Tag: protection

Since the introduction of the Toyota Prius to North America in 2000, a portion of the general public has had a fascination with the hybrid vehicle. With impressive gas mileage and environmentally-friendly features, it’s not hard to see why.

Now, almost a decade later, there are more hybrids on the market, and interest among car buyers continues to grow. For those who are interested in purchasing a used hybrid car, what exactly goes into researching this type of automobile? And for those who have purchased used cars in the past, can their prior knowledge be used toward a hybrid purchase?

Here are some things potential hybrid owners should consider when looking at used cars.

Used Hybrid Car Buying Checklist

Get the history

As with all used car purchases, it’s still important to run the history of a car — be it hybrid or not. It’s worth knowing what kind of work has been done and whether or not the car was involved in an accident. It may also be a good idea to get a pre-purchase inspection from a dealer who is authorized to sell the same make of the used car you’re looking at.

Factor in the mileage

In the past, people who were looking to purchase a used car usually paid attention to the mileage of the vehicle. High mileage meant there was most likely more wear and tear on a car. However, this way of thinking may not apply to used hybrids.

These cars are meant to have higher mileage, so it may be typical to see cars with 80,000 miles on the odometer. In fact, there have been reports that some hybrids in the market have already gone past 100,000 miles. 

Understand the hybrid battery

Part of the reason hybrid cars get such good mileage is that they partially run off a battery, which also helps owners save on gas (a full tank of gas in a hybrid can go much further when compared to a standard gas-powered car). But like all batteries, there may come a day when the one in an older hybrid model needs to be replaced. 

It’s important for used car buyers to get a full understanding of what a battery replacement may entail. For example, those looking into a used Toyota Prius should conduct research and talk to dealers so they understand how they should replace the car’s battery if it should come to that.

Learn how to drive

Finally, keep in mind that hybrids are a different kind of car and that just turning them on may confuse some consumers who have spent years driving gas-powered vehicles. Doing the necessary research on how to operate a hybrid car will help buyers be more comfortable during and after the process of buying a used car.

Shop Used Hybrid Cars in Jersey City, NJ

Now that you’re equipped with your checklist, it’s time to check out some cars. We stock several options in our inventory of used hybrid cars for sale in Jersey City, New Jersey. Visit NJ State Auto Used Cars to see which is the best fit for you.

You’re speeding along the highway, singing to your favorite song on the radio, when all of a sudden your tire blows out. Hope you didn’t have any upcoming appointments because now you’re going to be late. Very late.

Accidents always seem to happen at the worst possible moment. You never know when an emergency will happen, but if you’re prepared you can save yourself a lot of time and headaches. If you come prepared with an emergency kit, you will be in control of the situation, and you could even save your life and the lives of your family and friends.

The Top 15 Things to Pack in Your Car’s Emergency Kit

1. Cell phone charger

We all use our cellphones all the time, and yet we never seem to remember to bring our chargers with us. Avoid being thrown back to the dark ages by keeping a car charger with you. You’ll definitely be grateful for it when the tow company puts you on hold for the third time.

2. Tool kit

How do you expect to change that flat tire if you don’t have a tool kit? A tool kit with a Phillips head screwdriver, a flathead screwdriver, vise grips, an adjustable wrench, and a pair of pliers will come in handy if your car breaks down so you can fix things immediately. 

3. First-aid kit

Dad thinks he can change the tire by himself, even though it is pitch black outside. While Dad did successfully do that, he also cut his hand in the process. Now is not the time to say I told you so. Better to just keep a first-aid kit in the trunk with bandages, gauze pads, adhesive tape, aspirin, antiseptic wipes, and antibiotic ointment. This way, Dad can change the tire, and get his bandaid too.

4. Flashlight

You’ve seen that horror movie, right? The one where the couple’s car breaks down at night and they are stranded in the unknown woods, hearing the sounds of snapping branches and animal howls? Avoid becoming the star in your own horror movie and keep a flashlight in your glove compartment, as well as some extra batteries. 

5. Multi-tool

It fits in your pocket and it has so many uses! A standard multipurpose knife will come with a bottle opener, a flathead screwdriver, a wire cutter, a rescue blade, and a glass breaker. It’s a useful tool in any situation. 

6. Rain gear

Is it fashionable? Eh. Is it useful? Absolutely. If you’re fixing that flat tire and it suddenly starts pouring, you’ll be happy to keep dry with a poncho. But what about an umbrella? If you’re driving alone, who is going to hold the umbrella while you loosen the lug nuts? No-one, exactly. You’ll drive home completely drenched with your useless umbrella. Just keep a poncho in your car, or be ready to take an unexpected clothes-on shower in the rain.

