Having a credit history is essential for making big purchases. Unfortunately for some people, their past isn’t quite as rosy and pristine as they’d like. In fact, many would-be car shoppers have to deal with subpar credit scores, shaky payment histories or even bankruptcy filings. 

But it’s never too late to pick up positive habits – and ignore the bad ones. Here are three credit mistakes you should avoid like the plague. 

Mistake 1: Not reading the fine print
You could think you have a great deal on a credit card, but unless you comb through all of the fine print, you’ll never know for sure. Your card could be loaded with hidden late fees, minimum balances, gradual interest rate increases or other penalties. Make sure you know what to expect before getting involved with a company. Any time a policy changes, it could be enough to disrupt your payment pattern, so work to avoid these situations. 

Mistake 2: Only making minimum payments 
Some people fall into the trap of using a credit card to buy things and then only making minimum payments on their bill. That’s a good way to quickly build up debt without reaping the rewards on your credit score. Instead, try to pay off the entire balance whenever possible. 

USA Today reported that people using rewards cards should also be motivated to make bigger payments. The cash-back rewards or perks received for using a card usually amounts to 1 or 2 percent of the total purchase, which isn’t enough to outweigh interest rates. To truly take advantage of these rewards, pay off your balance in full, or as much of it as you can. 

Mistake 3: Doing nothing with credit cards
If you have credit cards but you aren’t doing anything with them, then you aren’t building credit. That means you’re probably paying start-up fees without getting any of the benefit. Start by opening an account with one card and using it for smaller purchases, paying off the balance immediately. Eventually you can work your way up to multiple cards and major buys. 

Not sure if your credit has you able to buy a used car? Let the experts at NJ State Auto Auction help you. The lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans to choose from. Once you find the vehicle that works for you, the in-house financing team can sort through your options and figure out the best possible plan. 

So you want a new car … now what? The first thing you may have to do is get a reality check, as the cost of a brand new model is pretty high. For some drivers, that's just one of the many reasons to find used cars instead. These pre-owned models provide great value, and in light of the most recent sales figures, they may be the best option as well. 

New cars grow pricier
According to a report from Cars.com, the average transaction price for new cars purchased in October reached $30,382. That's the highest so far for 2014 and represents a slight uptick from September's expenses. However, the cost could be even higher. USA Today reported that TrueCar pegged the average transaction price for the month at $32,957. 

People still need loans to help pay for these expensive new cars. The source reported that the average length of a loan needed to purchase a new model was 67 months. That's the second-longest term in history, and while it could be good news for drivers who don't mind spending a little during their time as owners, it can make a big difference for those who care about the bottom line. 

Opportunities for savvy shoppers
The prices may be going up, but more people buying new cars means there may be greater numbers of used cars entering the market. As vehicles get traded in or discarded for newer models, savvy drivers are able to pick out real gems. 

It could even be easier to find a viable car because gas prices are dropping around the country. A report from AAA found that the average cost of a gallon of gas has recently dropped below $3. With these expenses dropping to their lowest point since December 2010, more people are turning to large SUVs and pickup trucks. They may have been considered gas guzzlers at one point, but in today's world they are almost as practical as smaller sedans. 

Are you convinced yet? Used cars can offer plenty of value for anyone – drivers just have to know where to look. Start your search at New Jersey State Auto Auction. Our lot has hundreds of Carfax-certified used cars, trucks and vans for sale, and you'll be able to find many models at prices that fit in your budget. 

Have you filed for bankruptcy recently? If so, then you're one of the hundreds of thousands of Americans who find themselves in this precarious position each year. While bankruptcy can feel like the end of the world, it does provide a way to start over – provided you know the best methods of doing so. 

Here are a few ways you can work to rebuild your credit score. 

Monitor your credit score
It's going to take a while to get your credit score up to snuff, but you should be consistently checking in on it to ensure that it's moving in the right direction. This also allows you to ensure that there are no errors or inconsistencies on your report, which in turn guarantees there isn't a separate problem holding you back. 

Start fresh with new accounts
Part of the benefit of declaring bankruptcy is being able to start over with regard to your finances. Take advantage of this by saving up enough money to open new bank accounts. The Huffington Post also recommended applying for a secured credit card or retail card to start rebuilding credit. They key is to not use these cards to make extraneous buys – use them to get the basics and then make moves to prevent debt from growing. 

