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.

Find Used Cars in New York with New Jersey State Auto

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.

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The results are in, and those looking for used cars in New Jersey and other states say that the number one feature they want is… “something that gets me from point A to B.”

That’s what Ipsos Public Affairs found when they polled 1,000 Americans online to find out what they valued in cars and how they would describe its role in their lives.

“In today’s challenging economic environment, consumers are focused on making smart buying decisions,” said Tom Folliard, president and CEO of CarMax, a website offering research tools for used car buyers that commissioned the survey. “Buying a used car makes sense for shoppers looking for a vehicle that meets their transportation needs, yet remains affordable.”

Price was important for many, as 30 percent of respondents told Ipsos that their vehicle “has to do it all without breaking the bank.”

And that may mean choosing more affordable used cars in New Jersey and other states, as sales have continued to outpace those of new cars in 2009, according to financing company Consumer Portfolio Services.

Find Used Cars in New Jersey with New Jersey State Auto

Economical trips for those looking at used cars in New York

While those looking at used cars in New York may have the budget for their vehicle, some less expensive vacation ideas may help to provide summer fun on a smaller budget, especially if they pick up a used car with good fuel mileage, like a Toyota Yaris.

First, though, to have a home-based vacation, it helps mentally to act like it’s an overseas trip or at least out of state by having one’s mail held at the post office and letting calls go to the answering machine.

On drizzly days, some movie theaters may offer promotions for free tickets, or at least discounted tickets for children, while tours at factories like Crayola or breweries nearby may also offer some low-cost options.

For those looking at used cars in New York who want to be able to enjoy nature and stretch their funds, many state and local parks are free, or for the more athletically inclined there are minor league baseball teams that offer the chance to watch the stars of the future at a lower cost than at many big league parks.

Doing so in a used Toyota Yaris may also save money since it gets an estimated 29 miles per gallon in city driving, saving drivers up to $775 dollars a year over a comparable car that only gets 20 MPG, according to Greencars.com.

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