When Gilda DiCaprio decided she needed a new car, she, also, decided that she didn’t need a “new” car. Gilda knew what she was looking for and, that the price on a used car was right. "Generally I try to pay cash and stay within my limits because I'm on a fixed income and I don't like to be in debt,” she said while looking at a 2006 model. Gilda is not alone. Syracuse area used car dealer, Todd Caputo, says his sales have been strong, even in the face of slumping new car sales. "Right now, in the economic times we're dealing with, people want to get the most for the least amount."

Due, in part, to the higher demand for used cars, other dealers say the value of the car you already own might surprise you. "Most people don't realize what their car is worth. A lot of them aren't worth what people think they are but the good percentage of cars that weren't worth anything three or four months ago are worth a lot today," said J.R. Decker of Decker Auto Sales in Syracuse.

Everyone says that buyers are looking more at what they can save than at what they can spend. Todd Caputo explained that "even if someone can save two or three thousand dollars, that's gas for a year or that's groceries.”

Gilda DiCaprio says she’s got another reason to add to that list. "I'm careful. Plus, I'm going to Italy this year. I'm saving my money!"