Buy ‘American’ with used Toyota cars in New Jersey

While the Big 3 U.S. automakers may be a patriot’s first choice for models that represent America, in terms of construction and parts sourcing, it may be worth taking a look at used Toyota cars in New Jersey.

Cars.com issued a report recently that found four of the models in the Toyota line were in the top-10 for American parts use and construction including the Camry, Sienna and Tundra.

“In today’s global economy, there’s not an easy way to determine just how American a car is,” said Patrick Olsen, Cars.com editor-in-chief. “[Our] American-Made Index helps consumers identify the most American vehicles based on production location, percentage of domestic-parts content and American sales volume.”

Indiana-made used Toyota Siennas from 2006 could provide families with the ability to fit nine passengers at once, while adding cargo space if the third-row seat is folded down according to Edmunds.com editors.

It is one of their most highly recommended minivans because of features like cargo hooks, storage compartments and a smooth-handling suspension that makes it “clearly one of the category front-runners,” they said.

Teen driver’s insurance could be more affordable for used cars in New York

Rates to insure used cars in New York are still cheaper than they were in October, according to an industry forecast, but consumers should still consider researching quotes over the next several months to find the best deal before premiums could increase.

“It’s unlikely rates will change significantly in the second half of the year,” said Sam Belden, Insurance.com vice president. “Before rates start to climb, consumers should invest 30 to 60 minutes comparing car insurance quotes.”

The company found that there was a slight uptick in insurance rates in June, although prices were still lower than they were in late 2008.

Students who may be considering used cars in New York because of price concerns (as a cheaper alternative?) can also benefit from researching insurance options that can lessen the high premiums imposed by insurance companies on younger drivers.

Teenage motorists can reduce their rates by maintaining good grades in school, and they could also save by enrolling in driver’s education courses as well.

They may also find that premiums are lower if they drive used cars because insurance companies may think that there could be lower repair costs if a car is damaged in an accident.

Hybrids could help those considering used cars in New Jersey meet emissions rules

Buyers who are considering hybrids as they look at used cars in New Jersey won’t have to worry about new emissions rules in the region.

New Jersey, Pennsylvania and several other states in the region recently applied for cleaner car standards from the EPA based on regulations used by California which are stricter, according to the Environmental Defense Fund.

A report from the fund shows the effects of driving cleaner cars, such as hybrids, on less affluent families who represent a quarter of the populations who drive used cars in New Jersey. The data shows that they could save up to $4.1 billion in costs because of the more fuel efficient vehicles.

“Cleaner cars are a trifecta that will save families money at the gas pump, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and cut global warming pollution from tailpipes,” said James Fine, economist and policy scientist at the fund.

Less affluent drivers of used cars in New Jersey could benefit the most from the new regulations since their transportation costs are double that of wealthier motorists as a percentage of one’s monthly budget.

Vacation tips can help families driving used cars in New York

Families looking to take trips with used cars in New York could make their travel safer with some tips about preventive maintenance.

Starting from the front of the car, make sure that both sets of headlights operate properly, as well as the coolant levels that can keep engines running more effectively in the summer heat.

A penny can also be an effective tool for checking on tires, says Bryan Gregory, Advanced Auto Parts director of consumer education, by putting it between tire treads and making sure you can’t see Abraham Lincoln.

“With the summer season, come the extremes of heat combined with stop and go traffic and longer trips,” said Gregory. “Just as you would apply sunscreen at the beach, you should also make sure your vehicle is prepared for the conditions that you will be traveling in.”

Finally, on the off chance that families driving used cars in New York to vacation destinations suffer a breakdown, a well-stocked emergency kit with food, water and some repair tools can get them back on the road.

Avoid traffic snarl when driving used cars in New York

Buyers looking at used cars in New York who have internet access on their phone could take advantage of an updated service that allows them to monitor traffic bottlenecks on the Triborough bridge and throughout New York City.

Navteq says that its website for mobile phones offers motorists the ability to check for updates on their planned route, including average speeds on various roads, delay information and accident reports that can be customized based on their normal commutes.

“As people become more reliant on having access to real-time traffic [information], drivers want convenient access when they’re on the go,” said Alex Wiegand, Navteq vice president. “NAVTEQ real-time traffic content is highly localized [to help motorists] plan their day.”

Those looking to access the service in used cars in New York on trips to the Garden State should use the services before they start their trip, as New Jersey legislators have banned texting while driving, and both states have laws against talking on a cell phone while operating a vehicle.

