Research is a crucial component of buying a car, and these days drivers are digging up information about cars right from their mobile devices. A recent J.D. Power and Associates study found that the amount of people using their phones and tablets to look up car data is on the rise. Specifically, 31 percent of in-market vehicle shoppers used their phones for this task in 2012, which is nearly twice the amount last year (17 percent).

These individuals are accessing manufacturer sites as well as third-party automotive information sites like Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book. The study found that approximately half (53 percent) of mobile researchers have used their phones to conduct research while they are visiting dealerships. The top five categories of information being searched for are to compare vehicles, seek reviews and ratings, view photo galleries, look up model information and determine pricing.

"As shoppers increasingly use their mobile devices to gather information during the shopping process and even at the point of purchase, the importance and value of mobile websites to both manufacturers and shoppers alike grow exponentially," said Arianne Walker, senior director of media and marketing solutions for J.D. Power and Associates.

Using a mobile device can be a great way to gather information about cars when buyers are at the lot. This allows them to find out details about models, such as mileage, average cost and driver reviews so they can make informed choices. Using online research is a good way to narrow down the selection, and then armed with knowledge, drivers can head to dealers like New Jersey State Auto Auction to find the cars they want.