Though many people assume that the only advantage of buying a used car is that it costs less, such is not the case. A lower price is certainly a significant benefit, but according to The Huffington Post, used cars tend to be the more eco-friendly option as well.

It may be true that many new cars are being built to reduce carbon emissions and improve fuel-economy, but experts say the same can be said for used cars since the push to creating greener vehicles has been going on for several years.

"Just five years ago carbon dioxide emitted per kilometer from new cars was dramatically less than from used cars," industry expert Matt Tumbridge told the website. "But the advances in engine technology that made that drop in carbon dioxide possible have now bedded into the used car market."

Tumbridge has some statistics to back up his claims as well. For instance, he points out that the Toyota Prius, one of the most eco-friendly cars in the United States, emits about 89 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer, and most are around 100 grams per kilometer. A three-year-old Smart car emits about 130 and costs significantly less.

Another reason that used cars can be greener is because many people are performing maintenance on their cars to keep them on the road longer rather than buying a new car. Retro-fitting vehicles to biodeisel, which has proven to reduce total greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 20 percent, can be one way to make an old car a little more green, the website reports.

Whether you're looking to pick up a fuel-efficient used car or get some life-extending maintenance performed on your car, New Jersey State Auto Auction is the place to go. Along with a wide variety of makes and models, the dealer also offers a Total Car Care center at its Jersey City location.