's why many of them are drawn to used cars. According to the Edmunds.com study, used cars make up about 78 percent of millennials' purchases. These drivers have done their research, and that knowledge allows them to see that they can find many of the features they're looking for at affordable prices. They just have to be willing to scope out used options. 

"Millennials today are informed car buyers," said Avi Steinlauf, CEO for Edmunds.com. "They're making the most out of the volume of information available at their fingertips, and it's helping them to make a smarter car purchase. And since a smart car buyer is a quality car buyer, it all points to an optimistic and healthy future for the auto industry." 

Financing helps millennials get behind the wheel
Not everyone may be convinced that millennials are the next big car-buying segment. The Washington Post reported that many members of this age group are flocking to cities, where they often take advantage of public transportation to commute to work. They're also frequently saddled with student loans, which inhibits their ability to afford major purchases like a new car. But a value-driven used car is a good compromise. In many instances, these vehicles can be found at low sticker prices. Even if an auto loan is needed, it can be negotiated to manageable monthly payments, allowing a young driver to incorporate the financing into an already tight budget. 

Millennials are still going to embrace some new strategies as they hunt for the perfect used car. The Edmunds.com study noted that millennials are more likely to use technology to locate dealerships, compare prices and search for matches to their needs. They aren't afraid to do research to make sure they're getting the best possible deal, even if it means investing in a used car. 

Young people are using cellphones as a way of finding used cars.

Any driver – regardless of age – can find what they're looking for in their next car at New Jersey Auto Auction. The lot contains hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans, any one of which may meet your needs. You'll be able to find a vehicle you love at a price you can afford – all without sacrificing the value and features you're looking for. 

Is now the time to act on a used car deal? If you've been thinking about purchasing a vehicle, you may want to get serious, as this month could be a good one for prospective buyers thanks to a combination of nice weather and lower prices. 

A harsh winter gives way to spring
The NADA Used Car Guide noted that this past winter was harsh, especially throughout the month of February. The East Coast was pummeled with snow and ice, in addition to frigid temperatures, which made it hard for some car lots to move merchandise. 

"Since the inclement weather possibly prevented dealers from attending auctions – and customers from commuting to dealer lots – demand wasn't as strong as it usually is in February," said Jonathan Banks, an executive analyst with the NADA Used Car Guide. "As a result, prices were almost a full percentage point lower than the historical average we've tracked since 1996 … consumers should know the savings trend won't last for long, as pent-up demand and tax refund checks will fuel spring season purchases."

Know the segments
According to the NADA Used Car Guide's March report, used luxury vehicles suffered the most from the winter season. The segment saw values decline by an average of 0.5 percent, with luxury compacts dropping 1 full percentage point. Other options you may be interested in, such as non-luxury compact cars or midsize SUVs, experienced a small increase of 0.7 percent. That's about half of the original prediction, the Used Car Guide reported.  

Overall, the jump in used car prices was relatively consistent across all segments. There was also an increase in the volume of used cars, meaning shoppers have plenty of choices to consider without bashing their budgets. More options may be hitting the market soon as well. Eager drivers may be ready to ditch their older models in favor of some fresher vehicles this spring. 

Shop smart 
Are you convinced yet? March may be the perfect time to get behind the wheel of that used car you've had your eye on, but you need to be smart about your purchase. Start by turning to a lot you can trust, like New Jersey State Auto Auction. This facility boasts hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans, providing you with a wide selection at prices you can afford. 

When you buy a used car, you're putting your trust in a lot of other people. It starts with the manufacturer of the vehicle and extends all the way to the seller handing you the keys. Unfortunately, not all of these individuals have your best interests at heart. Previous owners of the car, for instance, may have ignored recall notices and simply passed along the automobile – leaving you to deal with the later problems. 

Cars aren't being fixed
Carfax analyzed state registration data, ultimately finding that as much as one-fifth of the more than 230 million cars on the road have problems that were never fixed, despite recalls. That means about 46 million vehicles are cruising the open road with some type of faulty part. 

The organization also found that the state of New York has its fair share of unfixed recalls. According to the Carfax data, the Empire State comes in at No. 4 with more than 2.1 million unfixed cars on the road. Pennsylvania followed close behind at No. 5 with 1.9 million faulty vehicles. 

Put safety first
Drivers shouldn't leave their safety up to chance. Any car could have a problem in its history, and even what started as a minor issue could have grown to something big over time. It impacts more than the driver as well, as any failure could put passengers or other motorists in harm's way. 

"It's a very major public safety problem," said Chris Basso, a used car specialist for Carfax. "When those recalled cars go unfixed, they compound over the years, and it increases the chance of those parts failing."

Buying a vehicle with a clean history is your best bet, but with so many recalls happening each year, it's not always feasible. Make sure you do your own research to see if the make and model has been recalled in the past. Once you know what to look for, you'll be in a better position to identify fixes and negotiate price. 

Find a seller you trust
If you're shopping for used cars, it's important to find a trustworthy facility to do business with. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, you can deal with sellers and financing experts who are actively working to get you the best deal. The lot also contains hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, which means you can scope out the automobile's history and make sure its servicing is up to date. 

