Car Chat with Paul Sansone, Jr.

A Grand Present For Your New Jersey Graduate!

Paul Sansone, Jr. — Thu, 17 May 2012 21:28:39 +0000

Photo Credit: newsone.com

As the school year comes to a close, there a host of high school and college graduates setting out to make their mark on the world. And as parent or friend, it’s your time to give a present. What better present than a brand new vehicle from your local New Jersey Suzuki and Nissan dealer? The Suzuki Kizashi and the Nissan Juke have made Left Lane News’ list of the “10 Best Cars For New College Graduates.”

The Suzuki Kizashi a 4-door sedan, seating up to five passengers. Starting at $18,999, it is a good choice for your recent graduate. And, you won’t break the bank gifting this vehicle. The Suzuki Kizashi features 2.4 liter, 4-cylinder, 16-valve engine with a 6-speed manual transmission standard on all models except the Sport SLS. Depending on the model you choose, you will get anywhere from 20-23 miles per gallon in the city and 29-31 miles per gallon on the highway. Some of the features that all models come equipped with are keyless entry, dual zone climate control, power windows and information display.

The Nissan Juke another option for your graduate, is a crossover SUV (sport utility vehicle) starting at $19,990. The Juke gets 27 miles per gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway. The Nissan Juke features a 1.6-liter, 16-valve, 4-cylinder engine with 188-horse power. Interior features available on all models include a blue-tooth hands free phone system, MP3 playback capability, drive computer and outside temperature display, steering-wheel mounted cruise control, power windows and power locks.

No matter which car you choose as a gift for your recent New Jersey graduate, I’m sure they will appreciate the boost into their future. To purchase your new or used Suzuki Kizashi or Nissan Juke, visit Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall today!

Spring Rain Driving Tips New Jersey!

Paul Sansone, Jr. — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:26:54 +0000

Photo Credit: theweatherobserver.com

We all know the saying “April showers bring May flowers.” However, it seems that spring showers don’t always only rain down in the month of April. They can come in any spring month and usually work their way into the summer months. We have probably all been given advice and may know a thing a two about driving on snow and in winter weather. However, here is some advice for driving your new or used vehicle on the New Jersey road in the rain.

1. Try to stay in the middle lanes or middle of the road – When rain pours down and it collects in the road, it tends to puddle on the sides of the road. Driving in the middle will help you to avoid the large pools of water and prevent you from hydroplaning also known as aquaplaning. This occurs when your tires loose direct contact with the road, which in turns causes a loss of steering or breaking control.
2. Use the car in front of you – The car that you drive behind in the rain will pave a nice trail for you. It will push water away creating a smoother driving surface for your vehicle. Keep your steering and tires in alignment with the vehicle in front while still maintaining a safe distance.
3. Avoid using cruise control – When driving in the rain, you should be paying close attention and cruise control may slow your reaction to breaking and accelerating.
4. Listen to the rain – Listening to the rain will help you get a better sense for the weather so you can drive accordingly. Listening to the weather and traffic report is all right as well, but be sure not to play it too loudly.
5. Avoid busses and trucks – The bigger the vehicle the bigger the splash when it hits a puddle. Try to avoid driving next to them as these splashes will block your view temporarily if it hits you.
6. Dry your brakes – Once you have been through a puddle, dry your brakes by stepping on and off them. This will help to dry them out as wet brake pads have less power than dry ones.
7. Don’t slam on your brakes – In the unfortunate circumstance that your vehicle ends up hydroplaning while driving in the rain, it is important to not slam on the brakes. This may cause your vehicle to spin out even more. Instead hold your steering wheel tight and try to slow down gradually until you are in control once again.

The next time you find yourself driving in the rain, try to remember these tips to keep yourself safe. And if you need any further information, stop by Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall today!

Watching Your Insurance Rates New Jersey!

Paul Sansone, Jr. — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:08:47 +0000

Photo Credit: autoinsurancecompanies.com

When you own a vehicle, there are certain responsibilities that go hand in hand. These include, registration, emissions and insurance to name a few. We all like to keep these costs down, especially our car insurance. Many people understand that certain things will cause your insurance rates to rise; accidents, tickets and young male drivers. There are some that many people on unaware of however.

Turning 50
No one likes to get older, and no one likes to be reminded of it, especially by the insurance company. When you turn 50 however, you become considered an “older driver.”

