Category Archives: Toyota

2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid Turns Heads and Wins Awards in Atlanta

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Posted in Toyota

Toyota has won many awards for its innovative and environmentally friendly vehicles over the years, and it can now add another to the trophy case. The 2013 Toyota Avalon Hybrid was named the "Best Green Car" of the year at the Atlanta International Auto Show, marking the fourth year in a row it has claimed the honor.

With a combined 40 mile-per-gallon fuel economy, a 17-gallon tank and hybrid engine, the sedan gets nearly 600 miles per tank. The special Hybrid Synergy Drive engine is designed to reduce energy losses in the combustion process, so the car can get more from every drop of fuel. It also helps that the vehicle is lightweight for its class, without sacrificing passenger room or luxury.

"The 2013 Avalon was built to be a world-class sedan, with new levels of excitement, dynamic capability and refinement," said Bryan Robinson, area sales manager for Southeast Toyota Distributors. "Toyota wanted to make a big statement with this car, and awards like this and the sales numbers tell us that we've made the right combination of superior styling, exciting design and comfort, all in a very 'green' vehicle."

Toyota has been at the forefront of the "green" market for many years, as its first hybrid, the Prius, changed the game when it debuted in the U.S. back in 2000. These days, Toyota has a number of hybrid models for sale, and many of these models have been on the market for a few years. This means drivers looking for environmentally friendly used cars have plenty to choose from. They can find Toyota Prius models and other hybrids on the lot at NJ State Auto Auction, which carries a wide selection of cars, trucks and SUVs.

Consumer Reports Highlights Drivers’ Favorite Brands

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Posted in Auto Industry News, BMW, Ford, Hyundai, Toyota

Every year, Consumer Reports looks at drivers’ perception of the various car brands, and then ranks them from best to worst. The most recent report looks at data collected over the past year concerning consumers’ opinions on seven categories for each brand – quality, safety, value, performance, technology/innovation, environmentally-friendly/green and design/style. Toyota, Ford and Honda were ranked the highest in terms of customer satisfaction. Toyota and Honda both saw improvements over last year’s scores, while Ford’s high score remained unchanged. Other brands did not fare as well. Scion, Mitsubishi and Ram were at the bottom of the barrel with the worst overall scores.

“This past year brought stability and increased sales to much of the automotive industry. Yet, the brand awareness scores for some like BMW, Buick and Hyundai have declined,” said Jeff Bartlett, deputy auto editor online for Consumer Reports. “The data shows that is has become harder for companies to compete for share of mind. Consumers are not seeing as much differentiation between brands as they have in the past.”

It is important to note that this ranking is not demonstrative of the actual quality and level of safety of cars. Rather, it reflects how drivers feel about the vehicles they own and have driven. The report can prove to be a useful tool for car shoppers, as it may help them decide between two vehicles, if one brand was ranked well below another.

However, a brand that ranks lower on this list does not necessarily produce low-quality vehicles. A car that was not right for some may still be a perfect fit for you. You can find a wide selection of makes and models at NJ State Auto Auction. No matter which brand you prefer, you can drive off the lot with confidence, as every model is CARFAX certified.

Super Bowl XLVII Commercials Showcase Cars and More

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Posted in Audi, General Auto News, Hyundai, Toyota

In just a few days, the Baltimore Ravens will go head to head with the San Francisco 49ers in New Orleans for Super Bowl XLVII, and whether you’re rooting for the birds or sporting red and gold, there’s one thing everyone is looking forward to – the commercials. This is prime time for advertisements, as last year about 166.8 million viewers tuned in to the game, which is why ads cost nearly $4 million for just 30 seconds of air time. This cost may be worth it, as a recent Nielsen survey found 91 percent of viewers are just as excited for the commercials as they are for the game, according to USA Today.

Super Bowl commercials run the gamut from soda and beer to department stores and fashion lines, but the major player is almost always the auto industry. This year is no different, as Audi, Toyota, Volkswagen and many other brands are gearing up to air commercials debuting new cars. These ads go above and beyond the traditional car commercials, using unique angles to catch viewers’ attention.

Hyundai, for instance, showcases a kid gathering a team of his friends – including one bear-wresting youngster – to take on a neighborhood bully. His mom drives him around to wrangle his friends in a Hyundai Santa Fe. The whole ad strategy includes an interactive social media project called “Find Your 7” that allows fans to assemble their dream team in a seven-passenger virtual Santa Fe.

While most of the ads will showcase new cars, they can still help vehicle shoppers get an idea of what they might want in a used car. After the Super Bowl, drivers can find a variety of makes and models at New Jersey State Auto Auction. Plus, every model on the lot is CARFAX certified, letting all drivers feel like MVPs when they get behind the wheel of their cars.

