The test drive can be one of the most important steps in buying a used car. No matter how much research you do or how many reviews you read, what it all comes down to is how you feel behind the wheel, and you should make sure to place a heavy emphasis on taking the car out for a spin before purchase. Some people may not know what to look for during the test drive, but here are a few tips.

While you might think the test drive begins once you turn the key, it should actually start just before that. In fact, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) advises you to check some of the components that don't have to do with the driving experience. For instance, you may want to inspect storage areas, door handles, seat and mirror adjustments, and signaling devices.

You should also look under the hood and in the trunk for a variety of reasons. For starters, the DMV says looking in the trunk can reveal tell-tale signs of flood damage such as water lines and mildew. Additionally, checking out the engine makes it easy to inspect fluid levels and other important criteria.

Once you're out on the road, perhaps the most crucial thing is to try out the car in a variety of situations. The test drive does not have to be long but you should make sure the car handles well, whether it be in stop-and-go traffic or on the highway. While on the road, test out all the systems including the heat, air conditioning and radio to make sure they function properly.

If you test drive a car at New Jersey State Auto Auction, there's a good chances you'll come out feeling confident about your decision. That's because New Jersey Auto provides a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices – all of which are Carfax certified.

The economic collapse in 2008 has lead to a dearth of used cars. Many drivers are holding on to their vehicles longer than in previous years and as a result are not trading them in for updated models. In an effort to replenish a depleted used car market, many in the industry are putting in a significant effort to convince drivers now might be the time to trade in their vehicles, The Detroit News reports.

The unique situation has led some dealers to take drastic measures to find used cars. Some will look at their service departments and make drivers offers well above what they would normally pay. Others have turned online to find cars on websites like eBay. The shortage is reflected in the number of cars sold at auction.

"The number in 2010 was 8.4 million," Tom Kontos, executive vice president of Adesa Analytical Services, told the newspaper. "My expectation this year is it won't reach 8 million. So we are down somewhere between 1.5 [million] and 2 million cars, even with new-car sales increasing."

While it may be bad news for dealers, the shortage of used cars is great news for people considering trading in their car. However, even if the demand is high, there are still some steps you can take to ensure you get the most money possible.

According to Bankrate.com, one of the best ways to ensure a fair deal is to come prepared with all your service records. Additionally, you should do some research beforehand to have an idea of how much your car is worth.

New Jersey State Auto Auction is a great place to go to trade in your used car. Thanks to being an Autotrader.com trade-in marketplace, New Jersey Auto can provide you with a fast appraisal that will you have you driving away with a used car in no time.

Sometimes finding the right vehicle can seem like a struggle. No matter how much you look, it can appear nearly impossible to find the perfect car for the right price. Though everyone has their own methods when it comes to buying a used car, some habits are more effective than others and can go a long way in helping you land the ideal automobile.

A lot of the success of the purchase has to do with what brand you choose. While most people may be dead-set on only purchasing a top-end brand, the lesser known makes and models may get you an equally reliable vehicle at much less the price. According to the Toronto Star, having an open mind when it comes to brand selection can yield excellent results. Some of the best undervalued manufacturers are Kia, Mitsubishi and Suzuki.

Experts may advise against being too committed to a particular manufacturer, but the same cannot be said for a budget. The publication reports that setting a budget and sticking to it is  important because it can narrow your focus and, most obviously, keep you from spending too much money. Additionally, you may want to consider trading in your previous car to take a few thousand dollars off the price.

Like any major purchase, research is a must, and luckily there are plenty of options to learn about the history behind your potential purchase. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, all the cars on the lot are Carfax certified so you know you're getting a vehicle with no hidden issues.

Of course, having a reliable stable of cars is not the only advantage offered by New Jersey Auto. The dealer carries a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, whether you're looking for a Ford, Toyota or Jeep.

Hybrid cars and electric vehicles have long been seen as the future, and that may prove to be the case if Generation Y has anything to say about it. A recent study conducted by Deloitte found that 59 percent of Gen Y respondents would prefer an electric vehicle over a traditional car, while 57 percent said the same about a hybrid car.

The survey polled 1,500 people from different populations including baby boomers and members of Generation X. However, it was Gen Y, the group of people born between 1977 and 1990 that were the most likely to turn to an alternative fuel source. Analysts say that their findings could mean big things because the generation comprises one of the largest groups of auto buyers in the country.

"Gen Y consumers also view hybrid technology as proven and reliable," said Craig Giffi, vice chairman and automotive practice leader at Deloitte. "Almost six in 10 Gen Y respondents prefer a hybrid over any other type of vehicle, while a mere two in 100 prefer a pure battery electric vehicle – demonstrating that Gen Y is familiar and comfortable with hybrid technology, but not so much with battery-only technology."

The study found some interesting tidbits regarding how Gen Y feels about the interior features of cars as well. Connectivity proved to be important, with 72 percent saying they would like smartphone applications, while 73 percent would like a car with a touch screen interface.

While hybrid vehicles dominating the market may still be a few years off, members of Gen Y looking for a reliable used car should head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. With a wide variety of makes and models, all at affordable prices, shoppers will certainly be able to find a car that suits their needs.