It's an inevitable fact of life that all good things must come to an end, and your relationship with your car is no different. Whether due to age, maintenance, cost or an infinite host of other factors, eventually it's time for you and your car to part ways. Of course, you're going to want to do everything you can to make sure that you get the most out of your car when it comes time to see it off, either by trading it in or opting to sell it yourself. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

What can you sell?
There are lots of theories on when it's OK to sell a used car and when it isn't. Depending on whom you ask, you'll get different age and mileage limits that may differ wildly. Edmunds breaks out the general lifecycle of most cars into a few mileage-based landmarks, and while not a golden rule, such information can help you get a sense of what you may be in for when it's time to sell. For example, selling at or around 30,000 miles is preferable, as most cars will still be covered by a manufacturer's warranty and will likely have yet to see their first major service visit. Even at 100,000 miles, which Edmunds bills as the third landmark in a car's life, your car may still be in great shape, though you may have some extra work to do to fight the old perception that a well-traveled a car isn't worth buying.

Getting it ready
Once you've established that you're going to sell your car, it's time to take a couple steps to help your cause. If you're listing the car yourself, you'll definitely want to take pictures that are flattering to your vehicle, but also honest. Edmunds recommends photographing your car during what is called the golden hour – the time just before the sun rises or sets – to create a warm backdrop and really bring out your car's colors.

You'll also need to have some sort of idea what your car is worth, especially if you're planning on selling it yourself. This can be like trying to hit a moving target, but fortunately there are tools that can help. Kelley Blue Book provides an excellent online resource for estimating the value of a used car based on year, make, model, mileage, features and more.

Whether you're looking to trade in for another vehicle or just offload your current one, head to NJ State Auto Auction. There are hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, and an in-house finance team ready to help you get approved for a loan.

One of the biggest ways motorists try and cut back on car spending is to make the most of their gas mileage. Those trips to the pump can really add up, especially with fuel prices on the rise in recent years. Fortunately, you don't have to have a hybrid or an electric car to stretch your ride's gas usage. In fact, there are a few tips you can look to that can end up saving you in the long run when it comes to your gas budget.

Slow it down, speed racer
We all find ourselves in a hurry sometimes, rushing to get to the doctor's office or to work or to soccer practice on time. Many drivers may try and compensate by making up the lost time on their speedometer. But not only is edging over the speed limit in the name of haste unsafe, it's also taking money right out of your gas tank. According to Edmunds, drivers can expect that on average, every 5 mph they go over 60 mpg is adding around 31 cents to the cost of every gallon they pump. In contrast, keeping your speed under control can save you anywhere from 25 to 89 cents per gallon. These amounts may not seem like much on their own, but considering how many miles your car covers on a single tank of gas, it can add up very quickly. 

Ease up, lead-foot
Not only does driving fast take a toll on your fuel economy, but so does driving erratically. Drivers who are anxious, stressed, angry or even just running late tend to accelerate quickly only to end up having to slam on the brakes after a few short feet, and this behavior can really eat into your gas tank. Especially if you find yourself on the highway more often than not, this type of driving can reduce your fuel efficiency by up to a full 33 percent, meaning you'll find yourself heading back to the pump that much more often and, ultimately, spending that much more money. 

If you're looking for a used car, consider heading to NJ State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, and an in-house finance team dedicated to helping you make sure you can afford the used car, truck or van that's right for you.

Once people set their heart on a car they want to buy, the last thing they want to think about is more paperwork, especially if it can lead to more money being spent. However, while warranties may seem like "yet another expense" when you sign your contract, they're an essential part of saving yourself some serious cash down the road. Before you drive off the lot, make sure you understand some warranty basics so you can shop prepared.

The warranty decision
Perhaps the first and most basic question to ask when considering warranties is, simply, if you need one at all. While in general a good idea, there are a few considerations that should receive special attention before making your decision. Warranties may add expense, but they also offer peace of mind, and with a huge investment like a car that may more than justify the cost. Edmunds suggested considering your own repair history with cars; if you tend to be a hard driver or find yourself in shops often, a warranty may be a no-brainer. 

Something else to consider is which type of coverage you need. A basic warranty will cover different things than a powertrain warranty, for example. Research can help you here; knowing what your car model's most common maintenance pitfalls are can help you decide which warranty coverage you'll need and what you can save money on.

