Giving the auto markers money will not help the ongoing problem. Buying a new car in this economy is like buying a glass of salt water on a life raft lost at sea.
Times are hard and there is a lot of uncertainty of the future. I think its best to keep my money in my pocket then sign a long term contract. Take three or four of the car payments and fix up the old buggy to make do for now.
We got here by spendling, we can get out by saving!