Those bumpy roads, potholes and questionable road surfaces may not just be a daily annoyance, they could be driving up costs for used car owners, according to one report.

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials estimates that the average American pays $400 per year in extra maintenance costs on their automobiles because of roads in poor repair, and that figure almost doubles for those who live in cities.

Although the country has invested $1.75 trillion in road construction and maintenance, according to John Horsley, AASHTO executive director, more people are driving on those roads, 41 percent more in 2007 than in 1990.

Following the idea that an ounce of prevention prevents future potholes, Michigan Department of Transportation Director Kirk Steudle said that every dollar spent in maintaining good quality roads saved six dollars in later repairs.

With less than 10 percent of the roads in the New York – Newark metro area rated in good condition, the organization is hopeful that used car owners and buyers will be willing to spend a little now to see their own tax and repair bills go down in the future.

Find New York Used Cars with New Jersey State Auto