Once you’ve checked your credit score, you may be reeling from the subpar results. If your rating is lower than you expected, don’t stress, as there are ways to improve your credit history and put yourself in a better position to secure loans.

An acceptable credit score is essential for people who want to shop used cars. You’ll likely need some kind of auto financing to complete the purchase, and you want to be in a position to get the best interest rates and credit options possible. When you’re getting ready to buy a used car, make sure you’re taking advantage of a few credit best practices to improve your personal score. 

1. Pay on time 
Even payments that are only a few days late will negatively impact your credit score. Do your best to pay every bill on time. Some people like to set up automatic payments or reminders, both of which can be helpful to absentminded borrowers. Form a routine where you pay consistently to prove you are a reliable client. 

2. Go above the minimum
Making only minimum payments is a surefire way to remain in debt. Not only will you wind up owing money for years on end, but you’ll also have to pay more on interest rates and remain stagnant with your credit score. Whenever possible, pay more than what’s required, and if you find yourself with some extra cash, don’t hesitate to make a lump payment that relieves some of your debt. 

3. Seek help if needed 
There’s no shame in needing a bit of help to sort through your credit. Special counselors are available to provide insight and guidance to borrowers in tough situations. People can also reach out to the creditors themselves to explore their options. New repayment plans or potentially even some late-payment forgiveness could do wonders for your credit score. 

4. Be smart about big purchases
The whole reason you may have checked your credit score is in preparation of buying something big. However, if your history is really that poor, you may want to wait until you improve your payment habits. Older credit problems, such as missed or late payments, count for less, but you need to have a good track record since then. 

Sometimes your purchases just can’t wait. When that’s the case, New Jersey State Auto Auction is here to help. The auction lot has a financing department that offers guaranteed credit approval and is accustomed to dealing with drivers who may have a not-so-perfect credit history. Let this team of experts help you get behind a quality used car quickly and affordably. 

When you're gearing up to buy a used car, you face a lot of tough decisions. Not only do you have to crunch the numbers to figure out what your budget is and what type of loan you can repay, but you're also required to sort through many choices regarding your personal taste and preferred aesthetic.

While choosing a color for your future car may be easy, the rest of the budgeting isn't. That's why you need to arm yourself with plenty of knowledge before going to the car lot. For many, this starts with knowing their credit score – but is that where you should begin your car-buying journey as well? 

The answer is simple … 
Should you check your credit score before heading to a used car dealership? The short answer: Yes. The longer answer: Yes, but it's more complicated than that. Simply learning what these three digits are isn't going to change much – how you respond to the figure will. For instance, you can begin researching the type of loans people with your credit score often receive. You should also be combing through the material in search of easy ways you can improve, such as increasing the balance you pay on a certain monthly bill. 

Many people are ignorant about their credit scores simply because trying to find out this number can be confusing. Luckily, there are many resources available today that give you access to your score. The Fair Credit Reporting Act decreed that every person is entitled to one free credit report each year, so you can head to an official website, answer some personal questions and then receive your information. Make sure you print out the report so you can refer back to the information. 

… But the next step is not 
Checking your credit score is a necessary step, but you'll still have a lot of decisions to make after it. Rather than letting your hard work get lost in the shuffle, let the financing department at New Jersey State Auto Auction help you out. This crew is ready and able to provide you with advice and guidance as you browse the lot's used cars. And with guaranteed credit approval, you can be sure you're in a position to get behind the wheel sooner rather than later. 

Used cars offer a lot of perks for drivers, but one of the biggest is affordability. However, the bottom line can creep higher and higher if you find yourself stuck paying off an auto loan with a high interest rate. To avoid this, most people try to get the lowest rates possible – but figuring out how to accomplish this can be tough. You should keep a few tips in mind as you mull over your loan options. 

Check your credit 
The first thing you should do when considering auto financing is learn your credit score. This is going to impact many aspects of your loan – including the interest rate – so it's in your best interest to know what it says. Looking at the report ahead of time also gives you the chance to scope out any errors. 

If there are any glaring problems or red flags on your credit report, do your best to have proof of improvement on hand when you discuss options with a financing department. You can also conduct some prior research to familiarize yourself with what to expect. 

Take a look at loan length
You probably have a few ideas in mind regarding the type of loan you're looking for. Some people want shorter loans to get the debt over with as soon as possible, while others might want longer terms that allow for lower monthly payments. If your priority is low interest rates, however, you may want to give shorter loans a second look. Cars.com reported that longer loans tend to have higher interest, so choosing the shortest length you're comfortable with may be beneficial. 

Find relief in your budget
A higher interest rate than you were hoping for isn't the end of the world. If you think it'll strain your budget, look around for other areas where you can save. For instance, an auto auction gives you a chance to bid on the used car of your choice, allowing you to save on the sale price of a vehicle and potentially decrease your bottom line. 

Use a trusted company
The company you secure financing from should be one you can trust. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, we know that buying a used car is a big commitment that can get confusing. That's why we have our financing department on site, ready to help you complete the necessary paperwork and get credit approval quickly. 