Toyota Recalls 1.1 Million Corolla and Lexus IS Sedans Worldwide

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Toyota

Drivers who are considering purchasing used Toyotas may want to do a bit of extra research before all sales are final. The Japanese automaker recently announced a recall of more than 1.1 million Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Lexus IS models around the world, concerning the airbags and windshield wipers. This massive air bag-related recall affects approximately 752,000 Toyota models in the U.S. that were produced between 2003 and 2004, according to USA Today.

The airbag control modules on affected vehicles may have been manufactured with defects in the circuitry. This could lead to damage that may cause inadvertent deployment of front airbags. So far, there have been 46 reported incidents in the U.S., 18 of which resulted in abrasion injuries, Bloomberg reports.

There was also a recall for about 270,000 Lexus IS models in the U.S. that were made between 2006 and 2012. This recall involves a loose nut on the wiper blades that would lead them to fail under too much pressure – such as an accumulation of snow. Toyota has received 25 reports worldwide involving issues with the wipers, according to USA Today.

Toyota will repair the issues in all affected models, but drivers looking to buy used cars should still take caution. It is important that they research the vehicle history to ensure any recalls have been taken care of before they buy a car. If a recall has not been addressed, this could be a red flag that there may be other underlying issues with the car as well.

New Jersey State Auto Auction makes this easy, as every model on the lot is CARFAX certified, so drivers will have full access to the maintenance and repair history. Whether drivers are looking to get behind the wheel of a Toyota, a Lexus or any other vehicle, NJ Auto Auction is sure to have a car that suits their needs.

Finding the Perfect Car for Winter Driving

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Posted in General Auto News, Toyota

Drivers who live in the New York/New Jersey area know very well that winter weather can make driving a challenge. While this region may not be snow-covered all winter long, the icy conditions that occur throughout the season should be taken into consideration when picking out a used car. Some vehicles are better than others when it comes to traversing ice and snow, and the best choice may not always be a large SUV, either.

Kelley Blue Book (KBB) recently named its top 10 picks for the best new cars for winter weather, and a few choices may be useful for those looking to purchase used cars. The 2013 Subaru Outback, for instance, was chosen for its all-wheel-drive system that helps the car stay firmly planted on the road no matter how slippery it gets. The Outback has been in production for many years, making it easy for car shoppers to find a used model for sale that offers the same benefits. The 2006 Subaru Outback Wagon comes standard with all-wheel-drive and it has plenty of cargo space, according to Edmunds.

Another model on KBB’s list was the 2013 Toyota Sienna. Drivers looking for an affordable minivan that has enough space for the whole family and can also keep them safe on the road all year long can check out a used Sienna. Know best perhaps for its sleek design, the Sienna is the only minivan that also offers all-wheel drive.

Car shoppers can head to New Jersey Auto Auction to find the winter-worthy vehicle they desire. There is a wide selection of makes and models to choose from, and every car on the lot is CARFAX certified, so motorists will know they’re getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride.

Toyota Ranks No. 1 in Corporate Loyalty

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Posted in General Auto News, Toyota

Corporate loyalty is a major factor in a brand's reputation and economic standing, and Experian recently found Toyota to be at the top of the list. The Japanese automaker surpassed both General Motors and Ford Motor Co. in the second quarter of 2012,  as its corporate loyalty climbed from 41.6 percent in the second quarter of 2011 to 47.3 percent. GM came in behind Toyota with 46.2 percent, barely edging out Ford's 46.0 percent. Hyundai and Honda rounded out the top five brands with 45.3 percent and 43.1 percent, respectively.

"Toyota has done an outstanding job of regaining customer trust and getting repeat customers into showrooms," said Jeffrey Anderson, director of consulting and analytics for Experian Automotive. "To restore normal operations and regain customer trust in such a short time following the earthquake and tsunami is a truly remarkable comeback."

Nearly every brand took a hit when it came to U.S. sales numbers in the wake of the recession, as many drivers put off purchasing vehicles. Toyota and other Japanese companies were hit even harder due to environmental disasters that affected manufacturing plants in Japan, but they have been recovering slowly. Specifically, Toyota's sales went from 3.2 million new and used models sold in Q2 of 2011 to 3.6 million in Q2 of 2012.

As more drivers buy new vehicles, this is leading to an increased number of used cars, making now a great time for car shoppers to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer carries a wide selection of vehicles, including popular Toyota models like the Camry, Corolla, Sienna and Tacoma. Plus, every car on the lot is CARFAX certified, so drivers know they'll be getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride when they come to NJ Auto Auction.

Toyota, Lexus the Most Dependable Brands

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Toyota

Appearance, performance and fuel-economy are all important things to consider when purchasing a car, but perhaps the greatest criteria of all is how reliable it is. After all, if your ride doesn't last very long, it doesn't matter how sleek it look or how many miles you get per tank of gas. A recent study from J.D. Power and Associates revealed what consumers feel are the most dependable cars, and Toyota dominated.

The venerable Japanese automaker was the highest-rated non-premium nameplate, and its sister brand Lexus took the top honors in the luxury sector. Additionally, another Toyota offshoot – Scion – came in fifth place after a 17-spot jump compared to last year.

