Ebay trial ends, buyers may want to price out used cars in New Jersey

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Posted in Auto Industry News, General Auto News

General Motors has been trying a variety of new ideas as it seeks to become profitable following a government bailout. One of them was a partnership with online auction site eBay, but low prices aren’t likely to be found on new cars there anytime soon, opening up the possibility of looking for inexpensive used cars in New Jersey instead.

In fact, dealers told the Wall Street Journal that they were consistently receiving bids that were far below the market value of the car, and that sifting through them was a hassle, along with the fact that there did not seem to be much interest.

“Being the first manufacturer out there to put new vehicles online, I think in just that six-week period, it shows you that there were a lot of people looking at these vehicles who weren’t looking at those vehicles before,” GM spokesman John McDonald told cnet. “We’re not fire-selling vehicles on eBay, [so] there’s a certain amount of user education in that, and a certain amount of dealer education.”

The bids made that were too low for new car dealers may receive more attention from those selling used cars in New Jersey, however, because of price depreciation.

Cash for Clunkers survey finds fewer available used Ford Mustangs in New York

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Ford

If you always wanted a pony car but can’t muster the money for a new model, now may be the right time to find and purchase a used Ford Mustang in New York, because the supply took a hit during the Cash for Clunkers program.

In all, more than 1,600 Ford Mustangs were taken off the road during the initiative, and with some models as new as 2008, AutoWeek reports that the likely net effect was that affordable cars were eliminated when they could have gone to less affluent buyers who could have appreciated them. It’s chief competitor, the Camaro, didn’t fare well either.

“Though the Camaro crowd rejoiced at the car’s return this year, 1,007 of its predecessors are now history, including at least eight from every year from 1984 to 2000,” noted the magazine. “The early ’90s were particularly brutal, with 127 from 1991 and 116 from 1992 getting handed a blind fold and cigarette.”

Pony car lovers who are working on a tight budget may want to survey used Ford Mustangs in New York now, because as word gets out that the affordable coupes are in limited supply, prices could jump.

Families could benefit from the spacious middle seats of used Honda Pilots in New Jersey

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Posted in Honda - DO NOT USE

Many SUVs and crossovers now offer an optional or standard third row of seating, but as many families know, the middle row of seats is often shortchanged like the middle child. Cars.com editors recently responded to a family’s query about second-row seating, and their suggestions could point towards used Honda Pilots in New Jersey for families with growing children.

Unlike other models that may offer additional seating at the expense of space for those sitting in the second row, the website recommended the Pilot as one of its top three SUVs for families looking to fit tall teenagers for road trips.

The writers at Edmunds.com agreed, noting that “[As] one of the best crossover SUVs available, the 2006 Honda Pilot is an excellent choice for large, active families in need of versatility.”

Used Honda Pilots in New Jersey like the 2006 model also offers a frame strong enough for some light off-road work, but the suspension also provides a ride that “is quite smooth and comfortable on normal roads,” according to the review.

Jay Leno’s Green Car Challenge could make viewers consider used Ford Focuses in New York

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Posted in Celebrity Auto News, Ford

We don’t yet have the ability to purchase electric-powered variants of Ford‘s compact Focus line of cars, but a recent segment on the Jay Leno Show could spur interest in fuel-efficient used Ford Focuses in New York for buyers who can’t wait for the electric version.

Leno’s own garage isn’t exactly environmentally friendly, with a variety of muscle cars and classic vehicles that were produced for performance, but he recently began a Green Car Challenge on his new show that puts celebrities like Rush Limbaugh behind the wheel of yet-to-be-released eco-friendly models.

One of those is the upcoming electrically-assisted Ford Focus, but buyers who need a car now and are interested in fuel efficiency could find their interest whetted with a 2004 model.

Used Ford Focuses in New York from that model year won’t get 50+ miles per gallon, but they are “frugal with fuel,” according to Edmunds.com editors, and the difference in price between a new electric Focus and pre-owned models will likely pay for several years of fill-ups.

Eva Mendes paparazzi shot could spur interest in used Toyota Priuses in New Jersey

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Posted in Celebrity Auto News, Toyota

It may be hard to take your eyes away from Eva Mendes for very long, but smart buyers who see the fine lines of the car she’s driving could be enticed to check out used Toyota Priuses in New Jersey as well.

The starlet was recently seen hopping into one of the environmentally friendly cars for a spin. Celebrity reporters weren’t able to find out why Mendes was heading out in the Prius, but hybrids have become a popular vehicle for Hollywood celebrities looking to green their habits in recent years. (split in two or reword)

Of course, she’s not the only reason one might want to consider picking up a used Toyota Prius in New Jersey. A pre-owned model takes some of the sting out of hybrid’s higher initial prices, and offers an increase in fuel economy over cars with standard engines.

The ride quality of a 2005 model could be attractive to some, and it was the second year that the Prius was available in a larger size with more space for passengers and cargo, according to a Cars.com review.

