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While New Jersey boasts scenic highways and the convenience of full-service gas stations, owning a highly targeted vehicle could raise your car insurance, making it harder to keep more money in the bank.
This list, compiled from 2022 data by the National Insurance Crime Bureau, reveals the most stolen cars by thieves in New Jersey.
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One reason the Ford Econoline E350 van may be a target for thieves is not only its versatility as a work van but also what could be inside. Econolines are used to transport goods or tools and other materials for job sites.
New Jersey is the only state in the National Insurance Crime Bureau study to have the BMW X5 on its top 10 list. In fact, no BMW model made any of the state’s top 10 cars except for the X5 in New Jersey.
One issue may be the lack of X5 models on the road, as the model didn’t make the top 25 best-selling vehicles in 2023.
8. Nissan Altima
Courtesy of Nissan
Vehicles stolen: 271
The Nissan Altima didn’t make the list of the top 10 most stolen vehicles in the U.S., but it does frequently appear in the top 10 for different states.
New Jersey is one of 24 states that have had issues with a large number of Altima thefts. However, despite showing up on so many lists, the model never made it to the top spot in any state.
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Like the BMW X5, the Land Rover Range Rover only appears on the list for New Jersey.
The Garden State has eight Land Rover dealerships, which is a lot for a state that is the 46th largest in the U.S.
6. Toyota Camry
Courtesy of Toyota
Vehicles stolen: 328
The Toyota Camry is one of the best-selling cars in the country, which could make it an easy target for thieves because there are so many out there. Toyota sold more than 290,000 Camrys in 2023, putting it in the top 10 best-selling cars for the year.
Thieves may also strip the Camry down for parts, as more vehicles on the road means more vehicle availability for parts sales.
5. Jeep Grand Cherokee
Courtesy of Jeep
Vehicles stolen: 391
Almost 400 Jeep Grand Cherokees were stolen in New Jersey, putting it in the top five for most stolen vehicles. The Cherokee, however, is most popular with thieves in Michigan, where more than 1,000 were stolen during the same time period.
The Honda Civic sold more than 200,000 units last year, and with its popularity comes thieves who want to grab it for parts not only in New Jersey but across the country. According to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, the car was the third most popular stolen vehicle in the U.S.
3. Honda CR-V
Courtesy of Honda
Vehicles stolen: 471
Several SUVs made the list of New Jersey’s most stolen cars, but the Honda CR-V tops them all. The model is popular in that area for thieves as it made the top spot for most stolen vehicles in nearby New York.
2. Ford Pickup (Full-Size)
Courtesy of Ford
Vehicles stolen: 472
Lightweight trucks outsell other types of vehicles in the U.S. by three to one. The Ford F-Series pickups take the top spot for best-selling vehicles.
The F-Series sold more than 750,000 units in 2023, easily beating the Chevy Silverado pickup in the second spot with around 540,000 vehicles sold.
The number of Ford pickups could make them easy targets for thieves, which may be why the vehicle was the second-most popular for thieves on New Jersey’s list and the list of most stolen vehicles in the U.S.
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Honda Accords are popular vehicles for drivers, which makes them popular targets for thieves. Beyond the car itself, thieves may pick them apart for resale parts to make some extra cash.
The Accord was also the fourth-most popular stolen vehicle in the U.S., making the top 10 for 41 out of 50 states reviewed by the National Insurance Crime Bureau.
Bottom line
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While the initial purchase price is important, don't let it overshadow the long-term financial impact of car ownership.
To truly "get ahead" financially, consider a car with a lower theft risk to save money on car insurance and potential replacement costs.
Additionally, factor in gas, repairs, and maintenance to ensure you can comfortably afford the total cost of car ownership.
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