You may not know this, but not all used cars are created equal. When shopping for your next ride, there are important considerations you should keep in mind to avoid having to make lemonade from an undesirable lemon. One of the most important things to follow when you're on the market is this: certified above all else. Like houses, appliances and even some professionals, certification carries with it a mark of quality that can be looked to as a guiding light when making purchasing decisions, and if you're looking to buy, it's worth your time and money to gain a better understanding of what that means exactly.

Understanding certified used cars
The first question you may have is, what exactly is a certified used car and how does it differ from the standard garden variety? According to the Department of Motor Vehicles, certified used cars are those that have undergone a thorough inspection and are backed by an extended manufacturer's warranty. Another important feature of certified cars is that, in general, a manufacturer won't certify a car that's older than five years, or one that has been in a serious accident or had extensive work done to it. This can serve as built-in peace of mind for many people wary of buying a used car.

Considering Carfax
Not all used car certifications come directly from the manufacturer. In recent years, third-party car verification services, the most popular of which is Carfax, have arisen to offer added assistance and guidance for car shoppers. Carfax is an extremely valuable service, as it can provide you with a vehicle history report outlining previous transactions and, most importantly, repair history. Accidents and repair problems are listed in the Carfax report, offering a useful snapshot of the condition of a used car. 

Such a service can be useful not just in assessing cars, but dealers as well. A high number of Carfax-certified vehicles can serve as the mark of a reputable dealer for those not in the know, which is an invaluable guidepost for those who are not experienced in navigating the often-confusing used car market.

For a wide selection of Carfax-certified cars, head to NJ State Auto Auction. There are hundreds of high-quality used cars on the lot, and an in-house finance team dedicated to helping you afford the used car, truck or van of your dreams.