Avoid only paying the minimum
Scrambling to make minimum payments – along with not making payments at all – is part of what got you into debt in the first place. Instead of going right back to your old habits, embrace some positive ones by keeping debt under control. Whenever possible, use credit cards to make small purchases and then pay off the balance immediately. Gradually, this will build up a credit score and allow you to make larger purchases. 

Don't let it scare you off from purchases
Declaring bankruptcy may have you thinking that you're stuck with your current car, as it can be tough to find a loan for a purchase. However, spots like New Jersey State Auto Auction help subprime buyers find used cars that can meet their needs and budget. Our in-house financing department has the power to get you approved for credit even if you've had trouble in the past, and you can use that to select one of the hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans on the lot. 

Want to spend a ton of money when you purchase your next car? Unless you've stumbled across some buried treasure, the answer to that question is probably no. Unfortunately, many drivers don't know what to do to keep cash in their wallets. Here are a few do's and don'ts to keep in mind when shopping around for cars. 

Don't: Buy a new model
We get it: A lot of people want to enjoy that new car smell when they get behind the wheel. However, not many know how much that aroma actually costs. Yes, you're getting a high-quality car, but the second you drive off the lot it begins dropping in value. Yahoo reported that a new vehicle with a sticker price of $30,000 loses more than half its value in the first three years of ownership – a fact that can leave you owing more money than your ride is worth very quickly. 

Do: Find a used car 
Your best bet for saving money may be to find used cars that meet your needs. Today's used cars offer many of the same technology and safety features that you'd see on a newer model, all at a lower price. If you can find an option that's been well-maintained and has the qualities you like, you might want to jump on it. 

Don't: Blindly agree to a loan 
Most buyers will need some kind of help affording a car, regardless of whether it's new or used. If you fall into this category, make sure you're doing your research before agreeing to a loan. Just because you think an offer may be the best to come along doesn't make it so. Look up average loan terms and interest rates for your area and budget, and use online calculators to check that your offer is fair. 

Do: Look for a shorter loan 
Many drivers, especially those who are classified as "subprime," may be tempted to accept a longer loan because it allows smaller monthly payments. However, with these agreements you'll probably be paying much more in the long run – maybe even more than the car is worth. Try to scrounge up money for a hefty down payment or splurge for the shorter loan instead. 

If you need help finding a used car, head to NJ State Auto Auction. Not only does the auction lot have hundreds of Carfax-certified used vehicles for sale, but it also has an in-house financing team that can help save you money. 

Auto insurance is a must for any driver, but sometimes it can feel like a useless burden. The second you get into an accident, however, that same insurance becomes your best friend. While you may not have a choice when it comes to whether you need insurance, there are many options for providers and plan types – but it's up to you to find one that works. There's good news and bad news for drivers who are shopping around for a new policy. 

Low-income buyers charged high prices
The Washington Post recently reported that low-income drivers are under a lot of financial stress when it comes to their car insurance. According to new data from the Consumer Federation of America, there are certain areas throughout the U.S. where average insurance premiums greatly exceed the norm, posing a significant problem for low-income drivers. 

"High insurance premiums act to deny [low-income] Americans economic opportunity and also help to explain why so many low-income drivers drive without insurance," said Tom Feltner, CFA's director of financial services and the principal author of the report, as quoted by The Post. 

The source did note that several factors go into insurance premiums. For example, urban areas tend to have higher rates of thefts and more expensive repair costs, which can up the required payments. 

Americans are still satisfied
Some people face high prices, but most are happy with their insurance provider. A recent study from J.D. Power found that overall customer satisfaction in the industry has steadily improved throughout the past five years. The biggest gains were made with regard to service interaction happiness and claim professional satisfaction, which essentially means that insurance representatives are doing their best to help clients. 

"Insurance companies are placing more emphasis on training their employees and representatives to be customer-centric, especially during the interaction process," said Jeremy Bowler, senior director of the global insurance practice at J.D. Power. "That focus is reflected in the increase in satisfaction, specifically with claim professionals, whose primary responsibility is to accurately estimate the amount of the insurance settlement." 

Although some people may face higher premiums, there are plenty of ways to balance a budget so a used car is affordable. If that's the case, you need to check out NJ State Auto. The auction lot boasts hundreds of Carfax-certified vehicles, as well as an in-house financing department that can help you find the right fit. 

