When it comes to shopping around for a used car, every driver is looking for something different. A few motorists are focused on the driving performance, while others may be drawn to impressive safety features or a sleek exterior. In general, many prospective buyers are looking for a combination of these top factors, and a recent study from the NADA Used Car Guide attempted to find just what the most attractive qualities in a car purchase are. 

According to the survey, the overall quality and dependability of a vehicle is considered to be the most important aspect of a car purchase by more than 23 percent of shoppers. That is well ahead of fuel economy, which took second place with more than 14 percent of the vote despite being the runaway winner in last year's poll. Many drivers are placing less emphasis on mileage now that gas prices are falling back into an acceptable range. 

"While higher gasoline prices and stiffer federal regulations have raised the profile of fuel economy over the past few years, the survey results clearly indicate that car and light-truck shoppers are looking for a trouble-free ownership experience above all else," said Jonathan Banks, an auto analyst for the NADA Used Car Guide. 

Other factors that played a role in the purchase process included the brand, vehicle design, power and performance, and safety. On the opposite end of the spectrum are extra features like navigation systems or driver-assist technologies. Compared to some of the aforementioned characteristics, these features were not considered terribly important. 

No matter what motorists are looking for, they can peruse the top-notch options at the New Jersey State Auto Auction. The auction lot is loaded with CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, allowing drivers to select the ride that suits their needs and has all of the qualities they are looking for.