6 shifts in car shopping

5. Disappearing dealers. The dealer you bought your last car from may not be there today. Although there has always been an ebb and flow of dealers going out of business, we're starting to see a big contraction among franchise dealers. While that may mean a desperate dealer will be eager to make a good deal now, in the long run fewer dealers means less competition, particularly in smaller cities.

6. Tougher credit requirements. If your credit score is much below 700, you're going to pay higher interest or may not even be able to get a loan. The credit crunch could push buyers who could have qualified for a new car a few months go to independent used car lots that charge double-digit interest rates.

The good news for buyers is that there are still some very good deals out there if you're well-positioned to buy -- meaning you have good credit, a paid-off trade or a cash down payment.

The best deals continue to be offered by Ford, General Motors and Chrysler, particularly on SUVs and pickups. But as gasoline prices have fallen, even fuel-sipping cars like the Nissan Versa aren't moving as quickly off dealer lots.

That means those cars are being spiffed up with low-rate finance deals -- again for top-tier credit score buyers -- or cash rebates.

Look for the best deals on leftover 2008 models -- dealer lots are packed with such vehicles. Unsold 2008 models are likely to linger on dealer lots well into 2009.