The price of used cars may be dropping, but that doesn't mean most people can just drop off a hunk of cash and drive off a lot with their ride of choice. Instead, a large number of people turn to auto loans to help them afford a car. While loans can be a huge advantage for budget-conscious buyers, there are still some scenarios where the financing options can cause stress and costly payments in the long run. 

According to Bloomberg News, the number of late payments by subprime car buyers is rapidly rising, which is cause for concern. Although many of these borrowers, most of whom have spotty credit history, can manage to make their payments on time, others are struggling – perhaps because of the type of loan they sign up for. 

Instead of leaving your financing up to chance, pay attention to the details of your loan and make sure you're getting a good deal. Here are two warning signs you should watch out for. While these factors aren't the only red flags out there, they are two of the most common. 

1. You don't understand the fees
Auto financing is certainly complicated, and no one is asking every buyer to become an expert. Still, you should have a clear idea of what you're paying for. Take a close look at the loan you're agreeing to and make sure every aspect of the payment is explained clearly. Taxes and fees are normal, but they should be explicitly explained so you know what your money is going toward and how much you're really being charged. 

2. There are odd conditions 
CNBC noted that situations may arise when a dealer tries to pull a fast one on the driver. In these scenarios, a company will strike a deal with the buyer and sign off on the paperwork. Later on, said company contacts the buyer, claims something was wrong with the conditional sale and makes outrageous demands, such as additional fees or even the return of the car. If any dealer ever tries to back out of a contract, you should alert the proper authorities. 

Ultimately, a good auto loan will provide you with transparency along with manageable payments. If you're struggling to find one of these elusive financing options, let the team at NJ State Auto help. Our financing department can get you approved for a loan quickly and easily, explaining all of the ins and outs of the process along the way. 

Used cars can be a great option for drivers. Not only are they more affordable than their newer counterparts, but they also offer plenty of the same styles and features that motorists want. Unfortunately, a recent study found that pre-owned vehicles may still be financially out of reach for many. 

Used cars may be out of reach
The website iSeeCars.com gathered data from 25 million used car transactions in the 50 largest metro areas in the U.S. What it found was somewhat surprising: A typical used car sale is enough to leave the average American household financially overextended. For example, people in New Orleans spent about 140 percent more than what is ideal for their budget over the course of used car ownership, CNBC reported. 

"The fact is, buying a used car or truck is just not realistic financially for millions of Americans," said iSeeCars.com CEO Phong Ly, as quoted by NBC News. "Low annual household income in some parts of the country is forcing people into car payments that are higher than they'd like, or for a term far longer than ideal, just to make them more affordable." 

According to CNBC, the figures were calculated using the average transaction prices in a given region, as well as the typical down payments and monthly payments. Loans can certainly help drivers in the long run, but choosing an option with a longer term also means paying more interest. The trick is to find a solution that balances finances with the needs of the consumer – an act that can be tricky if you're not sure of the process. 

Can you afford one? 
Are you unsure about your ability to buy a used car? Never fear, as New Jersey State Auto Auction is here to help. In addition to having hundreds of used cars for sale, the facility boasts its own in-house financing team. These experts are well-equipped to find you the best auto loan or financing option possible, ensuring that you can drive off the lot with the car of your dreams. 

NJ Auto's financing team is able to approve prospective shoppers for car loans and then help them decide which option is best for their specific situation. Not only does this clarify an otherwise confusing process, but it ensures that you're signing up for a plan you can afford. 

If you had to pick two personal possessions that were never stolen, there's a good chance you would name your car and your wallet. These are some of the most valuable items you own, and not only are they costly to replace, but losing one is sure to bring plenty of headaches and frustration. All of this makes a recent trend even more alarming. 

Stealing identities – and cars 
The National Insurance Crime Bureau is raising awareness of white-collar methods that many thieves are using to steal cars. One of the most popular schemes involves criminals using stolen IDs to lease or purchase vehicles. Once the car is in their possession, they skip any and all payments, leaving the original victim of theft stuck with the bill. Those vehicles could even be resold to unsuspecting buyers. 

Although there are no concrete numbers associated with these scams, the NICB is paying attention to the threat – and you should be too. 

"Trying to put a number on these kinds of thefts is a challenge," said NICB President and CEO Joe Wehrle. "It's comparable to a hacker stealing IDs – you don't know you're a victim until it's too late. Most of these thefts don't show up in traditional crime reporting numbers and become financial losses for lenders, car rental companies and others. The result is millions of dollars added to the cost of doing business, which is ultimately passed on to consumers."

