SOUTHWEST FLORIDA - When times get tough, people start to save.That often means, putting off big purchases, like a new car. But with credit hard to come by, more people may be forced to drive their vehicle until it stops.

WINK News talked with a local auto dealer and an auto parts store to see how they're reacting. They tell us, even though the business is changing, their goal is still serving you.

Congress is a long way from a Colonial Boulevard car lot but what is going on in Washington, affects how much car you can afford or if you'll get approved at all.

"There has been some surprises," said Alan Reuber. Reuber, the General Manager of Auto Advantage says a down payment and a co-signer is now more common than it used to be. "It's back to the basics. It's back to putting business transactions together that make sense," said Reuber.

In Lee County, car sales are stalling.

Just last month, Ford reported a 34 percent drop in sales.

More drivers are getting by with what they have and making repairs themselves.

"We have a lot of customers that ask us, how do you change parts?" said Patrick Himschoot.

Himschoot is the owner of an independent auto parts store in Lee County. His business is down about 35 percent this year. "We've seen business slow. It's making it tougher. I have people who can't afford to fix the cars their driving today and can't get to work," he said.

Himschoot says changing the oil, air filters, spark plugs and taking care of your tires will keep you out of the mechanics garage. Maybe even save you money in the long haul. "I'm optimistic that we're going to survive," he said.

This week, Ford's CEO says he expects the new year will be even worse for the auto industry. And thinks it will take at least two years to turn things around.