Did your family members give you some cold hard cash for the holidays? For many, money is the go-to gift during the festive season, as it allows the recipient to spend it on something that truly matters to them. No matter how large or small the amount, money can help you get exactly what you want during the holidays – even if the thing you want the most is a car. 

Use money for a down payment
If you've got a nice little stack of cash left over from the holidays, it could make the perfect down payment – or at least part of one – for a used car. Even a little bit of holiday money added to your savings can reduce the amount you owe later and lower your monthly payments. If you're more concerned about making those payments on time, allocate these extra funds for later bills, whether they be for insurance premiums, loan repayment or general car maintenance. 

Let auto loans do the rest
Once you've got the down payment squared away, it's time to figure out how you're going to pay for the rest of the car. Most people turn to auto loans for help. However, some prospective drivers may think their credit score is too low or their history too unseemly to secure a loan. That's not the case at NJ State Auto, as anyone who stops by the in-house financing department will find that they're quickly and easily approved for credit. 

Trust the auto dealer
Before you can get behind the wheel of the right used car, you have to find a dealership that can help you get what you want. Few places are better at this than New Jersey State Auto Auction. Not only does the lot have hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans, but it also has a few options that allow drivers to go about the buying process in whatever way works best for them. For instance, you can bid on used cars as part of the auto auction, or you can choose to buy a model outright and drive it off the lot on the same day. It all depends on what is right for you and your bank account. 

One of the most common knocks against used cars is that they don't hold value in the long run. The thought is that even if you buy a high-quality vehicle, its value depreciates so quickly that within a few years it won't be worth much at all. However, this isn't entirely true. 

Depreciation slows for used cars
A new report from the NADA Used Car Guide showed that the value of used cars is staying high. According to the organization's latest study, pre-owned vehicles currently on the market retained much of their value throughout the past month. Not to mention, the NADA Used Car Guide predicted that sticker prices will continue to drop in December, providing some chances to save.

"Usually wholesale auction volume decreases during this time of year – and it did, again. This time, however, it fell even a bit more than normal." said Jonathan Banks, an executive analyst for the NADA Used Car Guide. "If there are less used vehicles in the marketplace, then competition increases, and values hold a little better as a result."

If this trend continues, it could mean good things for drivers – if they're smart about their purchases, that is. Trade-in values would be higher, allowing motorists to put more money toward a car upgrade. Those funds can go toward a down payment on a used car, which in turn leads to lower loans and monthly payments. 

Higher quality doesn't mean higher prices
Some drivers may be worried that more competition results in bigger price tags for used cars, but that doesn't have to be the case. When people take advantage of auto auctions and bidding, for instance, they have an opportunity to get a quality car at a great price. They can also negotiate loans and find a repayment plan that allows them to keep expenses in check. 

If you're searching for used cars that will offer you plenty of value, look no further than NJ State Auto Auction. This lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans, and many of these options have desirable features and low prices. So even if the average cost of used vehicles goes up, you can do your best to keep expenses down and capitalize on low monthly loan payments. 

That new car smell may be appealing, but it's going to cost you. Vehicles fresh off the production line frequently come equipped with impressive features and sleek aesthetics, but the investment isn't always all it's cracked up to be. 

New cars are too expensive for many
According to recent data, the average cost of new vehicles went up in the month of November. Kelley Blue Book found that prices increased 1.7 percent from the same time in 2013. In fact, they've even grown since October of this year, with the average cost jumping $568, or 0.5 percent.  

At the same time, incentives have gone down, limiting the opportunities buyers have to save. Cars.com reported that incentive spending decreased 1.5 percent from October to November, marking the third straight month that these savings have shrunk. 

"Rising transaction prices are a reflection of stronger pricing in truck and utility segments," said Alec Gutierrez, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book. "Domestic automakers will be the main beneficiaries of this trend, as full-size pickup prices are up by an average of 4.3 percent, with the Big Three [Ford, General Motors and Chrysler] making up 94 percent of segment sales."

Used vehicles provide value
Although the cost of new cars continues to rise, there is some good news for drivers: They can find used cars that offer plenty of savings without a huge drop in quality. USA Today reported that more people looked to used cars in November in the hopes of finding some good investments. As a result, some expenses are going up, but not nearly enough to rival new models. 

Many drivers are finding that used cars boast a ton of perks. In addition to being less of a strain on the wallet than their counterparts, these vehicles offer many similar safety features and tech capabilities. When taken care of correctly and treated with the proper maintenance, used cars present a worthy choice for motorists.  

Anyone looking for a great deal on used cars should head over to NJ State Auto Auction. This lot is home to hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, allowing drivers to select the perfect fit for their needs. It even has an in-house financing team whose mission is to secure loans and get you behind the wheel quickly. 

Findings used cars can be difficult. You have many factors to consider – not the least of which includes a budget – and it can be a slog trying to balance everything out. One of the toughest aspects to figure out is how you're going to manage loans, particularly if you're what is known as a subprime buyer. 

