As September winds to a close, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) is predicting auto sales will remain relatively on par with annual predictions. This month's seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) comes in at around 14.3 million units, which is about what experts predicted at the beginning of the year. This also places September sales 8 percent ahead of the same month last year. While this is a slight drop from August's SAAR of 14.5 million units, KBB officials believe consumer demand will continue to drive sales.
"The average vehicle on the road today is approximately 11 years old. Those consumers that have delayed their purchase of a new vehicle during the past several years due to economic reasons are finally making the decision to trade up to something new," said Alec Guttierez, senior market analyst of automotive insights for KBB. "As a vehicle ages beyond 10 years old, or has more than 100,000 miles on the odometer, rising maintenance costs and deteriorating reliability can become a serious headache. Drivers of older vehicles are keenly aware of this fact and many are opting to take advantage of the near zero percent finance offers on today's more reliable and fuel-efficient vehicles to achieve peace of mind."
Purchasing a brand new car may not be an option for everyone, and in many cases buying a used car can be the wiser choice. Used models do not depreciate in value as quickly as new vehicles. They are also an excellent option for drivers who are on a budget. Those in the New York/New Jersey area who are considering purchasing a used vehicle can head to NJ State Auto Auction. The dealer carries a wide selection of makes and models. Plus, thanks to partnerships with many major lenders, NJ Auto Auction offers guaranteed credit approval for everyone.