Purchasing a used car is a big decision. However, there are a wide variety of makes and models to choose from, so it can sometimes seem like a hard one to make. Luckily, there are a few time-tested guidelines that can help make the process a little bit easier, and AAA recently released what it thinks some of the best are.

"There are numerous factors to consider, many of which take place long before a buyer ever hits a car lot,"  said John Nielsen, AAA's Director of Automotive Engineering and Repair.

The most important thing to think about when shopping for a used car is your price range. Of course, what is and is not affordable varies from person to person, but most experts recommend that no more than 15 to 20 percent of a person's monthly budget should go toward car expenses. 

While your financial situation is something that should weigh heavily in your decision, how you drive and what you're going to use the car for should also come into play. If you need to make frequent long drives, a smaller, more fuel-efficient car is a good option. However, if you need to shuttle kids to and from school, one with a lot of seating and cargo space is the right pick.

You can't ignore auto financing either. You should do some research on loans beforehand and come equipped with the knowledge on things such as interest rates and the length of the loan.

All these aspects of car buying can easily be taken care of at New Jersey State Auto Auction. Along with plenty of quality used cars, NJ Auto also provides guaranteed credit approval thanks to a partnership with the Credit Acceptance Corporation.