More auto loans in the U.S. 
Experian Automotive recently released its latest report, State of the Automotive Finance Market, and its findings are likely interesting for subprime buyers. The study noted that 30- and 60-day auto loan delinquencies increased by 3.7 percent and 8.6 percent, respectively, in the third quarter of 2014. In total, the balance for all auto loans jumped to $870 million – up from $784 million last year, according to the report. 

There is good news for buyers in the Mid-Atlantic region, however. Most loan delinquencies were concentrated in the southern part of the country. Mississippi, Washington, D.C. and Louisiana were the top three, in some order, for both the 30- and 60-day categories. 

Nothing to worry about it 
Although there has been an increase in the delinquency rate, Experian Automotive officials maintained that the trend is normal and expected. Much of this is due to the sheer number of loans being awarded to buyers. 

"While we have observed a rise in delinquencies over the past few quarters, it was to be expected due to the growth in subprime loans. We have to keep in mind that a majority of the market is still in the prime risk category," said Melinda Zabritski, Experian's senior director of automotive credit. "As long as consumers continue to do a good job of making their auto-loan payments on time and lenders keep a close eye on how rates fluctuate year over year, the industry should remain relatively stable."

Making smart decisions
Ultimately, drivers can guard against delinquency by making savvy choices regarding their loans. Listen to experts and let them advise you as to the best course of action. Still, you'll have to choose a plan that you're comfortable with, so staying within your comfort zone is important. 

If you need help determining how to afford a car, let the team at New Jersey State Auto Auction come to your rescue. Not only does the lot have hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans, but it also has a financing team. This in-house crew assists you in getting approved for a loan and figuring out how to manage monthly payments. 

Pouring all of your money into your gas tank can be disheartening to say the least. After all, there's nothing like paying to sit in traffic, whether you're on your way to work or simply trying to run errands in your free time. Drivers who are fed up with paying a lot for gas can find some relief at the pump – and put their funds toward things that really matter. 

Gas prices keep falling
The good news just keeps rolling in for drivers: Gas prices continues to fall steadily across the country. A recent report from AAA stated that the national average for gas has now remained below $3 per gallon for more than 16 days, falling to $2.89 per gallon by Nov. 17. Additionally, more than 75 percent of gas stations across the U.S. reported prices lower than $3. 

So with fuel expenses dropping, what should you do with all of that extra cash? Some people will justifiably be using that money to pay back auto loans and other debts, while some may be saving up so they can buy a used car. Others, however, will be using those funds for their holiday spending, according to a recent study from the National Association of Convenience Stores. 

Money in your pocket
The report noted that for every penny the average gas price drops, Americans save about $3.7 million per day on gas. Many of these drivers believe fuel expenses will keep falling, at least in the immediate future, so they have confidence to go out and spend their extra cash. Because of the proximity of the holidays, many of the funds will be put toward shopping and festivities. 

"Our surveys over the past two years show that gas prices clearly play a major role in consumer sentiment about the economy," said Jeff Lenard, the NACS vice president of strategic initiatives. "However, declining gas prices alone may not take consumer sentiment much higher in the short term. It may take similarly positive news about the economy as a whole before the majority of Americans feel positive about the economy." 

A few savvy drivers may want to use that bit of extra cash to get a head start on winter maintenance. That's certainly doable with some help from the Total Car Care Center at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The garage caters to the public and can address any issues cars may have. 

Anytime you're shopping around for a used car, the number zero can be a joy to hear – especially if it refers to your interest rates. But how much do you really know about 0 percent financing? If you're like most people, you've likely heard more rumors and theories than actual truths, and it's important to weed out fact from fiction before jumping into the car-buying process. 

What should I know? 
The first thing you need to know is this: 0 percent financing options are not as popular as they once were. Even if you're lucky enough to find one, that doesn't mean it's applicable to you or even the best overall option. Before you can make that decision, however, you should be aware of the specifics. 

This type of option is only offered to people with excellent credit and is typically used on shorter loans, according to ABC News. In many cases they are regional as well, so even if you qualify, there may not be any of these deals in your area. Finally, you'll rarely find one of these options on a luxury car. They're commonly used for vans and non-luxury vehicles instead. 

Low interest rates
Going with a 0 percent financing option could be a good idea, but it's not always feasible. The next best thing is a deal with a low interest rate. Not only are these options more obtainable for most drivers, but they also offer increased flexibility. You may be able to apply the auto loan for a wide variety of cars or extend the term. 

It's important to remember that even people with bad credit can find financing options that don't break the bank. You never know where you're going to locate the best possible deal, so be sure to be up-front with the car dealership and explore all courses of action. 

What should I do next?
Even if you're unsure about which auto financing deal is a good choice, you can still get a head start on your car shopping. It all begins at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and SUVs you can browse through. Once you find the right one, the in-house financing team can step in and help you navigate the processes to land the perfect deal.