Used cars give prospective buyers a great way to save money while still offering a reliable ride. Though smart shoppers are likely to get a good deal, there are certain makes and models that offer more bang for the buck. Forbes recently released its list of best used cars for the money.

At the top of the list is the 2008 Ford Taurus. Despite being a longtime favorite among motorists, the car has a relatively low resale value. This is great for people looking to get behind the wheel of a reliable sedan, and the publication estimates you can find it for around $14,700.

Good deals can be found for more high-end vehicles as well. The 2008 Cadillac DTS is a great option, experts say. This luxurious ride made the cut because it offers plenty of power and safety features such as blind-spot and lane-departure warning.

There are also plenty of options available to people looking for an SUV. According to Forbes, the 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer comes in both V6 and V8 models and can be driven off the lot for less than $20,000.

Finding an affordable car is not the only reason you may want to buy used. According to Edmunds, one of the biggest advantages of buying a pre-owned vehicle is that you'll save money on insurance, and some used cars may still be under factor warranty. Not only that, but if you're a savvy shopper you can find better discounts.

New Jersey State Auto Auction is a great place for anybody looking for a used car. The dealer offers a wide variety of makes and models at affordable prices, all of which are Carfax certified.

Though most people may say they know a thing or two about their car's maintenance, results of a recent study show that it might not be true. Regular upkeep is a crucial part of owning a vehicle, especially in an uncertain times, yet some people may not know how often they have to take their car to get looked at, ABC affiliate KSAT reports.

A survey by consumer reviews website Angie's List found that while 32 percent of respondents get their oil changed at the regular intervals, the same amount tend to skip more important regular service checks on their car. The refusal to do so could spell doom for your car, and there are a few warning signs that should tip off drivers it's time to take their car to a mechanic.

Warning light indicators are there for a reason and the news channel says that they should not be ignored. Though they could be indicative of a minor issue, if the check engine light or service engine light come on, it is a good idea to head to the mechanic.

How your car is driving can play a large role in determining whether you should get it serviced or not. For example, if it makes screeching or grinding noises whenever you slow down, this could be a sign that your brake pads or rotors are not functioning as they should or are worn down. Additionally, the news channel reports that if your car is vibrating or running unusually loud, it should be looked at as soon as possible.

New Jersey State Auto Auction offers anybody looking to have their car inspected by a mechanic the opportunity to do so, thanks to its Total Car Care center. Whether you need a repair or a regular check up, it is a reliable place to go.

From shrinking unemployment to growing consumer confidence, there has been a lot of encouraging news regarding the economy in recent weeks. While it is certainly cause for optimism, analysts are quick to point out that there is still a long road to recovery. People may want to still make smart financial moves, like heading to New Jersey State Auto Auction to buy a used car.

One of the biggest reasons behind the cautiousness is the Euro debt crisis. Europe has been struggling to come up with a long-term debt reduction plan. As a result, the chances of slipping back into a recession are still very real. Additionally, high gas prices are likely to stay high, given prolonged conflict in the Middle East, so a fuel-efficient used car may be a great idea.

Unemployment has dropped in the last several months, and while that is certainly good news, analysts from Kelley Blue Book believe it may still be high throughout much of 2012. The trend will certainly have an impact on the economy.

"The current duration of unemployment has grown consistently since 2008 and currently stands at a high of 41 weeks," Alec Gutierrez, KBB's senior market analyst, wrote. However, he added that the auto industry may still see a slight rise in sales compared to 2011.

The bottom line is that while the economy has definitely improved over the last several months, there is no need to do away with being cautious. Buying a used car is a great way to save money while still enjoying the financial freedom that the improvements have brought. New Jersey State Auto Auction is a great place to go for a used car and has plenty of makes and models at affordable prices.

If you are in the market for a used car, trading-in your current model can be an excellent move. Not only will you no longer be saddled with the old vehicle, but you may get some money off on the one you purchase as well. The market is especially good for trade-ins now due to a depleted used car inventory, and according to Forbes, there are several models what will yield the biggest returns.

Starting off is the Jeep Wrangler. The Wrangler is popular among a wide spectrum of drivers due to its versatility. It can attract more casual motorists as well as those who want to take it off road. Analysts found that a 2008 two-door model with around 46,000 miles could get as much as 90 percent of its original value, with the four-door model getting 91 percent.

When it comes to pickups , the Toyota Tacoma performs quite well. According to Forbes, the decrease in demand for pickups has not hurt the trade-in value of the Tacoma, with a 2008 model getting drivers 72 percent of the original price. The news is even better for those trading in the four-door variety, which could get up to 87 percent.

As for smaller cars, the publication says that the Mini Cooper retains its value very well and could make owners happy when they go to trade it in. The ride might command as much as 77 percent of its sticker price because it is high in demand among young drivers.

Regardless of what car you have, New Jersey State Auto Auction is a great place to go if you're looking to trade in your current vehicle. The dealer is an Autotrader.com Trade In Marketplace Dealership so you can get an accurate and fair appraisal in no time.

Drivers often place an emphasis on safety features but results of a new Accenture study shine light on a shift in their preference. Technology is playing a greater role in what drivers are looking for in safety features, with 91 percent saying they want a lane-change or blind-spot warning in their car.

The study polled 7,000 drivers across the globe, and while the blind spot warning system was the overwhelming favorite, respondents had some other preferences as well. Specifically, 83 percents said they wanted a feature that would automatically contact a vehicle recovery organization in the event of a breakdown, and 75 percent would like a car that calls the nearest emergency service providers if there is a crash.

While technology for saftey's sake is important to many drivers, it is not the only area where they want the latest gadgets. In particular, most respondents said they want improved communication capabilities, with 63 percent saying they would like car-to-car communications and 58 percent prefer to read or dictate emails while driving.

"In-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems are quickly becoming part of mass-market car-buying as the latest IVI technologies inside today’s connected vehicle are increasingly as much a determinant of sales as design, fuel efficiency and performance," said Marcello Tamietti, managing director of Accenture’s Connected Vehicle group. "As consumer desire for IVI capabilities grows, it will be important for automotive manufacturers to seek partnerships that can offer a sustained, seamless IVI experience."

Regardless of what technology you have in your car, if its maintenance is not up to snuff it could all be for naught. Luckily, New Jersey State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center provides general upkeep as well as repairs to make sure your car runs smoothly.