For NASCAR lovers looking for used Ford Mustangs, buying one now may enable them to try out their own pony cars before they appear in the Nationwide Series next season.

Several companies are considering entering their sports cars into designs that fit the standards of the recent “Car of Tomorrow” design update mandated by NASCAR, and that includes the Ford Mustang, according to Fox Sports.

Unlike some cars in the Sprint Cup series which may only share body work with their everyday namesakes, a NASCAR official told the news provider that the designs will probably look a lot more like production cars and the designs that are coming into his offices are “10-fold better than a Cup car.”

Those looking for used cars in New Jersey can get their hands on a Ford Mustang before their favorite drivers will be able to, however, if they check out similar-looking models from 2005, the first year of the Mustang’s new body style.

Edmunds.com editors said that the remake, which incorporated design features from the car’s heyday in the 1960s, was powerful with cabin controls that were improved over previous years.

While a new liquid propane system is currently being tested on F-250s, those who can find a used Ford truck in New Jersey may still benefit from its ability to haul heavy loads.

The propane-fueled pickup will be put to work by Ferrellgas as part of a partnership between the company, which distributes the fuel nationwide, and Roush partners.

“Our goal at Ferrellgas is to promote the use of propane as a certified green fuel, as an excellent way for vehicle and machine fleets to curb emissions and as a great way for fleet owners to lower vehicle expenses while receiving significant tax incentives,” said Steve Wambold, Ferrellgas president and chief operating officer.

But while the fuel option may be a more prevalent option than some other alternative fuels, it may be difficult for some to find a way to refuel their vehicles.

Even with regular unleaded gasoline, however, a used Ford F-250 offered “best-in-class” performance both in payload and towing in the 2005 model year, according to Edmunds.com.

For those looking at used Ford Mustangs in New Jersey, they may not have considered making the purchase into a gift, but for one mother in Montana, the birthday present left her “totally floored.”

Back when she was 15, Julie Moore had as her first car a red Mustang, but according to the Missoulian, she later sold it, a decision she regretted.

Her son Bill managed to find the rusted out remains of the original vehicle in the yard of the man who had bought it from her, and restored the car to its original shape with the help of family and friends in time to give back to his mother on her 50th birthday, according to the news provider.

While such a gift could be a great move for some, those looking for used Ford Mustangs in New Jersey may have more luck, and options, if they search for newer models.

For example, the 2002 model “embodies raw American style and power” according to Edmunds.com editors, who added that the low cost of ownership could make it an economical choice as well.

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A race-ready Ford Fiesta’s attempt to make the Pike’s Peak Hill Climb may help prove the compact cars’ versatility for those considering a used Ford Focus or other smaller Ford car.

The Pike’s Peak Hill Climb is a race up the Colorado mountain, over a 12.4 mile course with more than 150 turns that take drivers over gravel and paved roads as they make the ascent.

A Swedish team is hopeful that it will be able to take two Fiestas and finish the course in less than 10 minutes, which would set a record.

While those looking for used cars in New York may have seen some of the 100 Fiestas currently being used before a full rollout is expected next year, a used Focus also has a good racing pedigree.

Since 1999, the World Rally Championship has seen modified Focuses win 37 different races, earning Ford the manufacturer’s trophy in 2006 and 2007.

A street legal Ford Focus from 2006 would provide good handling and a “fun-loving character,” according to Edmunds.com editors, even if its not in full rally trim.

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A challenge to see how long the Ford Fusion Hybrid could travel on a single tank of gas provided dividends for both “hypermilers” and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

The goal for a team of engineers, one racecar driver and a man known for milking mileage, was to make it 1,000 miles using tactics to conserve fuel like coasting, keeping windows closed at high speeds and turning off electronics.

But they reached that goal with about a third of a tank remaining, and ended up traveling 1,445 miles and raising over $8,000 for JDRF.

NASCAR driver Carl Edwards was a member of the team, and even he was impressed by the Fusion Hybrid’s economy, though he’s no stranger to sipping fuel: in 2008, he won at Texas by traveling well below the average race speed and conserving fuel while other racers had to make pit stops.

The tactics that they used can benefit drivers of any vehicle, including used cars, because the tactics were developed by drivers using standard cars. Just don’t expect to make it almost 1,500 miles before the next fill-up.