7. Comfortable shoes

These boots are made for walking, but if you walk too far in them you’ll get blisters. Maybe we should change that phrase to these boots are made for limping. If you happen to run out of gas on the middle of the highway, you’ll need to walk somewhere to refill the tank. And you’ll probably have to walk farther than you’d like. Comfortable walking shoes, like sneakers or hiking shoes, will make the trek more bearable. 

8. Jumper cables

There’s a major sale going on at the mall. The parking lot is totally full. Suddenly a spot opens up, and you’re so excited that you snatch it and run into the store. But you forgot to turn your lights off. And when you come out with your newly bought packages, your battery is dead. Leave jumper cables in your car so a nearby vehicle can help get your ride running again. This could also be very useful if your car doesn’t start because the weather is too cold.

9. Fire extinguisher

Are you really hot, or is that smoke coming from your front hood? Whether from overheating or from a spark caused by an electrical problem, a fire extinguisher can prevent a very dangerous situation from getting worse. Make sure the expiration date on the fire extinguisher is current too. There’s nothing worse than having a fire extinguisher that doesn’t work when you need it.

10. Reflective barriers

Cars are whizzing past you, practically clipping your side mirror, but your engine just won’t start. Place some reflective warning triangles around your car to notify oncoming drivers that your car is stationary. It will also signal them to slow down. LED flares are another good option to prevent roadside mishaps and alert drivers to use caution as they pass you.

11. Non-perishable snacks

This is the most fun item to keep in your car. Everybody loves snacks! If your car breaks down and you’re far away from civilization, your pre-packed snacks can help stave off hunger. Just make sure that you don’t eat them all during regular road trips.

12. Bottled water

Along with snacks, keeping bottled water in your car is vital. Snacks are delicious, but water is practical. Especially if your snacks are salty. If you get stuck somewhere overnight for some reason, you will stay hydrated and much happier. We need water to live, so it’s worth it to bring it along.

13. Cat litter

You decided to finally visit those distant cousins in Minnesota for Thanksgiving. Hooray! You drove through the snow to see them, but you parked your car on a patch of ice and now you’re stuck. Boo! You press the gas pedal, but the tires just spin. Use cat litter as a replacement for sand to create traction beneath the tires if you happen to get stuck. It really does work, and it will save you an a-meow-zing a-meow-nt of time.

14. Radio handset

Video killed the Radio Star, but radios are a great tool for communication and information. Leave a battery-powered or hand crank radio in the car to listen for weather warnings and other important news if your vehicle’s radio or your cell phone stops working. Why would your cell phone stop working? Well you definitely listened to my sage advice and brought a power charger, but perhaps you decided  to forego that poncho after all and your cell got drenched in your back pocket. Or perhaps you’ve driven into the horror movie where cell service stops working. Either way, going old school with a radio will help connect you to the outside world.

15. Blankets

Storing a fleece blanket in the trunk of your car could save your life. Remember those cousins you visited in Minnesota? So you had your cat litter and you were able to get your car out of that icy patch, but now your car has broken down completely, very far from their house. Too far and too cold to walk with your walking shoes. And yes, it has started snowing again. The blanket will help keep you warm as you wait for help to arrive.

Get Your Car Inspected Before a Road Trip

Prevention is always the best plan. If your car is due for an inspection, make sure to have a certified mechanic look at it before you embark on a long journey. 

For more advice on cars or trip planning, come chat with us at New Jersey State Auto Auction in Jersey City. We can get you set up in a pre-owned vehicle that is ready for any excursion. Browse our inventory of used cars for sale now.

When looking to buy a pre-owned car, researching the vehicle you are interested will help you decide what is the best option for you. Knowing about the warranty of the car you want is especially helpful so you know what kind of coverage you can expect to have. Most used car dealerships, like New Jersey State Auto Auction, will have information ready for you, but it’s a good idea to do your homework before taking the next step.

What’s the Difference Between a New and Used Car Warranty?

Car manufacturers offer certain warranties on their new vehicles that tend to expire after a certain period of time or once the car reaches a certain mileage. These warranties are different for each vehicle and can protect new cars from costly problems. Many people believe that buying a used car voids these benefits, but that isn’t true.

A certified pre-owned vehicle protection plan begins once the original warranty ends. Different brands have different benefits, but car manufacturers like Chevrolet extend their bumper-to-bumper warranty. Other companies like Honda, adds years to their powertrain protection. BMW goes as far as extending their new car warranty, offering owners roadside assistance and emergency services to their pre-owned car drivers. 

Knowing what warranty and options you have is important and can influence your decision when purchasing your new pre-owned car.

Make Sure Your Used Car Is Covered in Jersey City

At New Jersey State Auto Auction, we can help you look at your options and determine the best fit for you. Doing your research and knowing what you want before you look is very important and will make the buying process much easier. 

If you are ready to start looking for your next car, visit New Jersey State Auto Auction to view our inventory of used cars for sale. Reach out to us to schedule a visit or learn more about the car you’re interested in.