Shopping for a car can be a stressful experience. There are so many factors to take into consideration, like your budgetary circumstances, the needs of your lifestyle and even plain old luck.

First-time buyers may be particularly nervous, spiraling into a black hole of comparison charts and online consumer reviews in the quest to find "the perfect car." While every model, individual car and driver is different, in general, there are a few guidelines to help you feel confident. That way, you can drive home from the dealership comfortable in the knowledge that you've made a smart choice.

Here are a few suggestions based on what the most important factor is for you when choosing a car.

Price
Cost is one of the most significant factors for nearly everyone when shopping for a set of wheels. After all, there are few other elements that can have so immediate an impact on what decision you ultimately end up making. Of course, everyone has heard the old adage that you get what you pay for, so while a lower sticker price certainly holds some appeal for your wallet, you want to make sure that you aren't ending up with a lemon.

According to Kelley Blue Book, if you're on a shoestring budget, you'd be hard-pressed to find better value for your dollar than a Honda Civic. This popular and reliable sedan topped the publication's list of the 10 Best Used Cars under $8,000 for 2014, epitomizing a perfect mix of affordability and function. KBB highlighted the 2007 model in particular, which boasts an average 36 miles per gallon on the highway, making it an incredibly fuel-efficient buy. This efficiency, combined with the Japanese manufacturer's legendary reliability, make it a good choice for cash-strapped buyers.

Reliability
A common concern when shopping for used cars in particular is reliability. Not only are pre-owned vehicles older, but they can sometimes have histories and pasts that could affect their performance. Once again, it's important to note that every car is different, but there are some brands that have established reputations for being notably reliable.

In particular, many of the big U.S. manufacturers tend to top many mechanics' lists of reliable rides. If you're less concerned about initial investment and more worried about keeping your cost of ownership low down the road, consider a Chevrolet Cavalier or Ford Escort, Popular Mechanics suggested. What these tried-and-true models lack in luxury and luster they make up for with reliability and, importantly, cheap and readily available parts. You likely won't have to take these cars into the shop often, but when you do, you can count on not spending a fortune on replacement components. 

Fuel efficiency
With gas prices fluctuating wildly, driving to the pump can be a car-owner's worst nightmare. Fortunately, the past several years have seen tremendous strides made in fuel efficiency, and used-car enthusiasts will be happy to hear that these pump​-side savings can accompany cars at just about every price level. 

According to Consumer Reports, if you want the best bang for your gasoline buck, you're going to be hard-pressed to find a better deal than a Toyota Prius. The 2004-2007 models averaged an impressive 44 overall mpg, making it the publication's top choice for gas-sipping cars under $10,000.

The outliers
These suggestions can be helpful, but it's important to note that they're just that – suggestions. Just like any rule, there are plenty of exceptions, and when it comes to used cars, the truth is that specific make and model may not be the most reliable final indicator of performance.

In fact, a car's previous owner and his or her driving and maintenance habits can have an enormous impact on a vehicle's overall performance. Years of poor treatment can turn even the nicest model into a clunker. For this reason, it's crucial that whatever car you ultimately end up choosing, you get it inspected thoroughly before signing on the dotted line. If possible, try and narrow your search to certified pre-owned cars. These carry an additional warranty from the manufacturer, and receive in-depth inspections before hitting the sales floor, so you can feel better about your choice.

If you think a used car may be in your future, head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified vehicles on the lot, and the helpful sales staff are on hand to make your experience as pleasant as possible.