Well, fear not, stress not. When things are tough, you just need to make tough choices. That may mean you should think twice and compare vehicles both new and used to see which is actually the best way to go for your personal and / or business use. And here are some points to ponder:

1) There are advantages to both new and used. When you buy new, you can rely on your vehicle when you may not be sure how long a used one will last. That is when you have to know how to compare vehicles qualities to decide which is the best.

2) You get a warranty with your new vehicle, but you may also get one with a good used one. This can be frustrating because there are advantages to both types, even when your money is not coming in as it once was. Think about the specific pros and cons of your personal situation when you compare vehicles this way.

3) You may also have to compare vehicles by what type you want to get. While many Americans (and others) fell in love with the SUV, it became painful clear that the vehicles were not good on gas. With the gas prices as they are, you really have to think about mileage when you look at a new vehicle. If that is not really an issue for you, you can get what you are comfortable with driving. If it is an issue, you may want to think of a car with good gas mileage, or even compare vehicles that take only gas with those that are called hybrids.

If you aren't sure you know enough to compare vehicles between old and new, or just which are the best of the pick, you can find help with your local mechanic. You can always take something in for them to look over for you. They can tell you the worth of the car rather quickly, and it might not even cost you very much. You can also find magazines and other resources that can help you compare vehicles so that you know you are getting safety and value when you buy.

Look for online review sites, too, to help you compare vehicles. And check with financial institutions and online finance companies to find the best vehicle financing and leasing options available for you.