When it comes to buying a used car, many people may not realize all of the research they should be doing beforehand. There are many benefits to buying a used vehicle, like fair price points and less hassle, but in order to make sure you're getting the best deal possible, you'll need to do your homework.

The Better Business Bureau recently offered tips to people who are buying a used car for the first time. For example, it's a good idea to look into the kind of car you want. This way, when you're looking at what the typical selling price should be for a specific model, a red flag will go up if you see a similar vehicle priced a lot lower.

You'll also want to do an investigation on the kind of gas mileage the car receives. As fuel economy is a concern for many, picking a car that does not get many miles to the gallon could cause you to drain more money at the pump, even if you did not pay much for the car.

Kelley Blue Book reports that it's also a good idea to really test drive the vehicle. If you know anything about cars, you should be able to tell if something is wrong with the vehicle you're considering. You'll also want to do a background check into the seller, whether it's a person you found online or a dealer. Find out if the source is reputable, as this could put some of your fears at ease.

New Jersey Auto offers a number of used vehicles with something for everyone. Additionally, it takes the hassle out of dealing with individual sellers who may be trying to scam you.

Volvo recently announced its latest safety technology, which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show, will be an available option on the new S60, V60 and XC60. The Swedish auto manufacturer has developed a system that allows car headlights to continuously use high beams without blinding other motorists.

The Active High Beam Control relies on the camera that Volvos use for brake assist and other safety needs to adjust the light output. This way, the lights can still illuminate the road, and the beams that would otherwise get in the eyes of oncoming drivers are shaded. Traditionally, drivers have had to manually shut off their high beams when they see another car approaching, which can not only be distracting, but a delayed reaction time still has the potential to threaten the safety of another driver on the road. This new safety feature eliminates that risk, ensuring everyone can drive in safe conditions at night.

"The technology makes driving at night more comfortable and safe. It also makes it easier to focus on the driving and is an excellent example of our Designed Around You approach, always focusing on features that really make a difference to the customer," said Professor Lotta Jakobsson, senior technical specialist at Volvo Cars Safety Centre.

While this technology may only be available for newer Volvo models, there are plenty of other safety features, such as lane departure warnings, that can be found on used cars. Drivers who live in the New York/New Jersey area can head to NJ State Auto Auction to check out the wide selection of makes and models to find a ride with all the modern conveniences they could want. Plus, every vehicle on the lot is CARFAX certified, giving car shopped additional assurance that they'll be getting a reliable car, truck or SUV.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is currently investigating reports of engine failure among three Ford models that could result in a recall. Detroit News reports the agency has received 123 reports of engines stalling and power loss among a number of Ford Escape models. This is just the tip of the iceberg, as there have been 1,400 complaints made directly to the manufacturer and 27,500 warranty claims for the problem. Among these reports, there have been three crashes resulting in injury to one person so far.

The affected models include the Ford Escape and Fusion along with the Mercury Milan and Mariner from the 2009 to 2011 model years. The rough estimate of affected vehicles comes in around 724,000 units. USA Today reports that the issue likely stems from an problem with the throttle body system, which regulates air flow to the engine. The glitch tells the engine to reduce power to a "limp-home" mode that is used in emergency situations, except this occurs when nothing is wrong.

According to Detroit News, the North Carolina Consumers Council pushed for the NHTSA to launch an official investigation into electronic throttle body failures in August, and the ball is finally rolling. If the NHTSA concludes that this issue warrants further investigation, it will advance to an engineering analysis. From there, the agency may require the manufacturer to issue a recall and fix the problem in all affected vehicles.

Drivers who are considering purchasing used cars should take note of this and other recall news. Any recalls should be taken care of by the seller or the previous owner before car shoppers buy used vehicles. The CARFAX vehicle history reports that accompany every model on the lot at NJ State Auto Auction can make it easy for car buyers to find this information.

Due to the latest fuel economy requirements, new cars could begin to cost more for the consumer in coming years, which could translate to higher price tags on used models as well.