How to stay safe
You can take some measures to protect your investment. Start by keeping your ID close to you at all times. You should also be monitoring any suspicious mail that comes to your home address, making sure that you aren't unwittingly receiving follow-up letters from a loan or purchase. 

Additionally, always lock your car or home, particularly if you have a wallet lying around. When looking for a used car, be sure to research the vehicle history and make sure you a clear idea of where the car came from. 

It also helps to go to a reputable used car lot for all of your shopping and auto financing needs. At New Jersey State Auto Auction, for instance, you'll find hundreds of Carfax-certified vehicles as well as a top-notch financing team. They'll assist you in your search for the perfect ride, complete with an affordable price tag, auto loans and plenty of security features. 

Feeling the crunch of a tight car budget? Have no fear, because auto loans are available to take some of the stress away from buying a used car – and these financing options are rapidly becoming a popular choice for a large portion of drivers. 

Automotive financing options are making it easy for prospective drivers to get behind the wheel. With a large number of people searching for cars – auto sales in August were at the highest rate since 2006, according to InAutoNews – many are turning to financing.

More loans than ever before
Experian Automotive reported that more than 53 percent of all used car purchases in the first quarter of 2014 involved some kind of financing, which is an increase of nearly 1 percent from the year before. 

People are also borrowing more money. According to NBC News, the average used car loan now sits at $18,258. That's almost 2 percent higher than it was in the middle of 2013. It also led to the average monthly payments for used vehicles hitting an all-time high of $355. While that may seem like bad news for some money-conscious buyers, it is not a death sentence. In actuality, there are many options for people – even those with poor credit – to find a loan that works for them.

"More and more consumers, especially those that are credit challenged, are turning to the used vehicle market as a viable option to purchase their next car," said Melinda Zabritski, a senior director of automotive finance for Experian. 

Loans go to the extremes 
According to Experian's data, many sub-prime buyers are taking advantage of long-term loans to land their dream vehicles. But even as a significant portion of loans extend anywhere from 73 to 84 months in length, delinquencies remain low. That means drivers with a variety of budgets are finding ways to keep up with monthly payments, even over an extended period of time. 

The many options drivers can consider may make purchasing a used car overwhelming. Luckily, there are facilities equipped to help you make the best decision. 

Shoppers who aren't sure about their best course of action should head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. Not only does the lot have hundreds of Carfax-certified cars, trucks and vans available, but it also has an in-house financing team that can help anyone find a loan. 

Whether or not you drive a luxury car, simply having a set of wheels doesn't have to be an extravagance. Gone are the days when you needed to light your Cuban cigars with your disposable income to be able to afford a car. As owning a vehicle has become something of a necessity for many adults, dealers and lenders provide a variety of options for lower-income buyers to drive away with a car of their own. 

Many dealers boast their willingness to finance to shoppers with poor credit. Loans can give low-income buyers the chance to own a car when they otherwise couldn't. However, there are a few important things to keep in mind when financing on the lower end of the credit spectrum to ensure you don't get burned. 

What is subprime?
Loans that are offered to those with poor credit scores are referred to as "subprime" – a term The New York Times defined as a loan given to anyone with a credit score below 640. While the specifics of credit ratings and what affects them can be opaque and complicated, an important point is that such loans have increased by 130 percent in recent years, according to the Times. In fact, Auto Credit Express reported that subprime loans are more common now than they have been since the Great Recession began in 2008. 

On the surface, the increase in such lending patterns seems to be beneficial for buyer and seller alike. Lower-income or lower-credit buyers have more opportunities to own a car, while lenders appreciate the increased interest involved with lending money to more people, and at higher interest rates. 

What to be wary of
Subprime loans can be good resources for some who otherwise wouldn't be able to afford a car. However, there are risks involved, and these should be considered carefully before you decide to sign any loan documents. 

When buyers have lower credit ratings, such agreements represent risk for the dealer, so expect lenders to require a larger down payment. As part of the risk management process, Auto Credit Express noted that lenders may be more selective in their approvals for subprime lending, so it's still a good idea to take specific effort to raise your credit score before heading to the lot. Even if a lender is willing to approve you for a subprime loan, be sure your income is stable before you sign on the dotted line – defaulting on a loan can result in your car being repossessed.

When shopping for a used car, head to NJ State Auto Auction. There are hundreds of Carfax-certified autos on the lot, and an in-house finance team ready to help make your pre-owned vehicle affordable.