If you’re getting ready to buy a used car, there are a few steps you should take before you start negotiating with a dealer. Spending some time researching different choices and deciding which aspects are most important to you can better your odds of finding a vehicle that you’ll enjoy driving for years to come. Here are a few suggestions for beginning your search for the perfect used vehicle.

1. Decide what you want in a car
The first thing you should think about is what you want in a vehicle. Focus on major features like fuel efficiency and safety, and leave smaller details like infotainment systems and sun roofs for when you have narrowed down your selection. Some elements you will want to consider are vehicle size, reliability, overall cost of ownership, safety ratings and price.

2. Start researching your options
When you have found a handful of vehicles that fit your requirements for the aforementioned features, it is time to look more closely at these cars. Researching reviews from other drivers can help you determine what they have paid as well as their opinions about how a particular model handles. Top safety ratings and a low price won’t mean much if you don’t feel comfortable behind the wheel of the car.

3. Consider the fun features
The first two steps will help you eliminate a number of vehicles, but when you’re left with around five choices you can start looking at the design and additional features of each model. At this point, whichever model you choose will still have all the important aspects you wanted, so you can be particular about the layout of the dashboard or the color selections.

Sometimes it is best to see the vehicles in person, and you can find a variety of makes and models at NJ State Auto Auction. Every model on the lot is CARFAX certified, so no matter which you choose, you’ll be driving away in a reliable ride.