Poor or low credit score

Most insurance companies raise rates for people with low or poor credit rating as they believe them to be a higher risk. If your credit rating is lower, you may have missed some payments on your credit card or other bills. Due to this, it puts you in the less reliable category with the insurance company, and your rates will rise accordingly.

Increasing Mileage
If the miles that you drive increases, so will you rates. Effectively, the more miles that you log, the more likely you are to get in an accident. Conversely, should your miles go back down, so will your rates. Check with your insurance company to see what their specific guidelines are.

A friend has an accident in your vehicle
Even though you weren’t the one driving, you can still be held responsible. If you can avoid making a claim, you can avoid hiked up insurance rates. However, this all depends on the borrower of your vehicle. Can they afford to make the repairs? If not, then making a claim will raise your rates.

Being Single
Unfortunately, being single will cause you to pay more when it comes to insurance. Studies have shown that married people and those with a solid credit rating are less likely to be involved in accidents.

Although some of these causes of high insurance are avoidable, some are not. Do what you can to keep your rates low and come visit us at Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall today!

NHTSA Helps You Figure Out Which Car Seat Is Best For Your Child New Jersey!

Paul Sansone, Jr. — Wed, 09 May 2012 04:54:27 +0000

Photo Credit: safecar.gov

The dilemma of the right car seat begins even before the birth of a new baby, and it lasts far longer than you would think. It seems parents always have a hard time figuring out which car seat is appropriate for each stage of their child’s development, and just when you think you are on top of things, it all changes. Well, now there is some help. The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has launched a new website designed to aid parents in child seat safety and the latest guidelines and regulations.

The NHTSA’s new website address is www.safecar.gov/therightseat. The website assists you based on your child’s age and helps parents determine when it is time to switch from an infant to convertible seat and rear-facing to forward-facing. That’s not the end of car seats however. From a convertible car seat you must determine when the right time is to transition to a booster seat and then just a seat belt. The website reviews each type of car seat and gives you a detailed description. The site also reviews in text and video format how to properly install the type of car seat you

There is more information and videos related to car seats including the proper installation techniques, and NHTSA safety seat recommendations and a child seat inspection station locater. The website also offers further information on more than just car seats. There is a safety section regarding keeping your children safe when riding a bus, bicycling and walking. You can also find a section devoted to teen driving and keeping your new driver safe. And there is a section which talks about keeping your child safe when in and around a vehicle and avoiding heatstroke and accidents with seat belts, trunks and moving vehicles.

If you are in need of information regarding child seats or just want to review, check out the NHTSA’s new website. And, if you need any questions answered about child seats and your new or used Kia, Nissan or Suzuki, visit your local New Jersey dealer, Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall!

Kia Sportage Makes Forbes List Of Most Improved Cars for 2012!

Paul Sansone, Jr. — Mon, 07 May 2012 15:54:53 +0000

Photo Credit: bestsuvcar.info

Forbes Magazine has released the results of their testing for most improved cars for 2012. The 2012 Kia Sportage made the list jumping 5.33 points for a total of 79.45 points. Let’s explore what was changed to make the Sportage more fun to drive and an overall better SUV.

The most exciting part of the new Sportage SX is the new turbocharged 2.0 liter, direct injected engine that delivers a smile inducing 260 horsepower and 269 foot pounds of torque. That alone is enough to get anyone’s attention. The Sportage also achieves excellent fuel economy with 22 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway. This adds up to a lot of fun without spending a lot of money.

Off road fun is always an option with the Sportage. When equipped with all wheel drive and a six speed automatic transmission, off road challenges are handled with ease. This truly makes this a SUV that is up to any challenge.

The exterior of the Sportage is built with safety and style in mind. The available 18-inch alloy wheels show this Sportage is serious about looks and performance. Lighting the way are available LED running lights and fog lamps for harsh weather. The styling suggests this is a serious contender on and off the road.

The Sportage only gets better when you step inside, from the new state of the art UVO entertainment system, to the Clean Tex treatment on the cloth seats, this vehicle is built to impress and provide value everywhere possible. Kia has also increased measures to reduce noise and further increase the already enjoyable ride.

All these features normally come at a premium price. The Sportage once again delivers on value with prices ranging from $18,500 to $28,400. The standard and available features are hard to beat at any price. To take a look at the 2012 Kia Sportage, visit your local New Jersey Kia dealer, Sansone 66 Automall today!

