STATE COLLEGE, CENTRE COUNTY - New car sales plunged more than forty percent last month compared to the same time last year, but it is not all bad news for local auto dealers. Used car sales are helping the big three franchise dealers’ bottom line.

Gene Stocker of Stocker Chevrolet Subaru knows folks in central Pennsylvania need cars.

“There's no mass transit out front; this isn't New York City, Chicago, Detroit. There’s no subway out there, there's no “El” you can jump on. If you need to get to work, get to school, get to the grocery store - you still need a vehicle,” Stocker said.

New data from ADESA Analytical Services, an automobile research group, shows people are getting those vehicles off the used car lot. Year to year numbers show used car sales are up 3.1 percent.

“Somebody coming down here looking at the differences between new and used, all the sudden that used looks like a pretty good bargain. Especially when you can back it up with a lower interest rate, and a warranty that's as good as or better than a brand new vehicle and it's a lot less money,” Stocker said.

Two folks we found Monday shared a different thought on which was a smarter car buy, new or used.

”I tend to keep a car for a long time; I don't have to worry about maintenance or whatever (with a new car). I’ve had some used cars before, and after a few years you start to worry about it,” State College resident James McKay said.

“I think people notice that when you buy a new car there's a markup, and sometimes there's very little, if anything, wrong with a used car. Especially if it has low miles,” Kia Damon of State College said.

Stocker said his dealership has always relied on used cars to support the bottom line. He thinks that is good business sense, especially right now.

“Our focus on used vehicles, I think, will be the one of the key things that sustains us in the future, regardless of what happens on Wall Street,” Stocker said.

The average used car is selling for about $9,300 right now, which is $400 less than the same time last year. However, research shows the prices are inching up as more consumers look at driving off with a used car.