Avoid the void
Once you've made the decision to purchase a warranty for your car, you'll need to make sure that you don't do anything that could inadvertently void your warranty, rendering it useless and you that much poorer. As a general rule, tinkering with your car in any way that is not related to direct maintenance is a giant no-no. According to Edmunds, fiddling with the odometer to change the displayed mileage or adding in after-market modifications are actions that can end a warranty. In a similar vein, any misuse of your car – the most popular one being street racing – is grounds to nix your coverage.

Another thing to be mindful of is keeping up with your car's scheduled maintenance. In many cases, repairs that could have been prevented through regular maintenance fall outside the realm of your warranty's coverage, so spend a bit more today to get your oil changed and save a lot later on costly engine repairs.

If your car needs repairs, make an appointment with the NJ State Auto Auction Total Car Care Center. The knowledgeable team of mechanics on hand will work to keep your vehicle running smoothly. 

The famous test drive is many motorists' favorite part of the car-buying process. After spending several hours or possibly even days trying to find and negotiate the perfect car, finally settling in behind the wheel of one that's caught your eye can be a great feeling. But test drives are about more than just taking a victory lap. There are a few things you'll want to keep in mind before signing on the dotted line to make sure you make the most of your test drive.

Don't forget the little things
It may not be as exciting as listening to the engine purr the first time you step on the accelerator, but taking time to do a quick visual inspection before you get into the car and again before you turn the ignition is just as important. Bankrate.com suggested a series of things to inspect on the car's exterior, such as seeing that the tires have sufficient tread and checking to see if there are any fluid leaks. It's important that your potential car is as comfortable as it is convenient, so make sure you check all the doors and windows, and pop the trunk a few times just to confirm everything works well.

Once you get inside, Edmunds suggested taking time to check the car fits you well. You'll be spending a lot of time behind the wheel, so time spent verifying you've got ample headroom and legroom, and making sure the seat and steering wheel adjust to your liking is time well spent.

Curb your expectations
Test driving is an important part of the car-buying process, but it's important to note that it does come with restrictions. According to Car and Driver, the rules of which cars can be tested and by whom vary from lot to lot. Some dealerships restrict the time or distance you can take a car, or require a salesperson to ride along or drive with you. Typically, the more obvious you make it that you're an honest, serious buyer, the more likely it will be that you'll find yourself in the driver's seat going for a test spin.

When the time comes for you to buy a car, head to NJ State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars on the lot, and an in-house finance department ready to help you afford the used car, truck or van that's right for you.

Car insurance is regarded by many drivers as something of a necessary evil. Even mention of the word can conjure in some feelings of dread regarding expensive premiums and complicated paperwork. Especially for newer drivers, the process of shopping for, let alone understanding, insurance policies can be daunting. Fortunately, understanding your insurance doesn't have to require planetary alignment and a blood sacrifice. There are a few things you can keep in mind to help you manage costs, or at least understand them.

Who you are is important
When it comes to car insurance, no two applicants are the same. What you end up paying for your monthly premium depends on a whole host of factors, ranging from how old you are to what kind of car you drive. According to Edmunds, drivers looking to shave down their insurance bill as much as possible should start with the car they drive. In general, the more expensive and new your car is, the more it costs to insure, though there are other factors at play. Things such as your car's reliability record, safety rating and even how likely people are to steal it can all affect the final number.

You'll also find yourself under the microscope when shopping for policies. If you tend to drive less frequently, more safely and have fewer traffic citations on your record, you'll find yourself in general paying less than others who may have a more checkered driving history.

You have options
Developing technology has brought with it alternative insurance options for the frugal driver. Policies known as use-based insurance operate by monitoring things such as how far you drive and how quickly, which is tracked through inputs connected to your dashboard and linked to your smartphone via an app. Using this data, insurance companies can assess what kind of driver you are based on how and how much you drive, rather than charging a flat rate. 

This model is currently in the minority, with only around 2 percent of on-road vehicles currently being covered this way. However, use-based insurance is quickly catching on. In fact, Edmunds estimated that over the course of the next five years, roughly 20 percent of active policies will be use-based. 

If you're shopping for a used car, head to NJ State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, and a knowledgeable in-house finance team on hand to help make your chosen used car, truck or van affordable.