Baby Boomers Drive New Car Sales New Jersey!

Paul Sansone, Jr. — Fri, 04 May 2012 03:22:47 +0000

Photo Credit: Car Connection

As the auto market begins to bounce back, the ones in the drivers seat at your local New Jersey dealer, aren’t necessarily who we would expect. They are America’s baby boomers and they are responsible for the majority of auto sales these days. Baby boomers are those in the population who were born post World War II, between 1946-1965 and make up about 42 percent of the population. And the baby boomers are the ones with the money.

There are some factors that have affected the amount of money the baby boomers have. These include a possibly diminished retirement savings due to recent economic conditions and a decreased inheritance caused by their parents living longer and using up more of their savings. However, according to J.D. Power and AARP ( ), buyers over 50 account for 62.5% of all auto sales. When it comes to the type of vehicle, boomers make up 67% of sales for Detroit’s big three automakers, Ford, GM and Chrysler, 60% of sales for Asian manufacturers and 56% of European automakers.

According to AARP, the median income of baby boomers 50 and older is $67,537. And, of all the automobile models JD Power and AARP took into account, 80% of those are sold to buyers over 50. The attributes that are most important to baby boomers when it comes to buying a car are economy and reliability.

There are many reasons why the baby boomer population is such a large percentage of the buyers. For one, the younger generation, or those aged 18-34, referred to as Generation Y, make up only 23.2% of the population. Their median income is $55,856, and as the average price of a new vehicle is a little more than $30,000, they would be spending a good portion of their paycheck on their car. As a result of these factors, Generation Y makes up only 13% of car buyers.

Only time will tell whether or not Generation Y can catch up to the Baby boomers when it comes to auto sales. But until then, they will remain the majority of the buyers. And don’t forget, if you are in the market for a new or used car today, come visit us at Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall!

The 5 Best Car Gadgets For Your Vehicle New Jersey!

Paul Sansone, Jr. — Wed, 02 May 2012 16:06:49 +0000

Photo Credit: Automotive-access

Cars have come a long way since their invention. The first models were very simple and did not have any fancy gadgets to offer. Every year the new vehicle models seem to offer some sort of new gadget or electronic intended to make our lives simpler or easier. The following gadgets offered in today’s vehicles are a few of the most practical and useful for today’s driver and can be found at your local New Jersey dealer.

Keyless Ignition
Many vehicles today have remote ignition in which you can push a button on your key remote and your car will automatically start while keeping the doors locked. If you want to go even more high-tech, you can opt for keyless ignition. With keyless ignition, you simply have a key fob or remote, to lock and un-lock your vehicle. To start your vehicle, a sensor inside your vehicle will detect the key fobs presence, and you just push a button on the dash.

Back-Up Camera
If you have ever hit something while backing up, you can truly appreciate this gadget. Many cars today come with a dash mounted back-up camera that plays an image of what is behind your vehicle while you back up. Back up cameras are especially useful if you have or live around children, to help prevent any accidents.

Bluetooth
As cell phones have become an accessory that everyone carries nowadays, some vehicles now come equipped as Bluetooth enabled. Bluetooth gives you the ability to dial and talk hands free, and keep your eyes on the road.

Navigation System
Whether the vehicle you own comes equipped with one, or you have had one installed, a navigation system is a very helpful device. It can get you from point A to point B with the touch of a button and these are great gadgets for a road trip.

iPod Connection
Many cars today come equipped with an MP3 connection and some are even more specific and installing an iPod specific connection. If you are a music lover, this is a great gadget to have in your vehicle. So, if you are an iPod lover, see if the vehicle you are interested in comes with one.

As you can see from the gadgets discussed above, cars are very advanced these days. I wonder if the first inventors of the automobile could have thought cars would one day come with such gadgets? If you need any other information or want to check out some of these for yourself, visit Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall today!

Stricter Seat Belt Laws Help Teens To Buckle Up New Jersey!

Paul Sansone, Jr. — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:57:11 +0000

Photo Credit: Teendrivesource.org

As a New Jersey parent, I can understand how we want our children to be safe when they ride or drive in a car. One of the ways they can do this is by buckling up. According to The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and State Farm Insurance, states with stricter seat belt laws or primary enforcement laws have more teens buckling up.