Last year, the government set the next deadline for Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards, requiring all automakers to have a fleetwide fuel economy of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. In order to meet CAFE standards, car companies will need to find ways to make their vehicles more fuel efficient, which may lead many to explore hybrid, electric and diesel technologies. The other option is to improve the design of gas-powered models, which can include reducing a vehicle’s weight as well as making its engine run more efficiently. Implementing these changes will cost the manufacturers more money, and the expense will inevitably be passed on to the consumer. An engineer from the Environmental Protection Agency told USA Today that by 2025, the average cost of a new car will be about $2,600 more than new vehicles in 2011.

For the most part, experts believe fleets will still consist of mostly gasoline-powered models, as it is easier to add turbochargers, direct-injection and continuously variable transmissions to combustion engines than to develop alternative technologies. While it is within reach to meet these high standards and reduce dependency on gasoline by 2025, this does not mean the average vehicle will have a 54.5 mpg fuel economy. Rather, the news source indicates midsize sedans would likely have an average 40-mpg fuel economy.

So what does this mean for those looking to buy used cars? Drivers will have more access to used fuel-efficient models, but the increased costs for new vehicles will likely lead to higher resale values. This doesn’t mean there won’t still be affordable options, but car shoppers may have to do more research to find the best deal.

Those looking for used cars that can help them save at the pump can head to NJ State Auto Auction, which carries a wide selection of makes and models.

When researching cars, you will want to look into the dependability of the vehicles you’re considering in addition to other factors like safety and fuel economy. J.D Power and Associates conducts a survey every year to find out how drivers feel about their 3-year-old vehicles. This year, for instance, focuses on 2010 models, and Lexus and Porsche ranked the highest for the second year in a row. This means drivers who owned these brands experienced the least amount of issues over the past 12 months. Ram owners reported fewer issues than in past years, leading the brand to jump 20 spots from near the bottom to a position in the top 10. Ford, Mazda and Infiniti also saw major improvements from last year’s report.

Not all brands did well this year, as Scion, Audi, Volvo and Cadillac owners reported more issues than in previous years, causing the companies to drop in the rankings.

“The continuous improvement in long-term dependability means consumers should have more confidence in 3-year-old vehicles, whether they are keeping their current vehicle or shopping for a used car, truck, crossover or SUV,” said David Sargent, vice president of global automotive at J.D. Power and Associates. “This means there are a lot of dependable off-lease vehicles in the used-vehicle market.”

Overall, vehicle dependability improved by about 5 percent, which indicates that car shoppers interested in purchasing used cars may want to look into newer models that have been manufactured in the past few years. Drivers in the New York/New Jersey area can head to NJ State Auto Auction, which carries a wide selection of makes and models. Every vehicle on the lot has been CARFAX certified, giving car shoppers peace of mind that they are getting behind the wheel of a reliable ride.

A recent report by Kelley Blue Book indicates that 2013 is looking good for car sales. Experts predict annual sales will increase nearly 6 percent to 15.3 million cars sold by the end of the year. This is slower than in the past few years, but the growth is still a good sign for the economy and for drivers looking to buy new or used cars.

“Although the sales pace is expected to slow this year, automakers have demonstrated that they can generate solid profits with sales at current levels, which is a strong indication that they will remain disciplined by continuing to match production to meet demand,” said Alec Gutierrez, senior market analyst of automotive insights for KBB. 

As demand for new cars increases, the used car market will likely see changes as well. When drivers buy new cars, they often trade in or sell their current models, which leads to an increase of inventory of previously owned vehicles. This makes it easier for used car shoppers to find the models they’re looking for at more affordable prices.

During the recession, many people held onto their vehicles longer, which led to a diminished supply of used models. As a result, many 1- to 3-year-old cars cost as much, as sometimes more, than their brand new counterparts. Now that the economy is improving, the cost of used models is on a downward trend, giving drivers the chance to buy the car they want without going over budget.