Used Subaru Outbacks in New Jersey offer fuel-efficient off-road ability

Subaru recently announced that a continuously variable transmission has increased the fuel efficiency of its Outback models, but those considering used Subaru Outbacks in New Jersey can get similar statistics in older models.

The compact wagon has always come with all-wheel drive as a standard feature, and the combination of “great on- and off-road capability, comfortable space, incredible cargo carrying ability and fuel economy” could interest consumers, according to Tim Mahoney, Subaru senior vice president and chief marketing officer.

A 2005 model could be one option for buyers looking at Subaru Outbacks in New Jersey, due to its expanded size over earlier models, increased ground clearance of nearly 9 inches and greater structural integrity, according to Cars.com.

“Outback sedans and wagons are easy to drive and have extra advantages over the [Subaru] Legacy for driving on less-than-perfect roads,” wrote Jim Flammang in a Cars.com review. “These cars make a satisfying alternative to a sport utility vehicle.”

He added that the acceleration is quick in the Outback which offers combined fuel mileage of around 22 miles per gallon according to EPA estimates.

Used Pontiac Vibes in New York won’t be replaced with new models

Used Pontiac Vibes in New York may be the only option for buyers looking to purchase the station wagon, as General Motors has officially cut production of the car.

The company has ceased production of Vibes and other vehicles at a California factory jointly owned with Toyota, according to Bloomberg.

While GM is looking to increase the numbers of hybrids it offers to 14 by 2012, one of the first may actually be a re-badged Toyota Prius if a deal is reached between the two manufactures, reported the news provider.

The change in strategy comes as the ailing manufacturer asks a bankruptcy court to allow it to shed off several unprofitable assets, according to the Associated Press.

They are hopeful, that as with the Chrysler sale with Fiat, shareholder protests will not affect the creation of the new business entity, reported the news provider.

“Chrysler was the test case for General Motors,” Professor Jack Williams told the Associated Press. “GM’s got momentum, government financing and lots of people that would like to see this happen.”

Used Honda Civic Hybrids in New York could drive 20% sales growth

Used cars in New York that offer hybrid technology may be one segment that buyers could consider, as a new market forecast find that the global hybrid market will increase by 20 percent over the next three years.

Research and Markets developed the forecast based on consumer focus on the cost effective and fuel efficient models first popularized by Honda and Toyota, as well as investments by companies who have seen demand for hybrids grow in 2008 even as the overall market declined.

While the trend will move towards hybrid cars in the future, consumers can find cars like the used Honda Civic Hybrid in New York that could offer better fuel mileage than similar conventional models without waiting for new car development programs.

Cars.com reviewer Joe Wiesenfelder wrote that the 2006 model has a “higher-quality, quieter interior,” along with a more efficient electric generator that helps the car travel 50 miles per gallon whether motorists drive the used Civic Hybrid in New York City streets or on highways.

Used Jaguar S-Types in New York offer affordable alternative to new supercharged sedans

Although Jaguar recently announced a supercharged XF sedan with a 470 horsepower engine, drivers considering a used Jaguar S-Type in New Jersey could find a more affordable option with similar power.

The XF was introduced several years ago by Jaguar as an update to the S-type line of sedans, and the mid-year introduction of the XF with supercharged engines ranging from 470 to 510 horsepower could offer some drivers the ability to go 0-60 in less than 5 seconds.

The main sticking point could be price, as the most affordable model with a less powerful engine starts at $52,000 MSRP according to the manufacturer.

Buyers may be able to find more inexpensive used Jaguar S-Types that offer similar quality, according to Edmunds.com editors.

The 2003 model was “the best Jaguar sedan available,” they wrote, and had an upgraded suspension front and rear in addition to a bevy of safety features.

Motorists looking for more power could find the 2003 S-Type R to their liking, as its 400 horsepower engine helps propel the car from 0 to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds.

New radio show to offer tips for buyers considering used cars in New Jersey

While magazines like AutoWeek may be a resource used by consumers to determined what the best options are among used cars in New Jersey, they may not have time to flip through the pages or have access to the website.

A new radio show that targets those on-the-go used car buyers first aired on June 27 as a weekly report from AutoWeek contributors broadcast on the Radio America Network.

For consumers who may not reside in one of the 40 markets where the show airs at 10 p.m. EST, the magazine’s website has a link to the show’s segments that can be downloaded to an MP3 player or another mobile device, including the June 27 reports on F1 racing and an explanation of “hypermiling.”

Not having to try and open a website or read a magazine is one benefit for buyers considering used cars in New Jersey who may listen in during “their commuting time or their garage time,” according to Thomas Michael Berg, the show’s host.