There's often a debate over whether cost or quality matters most to consumers, and results of a new study shed some light on what used car shoppers are looking for. Research conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs found that 45 percent of Americans say quality has the biggest impact on what choice they make.

The number of people valuing quality over price is up a bit from 2010 when the same survey found just 37 percent of people placed quality as the most important factor. Despite the fact that the largest group said quality was crucial detail, price still performed well. In fact, 22 percent said that a car's cost was their deciding factor. Safety landed in third with just 15 percent saying it was the most important.

"Choosing a vehicle that balances high quality with a fair price provides the value that consumers are looking for," said industry insider Tracy Hanson.

There are a number of ways that consumers are getting the best used car possible, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In addition to commonly-held practices like test driving the car, experts cite the importance of checking the vehicle's maintenance history to be sure there are no hidden facts. As a final tip, the FTC suggests doing research on the frequency of repairs on the particular model.

While the findings may make it look like one has to choose between quality and price, at New Jersey State Auto Auction, consumers can not only get an affordable Ford or Toyota but they can also get a reliable, quality ride. Furthermore, each car offered by the dealer is Carfax certified so you know that its reliability has been vetted by a third party.