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One U.S. car company has increases its profile as a hybrid vehicle manufacturer thanks a recent Kelly Blue Book top 10 list.

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid appeared on KBB’s Top 10 Green Cars list, which factored in fuel economy and powertrain when deciding which cars made the cut.

“What we really like about both the Fusion and Escape Hybrids is that they do everything great hybrids should do – in terms of providing excellent fuel economy – but at the same time, they drive like conventional vehicles,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com.

Nerad added that the inclusion of two of Ford’s cars on the list said “strong things” about the company as a hybrid manufacturer.

People who are interested in a hybrid vehicle, but may want a cheaper alternative to the cost of a new car may want to look into the used models of the Ford Escape and Fusion, both of which got favorable reviews as fuel-efficient vehicles from Edmunds.com.

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A team of drivers and engineers are about to get to know each other very well as part of a nearly two-day long race to see just how far the new Ford Fusion hybrid can travel on a single tank of gas.

On Saturday, a team will set out from Mount Vernon, Virginia to see if the Fusion will average 57 miles per gallon when driven by NASCAR driver Carl Edwards, a team of Ford engineers, and a self-professed “hypermiler” known for milking more miles about of regular cars.

Some tactics planned by the team to increase mileage can help lower gas consumption in many other cars, including anticipating traffic conditions, minimizing the use of accessories, and allowing the car to coast when possible.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Buyers who may not be in the market for the 2010 hybrid can nonetheless use those tactics to improve the fuel economy on used versions. The 2009 model averaged about 23 miles per gallon in city and highway conditions, as did the model introduced the year before.

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Although a number of people are continuing to look at new vehicles when they’re considering the purchase of a vehicle, many are deciding to go with a used car as the economy continues to sag.

According to the Detroit Free Press, it appears that a growing number of people are considering larger, less fuel-efficient used vehicles as gas prices continue to hover under $2 per gallon.

One auto dealer told the newspaper that the demand, and price, of SUVs and bigger vehicles has increased as the gas prices have dropped.

The AAA Daily Fuel Gage report finds that the average price of regular unleaded gasoline in the U.S. is $1.966 – about five cents above last month’s figure. But the small increase in March is a far cry from the $3.260 for a gallon of unleaded one year ago.

A rise in demand also could mean good news for people looking to change vehicles. Increased demand and price for a car or truck may allow some used car owners to get more for their vehicle.

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It’s official, spring is finally here and that means the warm weather in the New York tri-state area is almost upon us which will have many drivers looking to put the tops down on their vehicles. With that in mind, there are some great used car choices for people looking for convertibles.

According to autobytel.com, which allows used car buyers to review vehicles, the most popular convertible used car on its site is the iconic American driving machine – the Ford Mustang.

The latest generation of the car has been around since 2005, meaning even an almost 5-year-old used car will look relatively new. Kelley Blue Book lists a 2005 Mustang GT convertible in excellent condition with 60,000 miles at $18,620.

Next on the list are a couple of BWMs with the 3 Series and Z4 coming in at number two and three respectively.

The 3 Series has been around since 1989, so it’s likely that a used car buyer can find in their price range. The Z4, which can go for more than $40,000 new, can be had for under $15,000 when purchased used.

In a study last month from Cars.com, the Ford Mustang came in came in third overall for most popular used car.

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During trying economic times, Americans are doing everything they can to make ends meet. But according to some experts, there are some late model used cars that can be had for a relatively low price.

In checking price, reliability, crash scores, safety feature, gas mileage and a number of other features, Boston.com came up with the top cars that can be had for under $10,000.

Ford came out as the big winner, according to the list, with five of the automaker’s cars making the top 10 – including the 2005 Ford Taurus.

According to the news provider, although the 2005 Taurus was predominantly a rental car, that may be one of the car’s positive features as it was able to stand up to daily driving. A car buyer should be able to get base model with 50,000 miles, antilock brakes and side airbags for around $8,000, with a more equipped version going for about $9,300.

Another car maker ranking on the list was Hyundai which had three of the top 10 including the Tucson, XG350 and Santa Fe models.

Earlier this year Cars.com also listed the 2005 Ford Taurus as one of its top buys for used car shoppers, but warned it may be difficult to find a model with side airbags as only 10 percent of the cars came with the feature.

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