Car shoppers in the New York/New Jersey area can head to NJ State Auto Auction to check out the wide selection of makes and models. There are about 4 acres of vehicles on the lot, and every one comes with a thorough CARFAX vehicle history report, so drivers know what they’re getting.

When it comes time to start thinking about buying your next car, you might not immediately think about what you’re going to do with your current ride. Those who drive their cars into the ground can scrap them or donate them to charity, but if your vehicle is still in working condition, you can opt to sell it privately or trade it in at a dealer. According to the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA), a trade-in may be the best way to go this year.

“Car buyers will find 2013 another excellent year to trade in their current vehicles for either new or previously owned cars or trucks,” Jonathan Banks, executive automotive analyst with the NADA Used Car Guide, explained at the NADA Convention and Expo in Orlando, Florida.

Banks went on to highlight a number of factors that are likely to affect your ability to get a good deal when you trade in your vehicle, which all stem from the overall improvements in the economy. First, lending is improving, and more people are applying for loans to buy new and used cars, so dealers will be looking to increase their inventories to meet the growing demand. More people are returning to dealerships ready to buy, thanks to improving housing and construction industries that are creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.

It also hasn’t hurt the used vehicle market that the number of new vehicles being sold has increased so dramatically in recent months. More people buying new models means more 1- to 3-year-old vehicles becoming available for used car shoppers.

Those in the market for previously owned vehicles can head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer has a wide selection of makes and models, and every car on the lot is CARFAX certified. Plus, NJ Auto Auction offers top dollar for trade-in vehicles.

Motor Trend recently unveiled the winner of its 2013 Car of the Year (COTY) award. Going up against 24 competitors, the Tesla S took the crown, becoming the first all-electric COTY. The battery-powered vehicle not only dominated during the various track and real-world tests, but it beat vehicles like the Porsche 911 and Boxster, BMW 3 Series and the Subaru BR-Z, which were ranked highly for their excellent performance. The Motor Trend judges found the Tesla S got roughly 118 miles per gallon-equivalent (MPGe) on a 212-mile journey from Las Vegas to Los Angeles, making it one of the most fuel efficient models available today. Tesla officials told Motor Trend they are working to expand their lineup, and are hoping to introduce an SUV and an entry-level model in coming years.

The Tesla S is not the only impressive COTY, and previous winners may be viable options for drivers looking to purchase used cars. The vehicles are rated on their interior and exterior design, engineering excellence, efficiency, safety, value and performance of intended function. This means the winners are the top of the pile in terms of safety and reliability as well. Past winners that car shoppers may be able to find on used car lots include the 2012 Volkswagen Passat, 2011 Chevrolet Volt, 2006 Honda Civic and 2000 Lincoln LS. 

Drivers who want to get behind the wheel of a reliable ride can use Motor Trend COTY winners as a good jumping off point to narrow down their selection, and they may be able to find these and other options at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealer has a wide variety of makes and models on the lot, and every vehicle is CARFAX certified.

When shopping for used cars, drivers should research their options to avoid purchasing models that are overpriced or have major problems. Often times, previously owned models may have been in accidents or received repairs that could dramatically influence their value. Looking into a model’s history is a great way to find out whether it has had extensive damage and what work has been done over the years. It will also let drivers know if any recall issues have been addressed.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports all recalls for consumers, so car shoppers can visit the website and look up the particular model and year of the car they’re considering to find out about past and current recalls. A recent report from CARFAX found many vehicles are being sold online without having their recalls addressed first. In 2012, the vehicle history reporting company found that 2.1 million models that had open recalls were up for sale online. This is an improvement from the 2.7 million vehicles in 2011, but the large number still makes it extremely important for drivers to do their homework before purchasing a car.

Every CARFAX report contains information pertaining to recalls that list specific VIN numbers, making it easy for drivers to find out if the car they want is or has ever been under recall. Every model on the New Jersey Public Auto Auction lot is CARFAX certified, so drivers won’t have to work hard to get the history of any of the various makes and models available at NJ State Auto.