Shopping for a car can be as confusing as it is exciting. Understanding the vast array of special features and options many cars come with, not to mention matching them to your specific needs as a driver, can be frustrating. And this doesn't even take into account the added stress of dealership hype surrounding their shiny newer models. 

You may have reservations about purchasing a pre-owned vehicle, but a quality certified used car can be an idea option for a buyer who is looking to get a reliable ride without breaking the bank. Here are some points to consider when you're deciding what car to buy.

Save money now, save money later
If spending less is your primary goal, opting for pre-owned is the way to go. New cars are laden with hidden costs and financial pitfalls that you won't have to deal with when you buy used. In addition to typically bearing a lower sticker price, new cars depreciate, or decline in value, at an alarming rate. Based on data from Edmunds, a new car loses 9 percent of its value as soon as you drive off the lot. In fact, a mere three years after you bring your new ride home, you can expect it to be worth 40 percent less than what you paid for it. Contrast this with the value of a used car, which Consumer Reports mentioned depreciates at a rate of 27 percent in the first three years, and you can see that pre-owned cars offer a much higher value-for-money ratio.

They're more reliable than ever
Sure, you know that used cars cost less, and can even save you money down the road, but isn't it true that you get what you pay for? Won't you just be signing up for a host of mechanical problems when you opt for a used model instead of a new one? According to Consumer Reports, not really. In fact, for lower-income buyers, there hasn't been a better time to buy a pre-owned car and trust in its reliability. Even between 2007 and 2014, the overall reliability of 5-year-old cars increased by 33 percent, the source pointed out. 

As CNN reported, this is in part due to many manufacturers adopting or expanding their used car certification programs. Dealers and manufacturers are putting more of their support behind pre-owned models, implementing stricter inspection standards and warranty coverage, and providing additional peace of mind.

When it's time to shop for a used car, head to NJ State Auto Auction. You'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified cars on the lot, and the in-house finance team is available to help approve you for an affordable auto loan.