Potential customers looking for used cars in New York may have some competition for at least one vehicle, but a famous pizza chain owner is willing to offer a reward if they find the used Chevrolet Camaro he once owned.

Papa John’s owner John Schnatter says he sold his 1972 Camaro to help start his business, but 25 years later, he still misses the car that got him $1,600 in restaurant equipment.

So he began a road trip with stops in Indiana, Georgia and Texas, driving a similar car and delivering pizzas to spread the word that it’s worth $25,000 to him for someone to track down his original car.

Schnatter has tried to help out with what he remembers of the car, including the sunroof, velvet interior and no air conditioning, as well as a differential he installed that makes the speedometer read about 10 miles per hour over the actual speed.

Americans have until the end of August to find a vehicle title that has Schnatter’s name on it, and can still get the prize money even if they don’t actually own the used Chevrolet.

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Buyers interested in used cars in New Jersey may know that online research can help them make the right decision about their next auto purchase, but the history reports offered by some websites may not be completely accurate.

Consumer Reports asked for vehicle history reports from a number of online providers for vehicles they knew had significant body damage based on owner interviews and photos provided to the non-profit.

They say that clean reports came back from many of the providers, either because damage may not have been reported to an insurance company, or was used by a rental company.

To ensure that buying a used car in New Jersey doesn’t mean picking up a lemon, they say that going over the car in person with a mechanic can help pick up evidence of paint overspray or other tell-tale signs of extensive body work that could lead to further problems down the road.

“Many dealerships provide free history reports to consumers,” said Anthony Giorgianni, Consumer Reports associate editor. “The reports provide useful information. But it’s what they can miss that should worry you.”

Find Used Cars in New Jersey with New Jersey State Auto

For those considering picking up a used car in New Jersey, one writer says that a seven-step plan may help make for the right price to fit their budget.

Budgeting enough time, up to a couple weeks, can help limit the chances for a seller to drive a hard bargain, writes Eric Mack for the Kentucky Post, and gives potential buyers time to research information about a car’s history and features.

Also, even if the plan is to finance the vehicle, having cash in hand may help prove to a seller that things are serious, as the more cash that’s available, the more likely a dealer is to take a somewhat lower offer, according to the news provider.

They can also benefit from a wider range of vehicles to choose from, according to a Virginian-Pilot report that says that many dealerships that have been closed down by Chrysler and General Motors are now turning to used cars, bringing in more vehicles to help maintain sales levels.

“The used-car business is very strong,” Alan Rice, Colonial Cadillac executive manager told the news provider, adding that at a two-day sale, his firm sold used trucks and SUVs at five times the normal rate.

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Consumers considering buying a used car in New York may not remember the costs of routine maintenance, but some experts say that car owners are making the decision to repair, rather than buy a new car.

“I’ve reached out to many of our members in recent weeks and months, and they continue to report an increase in business,” Angie Wilson, Automotive Service Association vice president of marketing and communications told AOL Autos.

She added that one way that people are saving money is to put off minor or optional repairs that don’t affect the safety of the car, or comparison-shopping among different shops.

When consumers who may be considering used cars in New York get their brake pads inspected, “if there’s 30 percent or more left, which means there might be about 5,000 miles left on them, they’ll wait and maybe do that when they get their next oil change or tire rotation,” Tom Torbjornsen, host of America’s Car Show told the news provider.

For do-it-yourselfers, regularly cleaning the upholstery and washing the car, especially after winters of road salt and other corrosives may also help the car to last longer, according to the Evening Telegraph.

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For those looking for used cars in New York who already use the internet to do research on car features or loan information, a new resource may allow further peace of mind.

Carfax is a website that allows consumers to find out about the repair history of most used cars in New York and other states, but a new partnership may allow potential buyers to find out even more information about cars in which they’re interested.

The company has announced that it is teaming up with the National Vehicle Certification Program Group, which provides independent inspections on everything from fluid levels to notes about the interior and exterior, as well as analysis of engine bay fluid levels.

“In times like these, many people are turning to pre-owned as a more economical choice,” said Rob
Gaither, NVCP president. “They want to know about the quality and condition of a used car before they make a financial decision.”

Interested consumers can click through from the Carfax website to see the inspection results and photos of used cars in New York and other states they may want to buy.

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One way to combine summer and the fruits of looking for a used car in New Jersey is by making a road trip with a potential new purchase, but it may also get you prizes.

If you can describe it better than other competitors in 300 words or less on the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials website, you’ll be entered into monthly drawings for prizes to be determined.

“It might be a cross-country adventure to the Grand Canyon or a trip to the ocean for the very first time,” says John Horsely, AASHTO executive director. “And no matter what or where you traveled, we want to share your stories in the hopes that they’ll inspire others to discover America.”

The website may also be a good resource for those considering a used car in New Jersey but stumped for travel ideas, as they can check out others’ stories for ideas about future trips that may be possible.

Find Used Cars in New Jersey with New Jersey State Auto