Purchasing and owning your first car is more than an important milestone. It's also a rite of passage for many. Whether you're a teen driver looking to celebrate a freshly minted license by heading to the used car dealership or a long-time city-dweller finally looking to add an extra bit of mobility to your life, the sheer volume of information you'll encounter when researching and buying a car can be overwhelming. 

There's more to car ownership than just paying your loans and filling your gas tank. Vehicles can be costly in terms of both time and money if you don't have the proper knowledge. Fortunately, with the following tips, you can ensure that your vehicle ownership experience is a positive one from the time you start doing research into which model is for you until it's time to trade in your car for a new model.

Shop smart
Choosing the right car for you isn't anywhere near as simple as picking out produce or selecting a new outfit to wear. Cars aren't purchases. They're investments. That means that you should be thinking years down the road when deciding what model is right for you. 

The key thing to keep in mind is to do your homework. Don't rely on dealers to tell you everything you need to know, as their focus is more likely to be on closing sales than on ensuring you get the best value for your money. Don't be afraid to shop around and compare prices, and never, ever buy the first car you find. 

Start saving
You already know that you'll need quite a bit of money to make your purchasing dream a reality. Aside from the down payment, you've got insurance, monthly payments, gas and regular maintenance costs all piling up as soon as you drive off of the lot. 

Making a budget is crucial to your success, not just to prevent you from overspending, but simply to ensure you have the clearest picture of what your expenses are going to be in the first place. Calculating car costs can be difficult due to a variety of factors that must be considered, such as loan terms and total cost to own, but fortunately there are many reputable sources such as Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book that can provide you with the right information you need to make an educated decision.

Get your hands dirty
Even if you aren't a mechanic or particularly handy, familiarizing yourself with some of your new vehicle's basic components and maintenance tasks is a good idea. You may not be planning on doing much under the hood yourself, but at least being able to recognize which problems certain symptoms may indicate can be a huge time- and money-saver.

At the very least, you should know how to check your oil, where to find your battery – and how to jumpstart your car if needed – check your tires' air pressure and interpret the warning lights on your dashboard. 

Make friends with your mechanic
Your mechanic is like your doctor – the better relationship you have, the more effectively he or she will be able to address your needs. You should shop for a mechanic the same way you do for a car, as not all auto body shops are created equal.

Many dealerships offer on-site mechanical service, especially if they're a licensed vendor for a given car company, but it may be more convenient for you in the long run to find a local mechanic who is capable of handling smaller to medium-sized repair tasks on site. Just be sure that the mechanic you choose is certified to work on cars of your make and model, and that he or she will be able to get any necessary parts for repairs easily if needed.

When you're ready to turn your dreams of car ownership into a reality, head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, and a knowledgeable sales staff ready and willing to help pair you with your dream vehicle.