"We are extremely pleased that not only did we win awards in eight of the 14 model segments, but that in two segments we finished one-two and made the podium in 12 segments overall", said Jim Lentz, President and Chief Operating Officer Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc.

While Toyota and Lexus were the top performers, there were some American-made brands that had high marks as well. In particular, the Ford Explorer was honored for its dependability, as were two General Motors products, the Buick Lucerne and Chevrolet Equinox.

Of course, part of a vehicle's dependability is how well you take care of it. J.D. Power says that if you own any of the cars on the list and maintain it reasonably well over its lifespan, chances are you can trade it in for a high value when the time comes.

To ensure that your car lives up to its dependability rating, you should visit New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care center. Located in Jersey City and open to the public, the center provides everything from repairs to general upkeep.

Toyota Tops Brand Perception Survey Once Again

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Toyota

Consumer Reports released the results of its annual Car-Brand Perception Survey, and while Toyota topped the list once again, there were some surprising changes. The gap between the top four brands is shrinking and smaller companies seem to be reaping the benefits of changes in perception of larger manufacturers.

Toyota led the way in terms of brand perception but it did suffer a bit. While the company may have dropped in favorability in a few key categories, one place it did not suffer was quality. The publication found that Toyota's quality rating stayed at 19 percent – its same level as in 2011 – while competitors such as Honda dropped from 25 to 19 percent, and Ford dipped to 19 percent from 23 percent.

Another area where Toyota performed well was in its perceived friendliness to the environment. Though it dropped eight points from  2011 to 38 percent in 2012, it still placed well above other brands thanks in large part to the popularity of the hybrid Prius.

The dip in brand perception, which affected other manufacturers including Honda, Ford and Chevrolet, seems to be a result of an overall shift in attitude in the auto industry.

"Dramatic events in the automotive industry seem to be affecting how consumers view auto brands," the report states. "Erratic gasoline prices and a struggling economy have pushed consumers to prize low operating costs and good reliability."

Whether you view Toyota favorably or are more partial to Honda, New Jersey State Auto Auction has the perfect model. With a wide variety of used cars at affordable prices there, New Jersey Auto certainly has something for everyone.

Different Poll, Different Result: Toyota Tops in Brand Loyalty

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Toyota

A recent J.D. Power study may have found that Hyundai leads the way when it comes to brand loyalty, but by Kelley Blue Book's (KBB) estimates, that's not the case. The company found that Toyota customers were more loyal during the fourth quarter of 2011 than those of any other auto manufacturer.

The results are somewhat of a return to form for Toyota, as it marks the first time since the third quarter of 2003 that the company has found the top spot on KBB's list. Specifically, researchers found that Toyota's brand shopping loyalty was up to 50.6 percent, marking a 2.7 percent jump since the third quarter.

It was that jump toward the end of the year that caused the discrepancy between the two lists. While Hyundai dominated the first three quarters of the year, Toyota came on strong toward the end after shrugging off the effects of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Not only that, but its redesign of the Camry seems to have struck a chord with consumers.

"Traditional leaders like Toyota are leaving the problems in the past and looking toward bright futures, while new players such as Hyundai, Kia and Audi remain forces to be reckoned with in the American automotive industry," said Akshay Anand, market intelligence web analyst for kbb.com.

Whether you're looking to maintain your brand loyalty to Toyota, Hyundai or any other manufacturer, New Jersey State Auto Auction is the place to go. The dealer provides a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices. Additionally, every car is Carfax certified so you know you're getting a good deal.

Toyota Camry earns praise from Consumer Reports

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Posted in Auto Brands News, Toyota

It is already one of the most popular cars in the United States, but the Toyota Camry recently got a sterling review from Consumer Reports. The publication named the 2012 hybrid version of the car the best family sedan, according to USA Today.

The achievement may surprise some people since the latest version of the Camry was met with some criticism due to its lackluster appearance. However, the car has a number of other features that eventually won over the reviewers. In particular, it's fuel economy, interior and responsive handling all set it above other models. Even the standard, non-hybrid model impressed the magazine.

"In fact, the four-cylinder model’s 27 mpg overall ties with the Hyundai Sonata for the best fuel economy among conventional gasoline-powered family sedans," Consumer Reports said, according to Bloomberg.

The endorsement should not come as a surprise given the Carmy's history. The classic sedan has been the best selling car in the United States 13 out of the last 14 years and it is often touted among the safest cars on the road. This year, for instance, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named it as one of the safest cars for 2012 along with its Japanese counterpart, the Honda Accord.

While Consumer Reports targeted the 2012 Camry, given its sales record if you get behind the wheel of a used model you will not be disappointed either. Whether you're looking for a used Camry or other similar sedan, New Jersey State Auto Auction has you covered. In addition to offering a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, all the vehicles are Carfax certified.