When you're searching for a used car, you've got a lot to consider. Chief among your concerns will be how the vehicle fits in your budget – meaning you must think about insurance premiums, monthly payments, fuel efficiency and repair costs. To help drivers get through this tough battle, CarMD recently released its 2014 Vehicle Health Index. 

Finding the most reliable cars
The index is designed to identify the car models with the fewest "check engine"-related repairs, as well as the vehicles that are associated with the lowest repair costs. It looks at more than 40,000 maintenance issues from vehicles dating back to the 2004 model year, all of which occurred from Oct. 1, 2013 to Sept. 30, 2014. 

According to the data, the top manufacturer for few repairs is Honda, which barely beat out Hyundai for the No. 1 spot. They were followed by Toyota, General Motors and Ford. As far as individual vehicles go, the 2012 Toyota Camry rated as the best. This is the second consecutive year this model emerged as the winner, leading the way for five Toyota cars to land in the top 10. 

As far as cost goes, drivers would be smart to look at Mazda. The brand had the lowest average repair expenses, with $302.92 being the typical price. 

What you need to know
Taking a look at some of the most reliable makes and models could give you an idea for your next purchase. Drivers who want to keep costs down would be well-served to take a look at the rankings. Vehicles that tend to be more reliable or have lower average costs could help motorists save time and money. 

"While this index is based on in-use vehicle repairs needed over the past year, it has also proven to be a useful tool in helping car and truck shoppers make informed decisions about the vehicles they are considering," said Doug Sobieski, chief marketing officer of CarMD.

If you're searching for a reliable used car, look no further than NJ State Auto Auction. This lot is home to hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans. One of these vehicles could be your next ride – thanks in large part to the in-house experts who help drivers with everything from auto financing and loans to car repairs.