With the economy still mired in a protracted recession, the UK auto industry is not surprisingly in a state of decline. As you might expect, people don't make big purchases when money is tight or when they don't know where their next paycheque is coming from. That is why sales were off by more than twenty per cent in 2009 and industry insiders are not expecting a recovery any time soon.

But car makers must stay alive... somehow. After all, their exports account for more than a tenth of the value of all exports in the UK. And when it comes to domestic sales, they are even more integral. So, how do car makers typically respond when the economy falters. That's simple! They do what any industry that is highly sensitive to economic fluctuations does — they lower prices.

That is why now may be the perfect time for buying cars in the UK. The fact is that many distressed car makers are offering extraordinary deals in a desperate attempt to save themselves from financial ruin. The only way is to get car finance .

Where to go? The place to start is the internet. There you will find a number of reputable car sellers offering great deals and financing opportunities. Just be sure to check with several local dealerships before you commit to anything. Believe it or not, there can be significant discrepancies in price, even in a ten kilometre radius.

It is also important to look for the car you want rather than simply buying a brand that is offering the best deals or the most attractive financial incentives. After all, in the midst of a recession, more often than not, most car makers will be offering appealing deals for most of the vehicles they sell.