Slowly but surely, the economy is on its way to recovery. That was clearly reflected earlier this month when unemployment dipped to 8.5 percent – a nearly three-year low. Though it might take some time to get back to pre-recession levels, the number of positive signs should have consumers feeling good. With the encouraging future, now may be the best time to head to New Jersey State Auto Auction for a used car.

If 2011 was any indication of whether the auto industry is on the road to recovery, 2012 may prove to be a great time to get behind the wheel of an updated ride. The last year presented a number of challenges including natural disasters in Japan as well as the prolonged debt debate in Congress during the summer. But despite all that, sales still jumped 10 percent from 2010, according to Kelley Blue Book.

"Sales forges ahead, proving that consumers have grown thicker skin after experiencing the many ups and downs since 2008," wrote Alec Gutierrez, the senior market analyst for KBB. "Even the earthquake in Japan had little impact on sales momentum through 2011."

Anybody looking to get a used car may want to act quickly. The values of 1-to-3-year old vehicles dropped 1.2 percent during December, and KBB believes that values may be on the rise during 2012 due to an increase in demand. In fact, the organization expects values to increase 3 to 5 percent in the first quarter, with compact cars and crossovers experiencing the highest growth.

To take advantage of the relatively low value in used cars, you should head to New Jersey State Auto Auction. In addition to a wide variety of makes and models, the dealer offers them at affordable prices.