For years, used cars had unfairly been given a bad reputation. The prevailing wisdom was that if you were purchasing a previously owned vehicle you were taking a risk that the car would break down more easily and you'd be left with no way to get around. However, times have changed and now used cars are not only an increasingly popular option, they are reliable as well, CBS affiliate WRAL reports.

Perhaps the biggest reason for the burgeoning confidence in used cars is the ample number of resources that consumers have available to them. Before stopping by dealers such as New Jersey State Auto Auction, prospective buyers can do extensive research into which car they're thinking about purchasing and end up saving a considerable amount of money on a ride that can last them a long time.

"It can cost as much as 45 percent less than the same car was when new, yet still have most or all the features you're looking for and still have years of life left in it," Consumer Reports' Jon Linkov told the news channel.

Still, while there may be many resources available to consumers, if they are not used correctly it can all be for naught. A car's history can be a significant indicator of how it will perform in the future so would-be buyers should check out if it's had any repairs or water damage in its past.

Luckily, New Jersey State Auto makes it easy for buyers to be confident they are buying a car that has a clean record. All cars sold by the company have been checked by CARFAX to ensure they are reliable.