Tax season isn’t exactly the most relaxing for drivers. You have to gather up official documents and forms, schedule appointments with accountants and get all of your banking information in order, but it can all pay off if you get a tax refund. While saving that sum of money is always an option, many people choose to invest this refund in something worthwhile, such as a car.

According to GOBankingRates, about 25 percent of Americans plan to purchase a car with the help of their tax refunds. Because the average refund comes in at more than $3,000, that is a significant step toward funding the purchase of a car. It also allows buyers to take a look at higher-quality used cars that may have previously been outside their price range.

“The average tax refund is equivalent to a 20 percent down payment on a $15,000 auto loan; combined with today’s very low interest rates, it is a great time to buy a car,” said Casey Bond, the managing editor for GOBankingRates. “In fact, qualified car buyers can expect to find a three-year loan around just 3 percent. Three years ago, you’d pay double.”

There is even more good news for drivers interested in a used car. Auto loans in the New York City area are at a relatively low rate of 2.81 percent interest. That is lower than major metro areas like Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Houston and others, according to GOBankingRate.

If you’ve decided to use your tax refund on a used car, be sure to shop smart at NJ State Auto. The lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, and one of those vehicles could be right for you and your budget.

Purchasing a car is expensive, and the cost of ownership can vary greatly based on your location. A recent study from Interest.com looked at those geographical differences, examining if a median-income household in a given area could afford a new car. 

Of the 25 largest metro areas in the U.S., Washington, D.C. was the most expensive for drivers. New York City landed in the No. 10 spot, with a maximum monthly payment mark of $441. The Big Apple was just ahead of Philadelphia, which had a maximum payment of $434 per month. 

Some of these figures may seem too high for families. However, because of the cost of ownership in some areas, these are the only deals available for new cars, which makes high-quality used cars a more viable option. These pre-owned vehicles often come at a palatable price, but they still have certain amenities and capabilities that drivers are looking for in an investment. 

"Too many families are spending way too much on new cars and trucks," said Mike Sante, the managing editor of Interest.com. "Just because you can manage the monthly payment doesn't mean you should let a $30,000 or $40,000 ride gobble up such a huge share of your paycheck. You can get a great car for much less and use the savings to invest in yourself. Here's where the money for your retirement or kids' college can come from." 

Anyone searching for a used car that won't exceed a budget should check out the selection at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified vehicles, plus a financing department that can help you decide on a payment plan that is right for your family. 

Many used cars available today offer high quality and an impressive driving performance that prospective buyers are looking for. However, sometimes subprime buyers need help affording these options, even if they have been owned before. A significant portion of motorists are taking advantage of these options, though, and that may ease the minds of others who are more apprehensive about auto loans. 

According to information from J.D. Power, more drivers are taking advantage of long-term loans. These debts, which are classified as any loan with payments lasting 72 months or more, are becoming more popular, making up about one-third of purchases. 

Although these longer loans are becoming more popular, the average duration of one of these repayments is 66 months, which is just three months longer than the figure from 2009. Most drivers choose a plan that lasts anywhere from 24 to 60 months. 

J.D. Power also noted that even longer loans, such as those that last 84 months or even 96 months, are available for buyers. However, these make up only a small percentage of all auto loans, as many drivers are hesitant about spending that much time paying back auto loans. These longer loans may be an attractive option for subprime buyers, as it allows them to keep monthly payments low. 

If you're looking for a used car that can meet all of your needs, head to NJ State Auto Auction and browse through the selection of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans on the lot. With hundreds of options, you can find one that suits your style and budget. You can also stop by NJ State Auto's financing department, which is ready to help you sort out loans and make decisions on auto payments. 

Buying a used car can be costly, which is why many drivers need auto loans and similar financing options to help them afford the vehicle of their dreams. While paying back loans isn’t the most alluring prospect, there is good news for motorists who take advantage of this opportunity, as more people are finding attractive financing plans that enable them to make payments on time.

According to Experian Automotive’s most recent report, State of the Automotive Finance Market, the number of 30-day auto loan delinquencies dropped 3.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2013, bringing the total number of delinquencies to just 2.63 percent of all loans. The rate for 60-day delinquencies remained steady at 0.74 percent.

Additionally, the total balance of auto loans in the U.S. reached a record level of $798.5 billion. These are good signs for the industry, as it shows more people are taking out loans to purchase a car, but they are able to pay back these debts.

“The automotive finance market continues to move along at a very healthy pace, and we are pleasantly surprised by the continued drop in delinquencies,” said Melinda Zabritski, Experian Automotive’s senior director of automotive finance. “The record level of open loan balances combined with the reduction in late payments shows that consumers who have purchased a vehicle are not only reliant on financing, but also firmly committed to making their payments on time.”

Anyone who needs the support of an auto loan to purchase a car should consider the options at NJ State Auto Auction. Not only does the lot have hundreds of Carfax-certified options that can fit a variety of styles and budgets, but it also has its own financing department that can be used to sort through loan and payment options.