Fickle Chinese suitor may affect the supply of used cars in New Jersey

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Posted in Auto Industry News, Pontiac - DO NOT USE, Saab - DO NOT USE

General Motors is shedding some formerly popular brands such as Pontiac and Saab, but issues over a deal to sell the Hummer line could affect the future supply of used cars in New Jersey.

There is only one bidder, Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machinery from China, and the Asian company has lost the support of the national government over concerns about the fuel efficiency of Hummers as well as Sichuan Tengzhong’s inexperience in the retail market, reports Time.

The automotive market for the larger vehicles is now in overseas markets, one analyst told the news provider, in spite of recent research demonstrating brand loyalty among current owners.

Were the plan to go through for the Chinese purchase, a new headquarters for Hummer would be established in Michigan by General Motors, reports Reuters. The state has offered more than $20 million in tax credits over the next 10 years if the sale is made.

The turmoil over future production of the niche vehicles may mean that buyers looking for their next vehicle will want to focus on used Hummers in New Jersey, as well as offerings from other makers.

Foreign may be the way to go when choosing among used cars in New York

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Posted in General Auto News, Honda - DO NOT USE, Hyundai

Automakers like Hyundai and Honda offer good values for those looking at used cars this fall, and that may be one reason to consider pre-owned Honda Accords or used Hyundai Elantras in New York when putting together a list of vehicles to consider.

Among midsize sedans, a used Honda Accord may offer a reliable mode of transport that one writer at the Belleville News Democrat says has required little maintenance outside of an oil change over 125,000 miles and 10 years of ownership. It’s a “solid, reliable [car] that can run in top shape forever,” she notes.

Another option is the Hyundai Elantra, which has a low starting price combined with a “great feel on the road [and] some fun extras and superior safety ratings,” according to the newspaper. Some of the best model years for used Hyundai Elantras in New York are 2004-2007.

“The ride is pleasantly easygoing for a small car because its suspension copes adeptly with rough spots,” add Cars.com editors reviewing the 2004 model.

Deer are a growing problem for drivers of used cars in New Jersey

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Posted in General Auto News

A growing residential population in formerly rural areas of the Garden State mean that there are more frequent collisions with used cars in New Jersey and wildlife that can’t read road signs.

Chief among the states experiencing an increase in the number of deer-vehicle collisions is New Jersey, where incidents have increased by more than 50 percent when comparing estimates of claims made by State Farm customers between 2007 and 2009 to those five years earlier. That is the greatest percentage change in any state outside of Nebraska.

“We want to call attention to potential hazards like this one,” said Laurette Stiles, State Farm vice president of strategic resources. “We hope our updated information will inspire motorists to make safe decisions.”

The twilight and early evening period are when deer are most active, and drivers may want to use high beams as much as possible to improve visibility on rural roads or those with low visibility while driving used cars in New Jersey. If preventive measures don’t seem to work, use the brakes rather than swerving to avoid hitting a stationary object or oncoming vehicle which could result in increased injuries or property damage.

Unique racing league could appeal to owners of used cars in New York

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Posted in General Auto News

Race fans can find a variety of motorsports options in New York, from dirt tracks to full-size tracks both at home and in neighboring states, but a new league could provide a new twist for interested owners of used cars in New York.

It’s called Caged Heat, and has received the endorsement of one member of the famous Andretti racing family. The biggest difference between it and other series is that the races can be run in hockey facilities with NHL regulation ice surfaces.

The race entries will be smaller than most used cars in New York, roughly half the size of a normal race car, and will be traveling around a steeply banked track that includes 125-foot-long straightaways. The size of the cars and the length of the track will enable speeds of up to 50 mph on the miniature track.

“With the popularity of racing in the United States and an economy on the rebound, now is the perfect time to offer race fans and sponsors a new, affordable, exciting sport,” said Thomas Wall, Caged Heat CEO.

For interested fans in New York, there is a race scheduled in Rochester at the Blue Cross Arena August 27 and 28, 2010.

Pickup truck enthusiasts could enjoy driving used Ford F-150s in New York

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Posted in Ford, General Auto News

You may be a Ford guy or a Chevy guy, but a recent survey finds that no matter your brand preference, men love pickup trucks. For those looking to see what the fuss is about, a used Ford F-150 in New York may be a good starting point.

The editors at PickupTrucks.com recently conducted a survey of the attitudes of truck owners to their vehicles, and the responses from the online participants showed a particular affinity between owners and their pickups.

In fact, they would choose keeping their rig over their spouse, their house and even some bedroom activities by margins of more than 25 percent for each activity, according to the results. Nearly half of them have spent at least $1,000 on their trucks, and a similar number of younger owners have names for their pickups.

“The high value that pickup truck owners place on their trucks and the amount of money that they spend in aftermarket products makes sense when you consider the fact that 64 percent consider their truck as an extension of their personalities,” noted PickupTrucks.com editor Mike Levine.

If you’re looking to see why these guys are so passionate, driving around a used Ford F-150 in New Jersey, or a Dodge Ram may be the first step.