First-time car buyers have a lot to be excited about. A first car can be a powerful symbol of freedom, independence and authority, and a quality vehicle can stay with you for years to come. That said, it's not an undertaking that should be approached lightly. When shopping for your first ride, understand what you should be looking for in a car, but also what responsibilities await you after you've signed your contract so you can keep your car in great condition for longer. 

Making the right pick
The important thing when shopping for a car is to choose one that is well-suited to your lifestyle. Ask yourself what you'll primarily be using your car for – do you commute to and from work? Is it going to be for longer road trips back home? Are you just tired of taking the bus to buy groceries? Your answer to these questions should inform your shopping. If you're going to be putting a lot of miles on your car, you'll want one with a higher reliability rating so you don't have to worry about repairs popping up at inconvenient times. For trips around town, make sure you pay attention to fuel economy, as the frequent stop-and-go traffic of city driving can deal a hit to your gas budget. 

Maintenance basics
Of course, it's not enough to just hop in your newly purchased car and drive off into the sunset. If you want to best avoid problems down the road, there are a few basic maintenance tips you should brush up on, according to The Chicago Tribune. 

Everyone knows at least one person who has one of the notorious check engine light stories – someone who's been cruising with that little orange light on for months. It may seem innocuous, but paying attention to your car's lights, signals and alerts is crucial for keeping it well maintained. Even if you're not a gearhead, pop your hood and take a look at some of the more basic indicators, such as your oil and other fluids. You don't have to be performing any of this maintenance yourself; at least knowing where everything is may help you to identify problems more easily when and if they arise, or at the very least make it easier to talk to the mechanic about what's going wrong.

For your used car needs, head to NJ State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, and a dedicated in-house finance team to help you afford a high quality used car. The NJ State Auto Auction Total Car Care Center is a valuable resource for keeping your car running smoothly.