So you want to buy a used car – now what? For most people, the next steps will involve setting a budget and turning to facilities like NJ State Auto Auction for help. While this is a great start, especially for those who need some financial guidance or aren't sure what type of car they want, drivers also need to brush up on their knowledge. 

For instance, prospective buyers should know which features will drive up the price on their desired cars. The NADA Used Car Guide recently outlined a few aspects of a vehicle that will impact the bottom line. It's important for motorists to have a firm grasp of these factors, as well as a few more traditional qualities, to be in the best position to find used cars.   

Mileage
Most drivers know that mileage has a significant effect on a car's value. It's one of the best ways to judge how much wear and tear the vehicle has gone through. This number can also be used as an indicator of what repairs or maintenance issues may pop up in the future. Make sure you get a vehicle history report to determine what's already been done. 

Vehicle redesigns 
According to the NADA, one of the most important factors that impacts value is vehicle redesigns. A car that is just one year newer but has undergone a redesign may be worth as much as 35 percent more than its older counterpart, the organization stated, and it's mostly due to the exterior look. So what does that mean for you? If you want value, try looking for models from right before a redesign. They'll carry many of the same features at a fraction of the price. 

Secondary features 
The NADA noted that the secondary features that impact car prices may surprise some. Fuel economy and power train are two of the most important qualities that go into price. While that's not unusual, what may shock drivers is that these numbers typically outweigh safety features. Similarly, warranties and reliability ratings are also not as important as things like horsepower and torque. 

Drivers will have to find just the right blend of features and value before deciding on the used car of their dreams. Luckily, places like NJ State Auto can help. With hundreds of Carfax-certified used vehicles on the lot, it's the perfect place to begin your search for an affordable model.