As the quality of vehicles continue to improve, the supply of used cars for sale is getting better and better. This is good news for many drivers, as it means they can find pre-owned automobiles that boast some impressive features and top-notch performance, all without breaking the bank. However, as the quality goes up, so do prices. Although the sticker prices for these used cars are still much lower than new models, shoppers have to put in some work to find the best value. 

The NADA Used Car Guide predicts that the price of used cars that are between 4 and 10 years old will be 0.5 percent higher at the end of 2013 than they were the year before. At the same time, pre-owned vehicles that are under 3 years old will likely see average prices 1.5 percent lower than in 2012. Much of this has to do with the quality and reliability of older models, which are rapidly leveling the playing field in these areas when compared to more recent automobiles. 

"Historically speaking, reliability and unexpected repair cost concerns meant that vehicles over 5 years of age took a back seat to their younger, in-warranty counterparts in terms of demand," said Jonathan Banks, an analyst for the NADA Used Car Guide. "However, rapid advances in dependability over the past decade have changed consumer attitudes toward purchasing older vehicles." 

Drivers on the hunt for used cars that are both dependable and valuable are not without hope. The lot at New Jersey State Auto Auction is filled with CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, and any of these pre-owned vehicles has the potential to be a great investment for any motorist. 

When it comes to shopping around for a used car, every driver is looking for something different. A few motorists are focused on the driving performance, while others may be drawn to impressive safety features or a sleek exterior. In general, many prospective buyers are looking for a combination of these top factors, and a recent study from the NADA Used Car Guide attempted to find just what the most attractive qualities in a car purchase are. 

According to the survey, the overall quality and dependability of a vehicle is considered to be the most important aspect of a car purchase by more than 23 percent of shoppers. That is well ahead of fuel economy, which took second place with more than 14 percent of the vote despite being the runaway winner in last year's poll. Many drivers are placing less emphasis on mileage now that gas prices are falling back into an acceptable range. 

"While higher gasoline prices and stiffer federal regulations have raised the profile of fuel economy over the past few years, the survey results clearly indicate that car and light-truck shoppers are looking for a trouble-free ownership experience above all else," said Jonathan Banks, an auto analyst for the NADA Used Car Guide. 

Other factors that played a role in the purchase process included the brand, vehicle design, power and performance, and safety. On the opposite end of the spectrum are extra features like navigation systems or driver-assist technologies. Compared to some of the aforementioned characteristics, these features were not considered terribly important. 

No matter what motorists are looking for, they can peruse the top-notch options at the New Jersey State Auto Auction. The auction lot is loaded with CARFAX-certified cars, trucks and vans, allowing drivers to select the ride that suits their needs and has all of the qualities they are looking for. 

No one likes getting caught in traffic. Unfortunately for many drivers across the U.S., it's looking like that prospect is unavoidable. The most recent INRIX Gridlock Index found that traffic in June increased 8 percent compared to the same time last year. It's the third straight month traffic has increased.  

The influx of traffic is largely due to an improved economy, which led to more jobs and more employees heading to work. In the country's 100 most populated metro areas, where much of this economic growth took place, drivers are finding themselves stuck in traffic for 7 percent longer than in 2012. 

"Last year at this time we saw a 19 percent year-over-year decrease in traffic congestion levels," said Bryan Mistele, CEO of INRIX. "Yet we turned a corner in December. Aside from a slight pullback in March, we've seen higher levels of consumer spending and employment lead to dramatically higher levels of gridlock on our roads nationwide." 

While the surge of traffic on the roads may be a good sign for the national economy, it's not so great for drivers. Luckily, there are a few things motorists can do to make sure they stay safe and comfortable behind the wheel, regardless of how many people are driving around them. Getting air conditioning and the HVAC system checked out is essential for staying relaxed in a car, and motorists should also make sure their brakes are in top condition and can handle the stop-and-go style often found in heavy traffic. 

If you think your car has an issue that needs to be addressed or it's simply ready for a tune up, head to NJ State Auto Auction. The garage there caters to the public and is capable of handling any problems that may pop up. 

The used car market is seeing a slight decline in sales, which could create ideal conditions for buyers on a budget. When the economy took a turn for the worse a few years ago, many drivers turned to used cars or held on to their current rides in an effort to save money, and this resulted in fewer used vehicles that sometimes cost more than their new counterparts. As conditions have improved, numerous car owners have turned back to the new car segment, putting less of a strain on the supply of used cars. This has given the used car market some breathing room, as prices have come down and inventories have grown.

According to a recent Edmunds.com report, used car sales fell 3.4 percent in the first six months of 2013 compared to the first half of 2012. With less of a demand for pre-owned models, dealers will likely be lowering prices to reach their sales quotas, making this an excellent time to begin the search for your next ride.

It is important to note that, while overall sales may have fallen, franchise dealerships and certified, pre-owned sales have improved 6 and 12.5 percent, respectively. This means drivers will want to check out other options, such as New Jersey State Auto Auction. The dealership, located in Jersey City, is open to the public and has more than four football fields worth of used cars, trucks and SUVs. Every model on the lot is backed by a Carfax report, so you'll know exactly what you're buying before you finalize the sale. You can also get approved for an auto loan in minutes, as NJ State Auto partners with a number of major lenders to help get you behind the wheel of the car you need regardless of your credit history.

There are many things to consider when shopping around for a used car. In addition to important aspects like fuel economy, driving performance and safety features, you also have to be aware of a vehicle's history. This is especially important when you consider the number of flood-damaged cars on the roads. According to a new report from Carfax, there are more than 212,000 vehicles classified as flood damaged currently on the roads, despite the fact that many of these automobiles were thought to be ruined beyond long-term repair. 

Nearly two-thirds of these flood-damaged vehicles are confined to 10 states, including New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Many of these vehicles may have suffered damage from Superstorm Sandy, and were given a short-term fix before being sold to unsuspecting drivers. If left untreated, the issues present in these cars could pose a major concern for motorists, but there are a few things these individuals can do to protect themselves. 

"Flood cars a volatile mixture of water, metal and electricity," said Larry Gamache, a communications director at Carfax. "Once a car is ravaged by water, the mechanical, electrical or safety systems can fail at any time. There's also the health risk, as mold and bacteria permeate the vents and soft parts of the interior. Know what you're putting you and your family into before laying down your hard-earned money. Start with a Carfax Vehicle History Report and thorough inspection by a trusted mechanic." 

To make the car search easier, head to an auction lot where the options are Carfax-certified. You can find just that at New Jersey State Auto Auction, which has a wide selection of pre-owned cars, trucks and vans that are more than capable of meeting your driving needs.