Finding the right used car can be a real challenge. Not only do you have to consider the features and performance aspects that matter most to you, but you must stick to a budget. That's no easy task – especially in the current climate. Used car prices continue to climb, putting many drivers in a tough position when it comes time to buy. 

The appeal of used cars
Why are expenses so high? It all starts with the quality of vehicles currently on the market. Lightly used models have many features that drivers want, as well as some examples of cutting-edge technology, and they offer all of these perks without major concerns about decreasing value or expensive new car payments. 

"Lightly used cars are very appealing to car shoppers since they are equipped with modern technology and have already taken their biggest depreciation hit," said Jessica Caldwell, a senior analyst for Edmunds.com.

Because these vehicles are attractive options for many, the demand is greater, and that impacts price. 

Used car prices are up 
A recent report from Edmunds.com noted that the average cost of used cars reached a record high in 2014. The average price increased 5.7 percent from 2013 to hit $16,800. Some lightly used vehicles, such as those that were only 1 year old, sold for close to $30,000. Unfortunately, these expenses are well beyond the budgets of many drivers, and motorists will have to work around the high costs to find a car they love. 

Edmunds.com also expected prices to keep climbing, at least for the immediate future. However, auto financing options are also more prevalent than ever before, so the expenses may balance out and remain palatable for all types of drivers. While these high prices may be off-putting, it only underscores the importance of shopping around for the best bargains and interest rates. 

Shop around to avoid high prices
Because the average cost of used cars is increasing, it's important for drivers to do whatever they can to control expenses. There are plenty of places to find used cars for less than $10,000 – including NJ State Auto Auction. That lot is home to hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans, and drivers can take advantage of the auction system to find great deals on quality vehicles. 

It may seem like it's never the right time to make a big purchase. Maybe you've had some expensive surprises pop up, your personal financial outlook looks brighter in the future, or experts have said to hold off. Those are all valid reasons for waiting, but sometimes you need to spend money – such as when you need to replace an older, broken-down vehicle. Luckily, the current economic landscape is one that's ideal for acquiring a used car. 

Why should you look to buy a used car now? Here are a few reasons the time may be right. 

1. Interest rates are low
WalletHub.com recently reported that interest rates for used cars are at one of the lowest points in years. While you may need to stretch out the payments, the longer loan terms could be ideal for anyone who is focused on sticking to a monthly budget. All you have to do is shop around for the right deal. 

2. Used cars for sale are high quality
Purchasing a used car doesn't mean you're buying a low-quality vehicle. In fact, many options are only a few years old, and as a result, they offer plenty of valuable features that make your driving experience better. Many boast impressive fuel efficiency as well, ensuring you can spend less at the pump throughout your time as an owner. 

3. You don't have to wait for credit 
Even if you need special financing to purchase a used car, you don't have to wait long to complete the process. In fact, locations like New Jersey State Auto Auction offer same-day credit approval for any buyer. You can even start the paperwork online before heading to the car lot to choose your ride, sign your name and start driving. 

4. There are other ways to save
Spending a little more money to get a car isn't the end of the world – especially with so many other ways to save. In addition to negotiating the right financing option, you can also take advantage of low gas prices to stick to a budget. Brushing up on some knowledge relating to maintenance and repairs can also help keep cash in your wallet, as you won't be spending as much for oil changes and other types of routine work. 

Drivers have a lot of concerns to juggle. Whether they're worrying about gas prices, the next scheduled tune up or starting the process of buying a used car, motorists have to focus on all kinds of financial and practical needs. While this may take a lot of time, effort and brain power, it's not an excuse to let other bits of auto news fall by the wayside. In fact, people who strive to stay on top of current events in the industry may find they are able to make smarter decisions. 

Stay knowledgeable about recalls
One of the most important things drivers can do is pay attention to auto news. There were a record number of car recalls in 2014. Although some industry leaders believe this may be attributed to people being overly cautious about potential problems, it's an area that used car owners should focus on. It can be tough for these drivers to get alerts regarding updates, so motorists need to go the extra mile to stay safe – no matter what type of vehicle they're driving. 

"I'd rather have people be preemptive," Mark Rosekind, the chief of the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, told The Wall Street Journal. "… Safety should not be based on the price of your car." 

Used cars you can trust
If you want to get behind the wheel of a used car, the fear of recalls shouldn't stop you. In fact, there overwhelming odds are that there won't be an issue relating to your ride, as many of the initial bugs vehicles experienced have likely been worked out. This is also easy to verify. For example, the selection of used cars at NJ State Auto Auction is made up of Carfax-certified vehicles, making it easy to get a vehicle history report. 

Making an effort with used cars
The work doesn't stop once you've secured the car you want. Make sure you're staying up-to-date on the latest recalls and related events in the auto industry. You should also be ensuring you're giving your car the care it needs. Proper maintenance is essential to good performance and fuel efficiency, and by heading to a shop for regular tune ups, you can be sure experts are catching any issues.