Drivers around New Jersey are typically on the lookout for the best deals available when it comes to used cars for sale. However, the cost of ownership of these vehicles goes far beyond the sticker price. Examining potential auto loans, monthly payments, fuel expenses and other costs is par for the course, but many also have to take a serious look at the average cost of auto insurance in a given location. 

NerdWallet conducted a study to determine which cities and states had the highest car insurance rates. While these figures vary greatly from region to region, there are certain areas where the rates could put a significant dent in a wallet. Detroit edged out New Orleans for the title of most expensive city, but one of the inclusions in the top five might hit a little closer to home: Newark, N.J. 

The largest city in New Jersey was found to have an average annual premium of more than $3,525, which placed it fourth on the list of most expensive areas for insurance. NerdWallet predicted that the expenses were largely due to a number of qualities, including the proximity to New York City, the dangerous snowy winters of the area and the state's policy on no-fault insurance. 

These insurance rates are an important factor to consider when searching for a used car. Drivers will be pleased to know, however, that they can find some financial relief with the help of places like New Jersey State Auto Auction. That lot is home to hundreds of Carfax-certified vehicles at relatively low prices. It also boasts a financing department that can help motorists figure out the best course of action regarding loans and car payments. 

Anyone who has ever shopped for a car knows about the importance of sticking to a budget. Between the high sticker prices and the stretched-out auto loans, drivers have a lot of factors that need to be considered. One of the most significant areas is cost-to-own, which tracks the total expenses that a driver will accrue because of the vehicle. Those costs could range from fuel and maintenance to insurance and loans, and it is important to get a clear picture of these factors before making a final decision. 

To help in this regard, Kelley Blue Book recently released its list of the cars with the most valuable cost-to-own over a five-year period. 

“Kelley Blue Book's five-year cost to own information evaluates the other out-of-pocket expenses drivers will incur, which helps consumers choose the vehicle that fits them and their wallets best, helping save money down the road,” said Dan Ingle, vice president of vehicle valuations for Kelley Blue Book. 

Mazda and Lexus vehicles ranked among the best, as the brands consistently have automobiles that retain their value throughout the years. With solid reliability and mileage as well, these luxury rides are near the top of the list. Also ranking highly was the Buick Encore. Kelley Blue Book proclaimed that this car offered slow depreciation and an impressive driving experience. 

Are you ready to begin shopping for a used car that will retain its value long after purchase? At New Jersey Auto Auction, you can browse through a selection of hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans, most of which are available at an affordable price. If you need a little more guidance, head into the financing department, where staff members can help you find auto loans and make tough decisions about your budget. 

We may be a few days into 2014, but that doesn't mean you can't implement some new year's resolutions. In fact, now is the perfect time to dedicate yourself to getting your finances in order, especially with regards to auto loans and financing. 

In the earliest months of 2014, you should start paying close attention to your spending as it relates to a car. For example, track how much you spend each month on your vehicle, including expenses ranging from insurance to gas and maintenance. How does this stack up against your desired budget? Do you anticipate having more expenses throughout the year, such as repairs you've been putting off? Are there any areas where your car is causing you to spend too much money? Is your vehicle capable of lasting the year? 

If you notice that your automobile isn't meeting your needs, it may be time to look into purchasing a high-quality used car. However, as part of your new year's resolutions, you should be focusing on how this investment will impact your finances for the rest of 2014. This is the ideal time to set a new budget for yourself and begin saving, and choosing the right auto dealer is a key part of this, as it may be able to direct you toward low interest rates on loans and great deals. 

Anyone who feels they need a used car but is hesitant about the price tag should check out the selection of vehicles at NJ State Auto. Not only is the facility packed with CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, but it also has its own financing department on site. The experts there can help buyers wade through the paperwork and options normally associated with buying a used car. 

When drivers are calculating the average cost of owning a car, they probably aren't counting on insurance expenses growing at a rapid rate. Unfortunately, that is exactly what happens for many motorists who find themselves filing insurance claims. A recent study from insuranceQuotes.com looked at the average increase for drivers who filed a claim in each state, and the findings may cause some motorists to think twice about making claims. 

The report found that American drivers who make a single car insurance claim pay an average of 38 percent more for their insurance than those who do not file. Massachusetts was home to the largest increase, with drivers seeing premiums rise by as much as 67 percent, but California and New Jersey were not that far behind with jumps of 62 percent and 59 percent, respectively. 

Geography wasn't the only factor that influenced increases in insurance rates. Collisions that resulted in damage to the car and other property were the most expensive, while claims for events such as theft had a much smaller impact. 

Sometimes, the best way to fight against expensive car costs is to begin the shopping process with this in mind. Drivers can search for models that have a strong history of being reliable and having relatively easy vehicle maintenance. Popular makes and models may also be a smart choice, as repair locations may be familiar with the vehicles and could have the right tools and replacement parts on hand. 

If you want a vehicle that fits these qualities, but still shows off your personality, head to NJ State Auto Auction. The lot houses hundreds of CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, many of which are able to handle a variety of obstacles on the roads. There is also a financing department on site to help you determine what payments fit into your budget.