Buying a car is an extensive process that involves lots of research and hard work to ensure you find the right ride for your needs. You spend countless hours in front of your computer looking up reviews, costs and other details about the used car you want, but when you get to the dealership you might not remember everything. That's why it's helpful to have an app or two on your smartphone. It's also going to be easier to grab your phone than consult a list of handwritten notes when you want to find out something like the average retail price of a certain model.

KBB.com
This free app by Kelley Blue Book can help you find out just how much your current car is worth when you trade it in, so you will have the knowledge you need to negotiate the best value for your trade-in. It will also help to know what a dealership may have paid for the model you want to buy, giving you a bit of leverage when it comes time to talk sale price.

Cars.com
With this helpful, and free, app from Cars.com you can browse cars for sale at dealers in your area. When you see one you like, you can get directions right from the app. You'll have access to user reviews so you know what to expect before you test drive and what types of issues you may encounter with a certain model.

Vinny
Relatively new to the app market, Vinny allows you to scan a car's VIN number to find out the wholesale price of the particular car you're considering. This lets you know exactly what the profit margin for the dealer is, giving you the upper hand when it comes to price negotiations. Reuters reports used cars are marked up about 14 percent on average, compared to a 2 percent profit margin for new models.

These apps can help you get the right vehicle for the right price, and you can start your search at New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has a wide selection of makes and models at affordable prices.