There are two types of seat belt laws that a state can have, primary enforcement seat belt law and secondary enforcement seat belt law. In states with primary enforcement laws, law officials can pull over a motorist and issue a ticket solely for not wearing a seat belt. In a state with secondary enforcement laws, the law enforcement official may only issue a citation for not wearing a seat belt after they pull over the motorist for another violation.

The study polled 3,126 high school students across the nation and found that 82% regularly wear their seat belts while driving and 69% wear a seat belt as a passenger. In primary enforcement states, the study found that teen drivers are 12% more likely to buckle up and teen passengers 15% more likely than those in secondary enforcement states.

Although teens buckle up less than adults, as a parent you can help change that. Every time you get in the car set an example and show your teens just how important it is. Despite what you may think, your children do listen to you, and by showing them the importance of seat belt use, you just may save their life one day. For more information on New Jersey seat belt laws, visit your nearest Motor Vehicle Department. If you need more information, stop by Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall and we would be happy to help you too.

Nissan Is The New Face Of New York City’s Taxis!

Paul Sansone, Jr. — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 03:42:52 +0000

Photo Credit: Autoblog.com

If you have ever ridden in a taxi, you know there are some characteristics that just go hand in hand. There is the large sedan body of the car, the squished, smelly back seat and the black interior that is not much to look at. Well, all that is about to change. Nissan has beaten out two other competitors, Turkish manufacturer Karsan Otomotiv and Ford Motor Company, to win a 10-year contract for New York City’s next generation of taxis. The contract is estimated to be worth $1 billion.

The new taxi is based on Nissan’s commercial mini-van, NV200. The body style of the NV200 is a boxy shape and will be painted the traditional yellow taxi color, only brighter. The new NYC taxi will also have many new and innovative features for its passengers. The new taxi will have charging ports for cell phones and other electronics, a large skylight in the roof for a upward view, and an odor-reducing, anti-microbial fabric to take care of odors and other germs that may be left behind. The floor of the cab will also feature a non-bumped floor making it easier to slide from side to side. The doors of the cab slide open to reduce messenger bike accidents. All of the taxis will have a navigation system, so no more getting lost, floor lights to help passengers find anything that may have fallen and overhead lights for reading. The Nissan NV200 taxi will hit the streets of New York City in October of 2013 and completely replace the existing models by 2018.

To check out the inspiration for the newest NYC cab, stop by your local New Jersey Nissan dealer, Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall, and see the NV200. And if you find yourself in New York in the near future, you just may be riding in their newest taxicab.

Ways To Keep Your Engine Living Longer New Jersey!

Paul Sansone, Jr. — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:26:16 +0000

Photo Credit: Examiner

Your car engine is one item your vehicle cannot be without. And unfortunately, should you ever have to replace your engine it can be quite expensive. Many drivers know of regular maintenance such as oil changes and service from your local New Jersey auto dealer, which can help to keep your engine running smoothly. However, your driving habits also have an effect on how long your engine will last.

Drive your new engine with care
Everyone loves a new vehicle, but you need to be gentle with it, especially during the “break-in period.” This time period consists of the first 1,000 miles. According to Autotropolis, you should not drive faster than 75 miles per hour for the first 600-700 miles or surpass 3,500 RPM for the first 500 miles. Break in your engine properly and you could add up to extra 100,000 miles to its life.

Warm your vehicle on cold days
When it’s cold outside many of us will warm our vehicle by just turning it on and letting it sit idle. However, the best way to warm up your vehicle is to start the engine, wait 30 seconds at the most and then drive gently until your vehicle is warmed.

Follow the speed limit
Speeding is not a good idea for many reasons. Not only is it dangerous, it is also bad for your engine. It causes it to over work and run at speeds that are not its best. The ideal speed for your vehicle is around 50-55 miles per hour. So follow the speed limit signs and your engine will thank you for it.

Drive in the appropriate gear
This applies to vehicles with a manual transmission; automatic transmissions will shift themselves. If you drive in to high of a gear for your speed, then your vehicle will likely shake and move slowly causing wear and tear on your engine.

Lighten your load
Some vehicles such as large trucks are built to haul heavy loads. Smaller cars however, are not. They are not built with the power or torque to haul such heavy items such as boats or trailers. Also, avoid overloading your vehicle, as this will strain your engine too.

Remember these tips when driving and maintaining your vehicle, to keep your engine lasting longer. And stop by Sansone Jr’s 66 Automall today New Jersey, and have your engine inspected. We can help keep it on its road to a longer life!