Purchasing a used car is not easy, especially if you are trying to find an option that fits within your budget as a below-prime buyer. Luckily, there are a few tips that should help prospective drivers sort through used cars for sale and select just the right one, all without putting a major dent in their wallet. 

The first thing shoppers should do is set a realistic budget for themselves. This goes beyond just considering the sticker price of a car – instead, a savvy buyer will be looking at the total cost of ownership. Fuel economy, maintenance costs, rebates and loan payments are all aspects of ownership that need to be taken into account as you calculate the actual cost of a car. 

Another important step buyers should take is assessing their current credit score and loan situation. Financing can be a big help to sub-prime buyers, but it is important to put yourself in the best position to get loans by improving a credit score and making yourself an attractive candidate. 

If there's one thing below-prime buyers should do, it's research. Learning the ins and outs of a potential vehicle can help you understand the costs tied to it as well as areas where you could save. Looking into the history of a specific automobile can alert you as to crash history, reliability and similar factors that may influence your decision to purchase a car. 

No matter what your budget is, you should be able to find a suitable vehicle among the hundreds for sale at New Jersey State Auto Auction. The lot contains many CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, all of which offer affordable options for used car shoppers.