A perfect storm of events has come together early this year to make 2014 one of the best times in recent years for those looking to find used cars. Between cold weather keeping  people indoors and out of dealerships, a drop in the number of young millennial buyers and an overall drop in the cost of used cars, potential buyers are now facing some spectacular buying conditions.

After a lengthy stretch from 2007–2013 which saw used car prices rise a wallet-busting 18 percent, AutoNews reported that things are finally expected to get cheaper for buyers. So why the sudden shift in prices? One major factor is that millennials are buying fewer cars than they were last year, down a full percentage point from last year, Edmunds reported. Add to that the fact that this year's particularly nasty winter had a hand in discouraging people from venturing outside of their homes and into dealerships, and you get a definite lull in car buying.

This is great news for those in the market for a used car. Fewer people buying means more cars on the lot, which and prices are expected to drop, according to Edmunds. 

"The boom in new car leases, for example, is leading to a higher number of lease returns, which adds to the growing inventory of used cars, forcing their prices down," said Philip Reed, a senior consumer advice editor for Edmunds.com.

In addition to lower prices, Reed predicted buyers can also expect a greater selection of used cars available. If you're looking to buy, head to NJ State Auto Auction. There are hundreds of used cars on the lot, and an in-house finance department ready to help put you into a high-quality used car.  

The safety features included on a vehicle is one of the most important factors people consider when shopping around for a used car. While most drivers will be evaluating all different aspects of a vehicle, including everything from the fuel economy to placement of cup holders, the elements made with safety in mind are often among the most appealing. 

Recently, the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety conducted a study to determine how effective some of these attributes are. The institute found that rear cameras, which provide drivers with a view of what's behind them, are a safer option than parking sensors. According to the research, the cameras were helpful for preventing backover crashes and were more useful than just sensors or a combination of cameras and sensors. 

Accidents involving cars in reverse can be especially damaging, as they often include small children who are not visible through windows. Dealing with the blind spots can be challenging, but with the help of tools like rear cameras, the safety of drivers, passengers and bystanders is prioritized. 

"Right now cameras appear to be the most promising technology for addressing this particularly tragic type of crash, which frequently claims the lives of young children in the driveways of their own homes," said David Zuby, the chief research officer for the IIHS. 

Rearview cameras are just one of the many features you may want to consider on your next vehicle. Used cars for sale may have some of these amenities, in addition to a wide array of similar tools that are typically employed for superior safety. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, you can browse through a selection of hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, many of which will have the top-notch qualities that you're looking for. 

Do you dream of owning a car but fear that it's just not possible? Do you worry you'll either spend a fortune or end up with a lemon, clunker or jalopy? Dipping your toe into the tumultuous waters of car shopping can be overwhelming. Fortunately, with the right knowledge and a little foresight, you'll find that taking the plunge into the world of car ownership is easier than you thought.

The important thing to keep in mind when trying to find used cars is that not all cars are created equal. Certain makes and models are known for being both cost-effective and reliable. Honda is a name you'll  hear frequently in reliability discussions, as USA Today reported the 2011 Fit, CR-V and Element models all making the cut as some of the most reliable three-year-old cars according to J.D. Power. Toyota's industry-famous reliability also makes for a good choice; its 2004–2007 model Prius was reported by Consumer Reports to be one of the best small cars under $10,000. Its fuel efficiency (44 mpg) also makes it a compelling money-saving choice. 

Once you've chosen the right car, basic preventative maintenance can go a long way in extending the life of your car. Edmunds outlined how basic procedures from oil changes to tire rotation can keep your car on the road for longer.  

You'll also find yourself saving money when it comes to insurance. Insure.com's list of cheapest cars to insure includes many of the same models across multiple years. Safety and reliability go a long way in saving you cash in the insurance market, and knowing which vehicles are better for your wallet can make a big difference in the bottom line.

Choosing a reliable used car from New Jersey State Auto Auction can make your dreams of car ownership possible. The lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified vehicles and an in-house financing department to help make sure you can afford the car, truck or van that's right for you.

Allergy season is quickly approaching, and that leaves individuals in many parts of the country susceptible to sneezing, itchy eyes and other symptoms. It is tough for many of these people to find relief, especially when they have to go outside and continue with their daily lives. Even cars can be a source of irritation if drivers aren't meticulous in the upkeep of their vehicles. 

The Car Care Council recently noted that those drivers who suffer from allergies may be putting themselves at risk when they get into their cars. A vehicle's air filter is designed to clean the incoming air before it gets to the cabin, which keeps dirt, debris and allergens from getting inside. However, when the filter clogged or dirty, it can lead to problems for passengers with allergies. 

"A dirty or clogged cabin air filter can cause contaminants to become so concentrated in the cabin that passengers actually breathe in more fumes and particles when riding in the car than when walking down the street," said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. "With allergy season quickly approaching, replacing the cabin air filter is a simple way for you and your passengers to breathe easier while driving."

The only surefire solution is to clean and replace the air filter regularly. While you should refer to the owner's manual to see the exact lifespan of the gear, a general rule of thumb is to replace them between 12,000 and 15,000 miles, the Car Care Council suggested. 

There may be times when a professional is needed to inspect and repair your car, including when you are replacing the air filter. If this situation arises, be sure to schedule an appointment at the Total Car Care Center at New Jersey State Auto Auction. This facility can address any issues you may have regarding your vehicle. 

Most drivers have their own distinctive habits that they fall back on when driving. Whether you grab your sunglasses, hook up an MP3 player or start adjusting your seat, these practices may seem normal, but can actually be dangerous. 

According to a new survey form DMEautomotive, the No. 1 activity done by drivers is singing out loud. That may not be surprising to motorists who love rocking out when behind the wheel, but some other, more dangerous practices are also relatively common. Drivers frequently send out texts, talk on the phone and eat snacks, the survey found. In fact, about 9 in 10 young drivers admit to taking part in one of these behaviors. 

These habits may cause drivers to become distracted, leading to an increased possibility of accidents and collisions. March is National Collision Month, and spending some of these days re-evaluating your own actions may allow you to increase your personal safety. 

"During National Collision Month, we hope this data will help raise awareness about the ongoing problem of distracted driving, which has been made more complex given the proliferation of phones, tablets and various 'pods' people now regularly use – and especially among young people, who are the worst offenders," said Dr. Mary Sheridan, manager of research and analytics at DMEautomotive. 

Drivers will do anything in their power to avoid a collision, but one of the most effective ways of staying safe in a vehicle is investing in the right preventative maintenance. Even used cars with the top safety features need to be cared for to ensure everything is operating effectively, and scheduling regular maintenance appointments at the Total Car Care Center at NJ State Auto is the first step toward checking this off your to-do list.