YORKVILLE, N.Y. (WKTV) - As new car sale numbers continue to remain weak, other car related businesses are seeing a boom.

If you take a look at the traffic flow on just about any major roadway these days, you may notice a subtle change in scenery. In an uncertain economy, new cars are out of reach for many - a changing reality that has them foregoing the new investing in the old.

"We are seeing more walk-in traffic," said Jace Volo, owner of NAPA Auto Parts in Yorkville. "It seems people are holding onto vehicles more."

Volo says he's noticed a wave of change - from customers looking for premium parts to help give their older cars a longer life...

"In the past, they might say give me a $15 break pad, because I'm going to trade it in anyway," Volo said. "Now they are looking for better quality stuff."

..to others just simply looking to make the most informed decisions.

"Customers seem to be asking more," Volo said. "Now they are asking more. They are more in tune to performance."

And that means phones have been ringing off the hook - people asking for quotes, wanting choices, and wanting to know just how much they can save by doing simple car repairs themselves. From spark plugs to Oxygen pumps, just how much can you save by doing it yourself?

Do-it-yourselfers say the savings are clear.

"I save a lot of money because you don't have to pay extra labor costs," said Maynard LeClaire, a Do-it-Yourself customer.

Maynard LeClaire says he estimates he saves hundreds of dollars year by doing the simple car maintenance repairs himself.

Most shops charge anywhere from $50-100 per hour in labor costs. When you do it yourself, you're paying for just the parts. But garages are certainly not losing out. We talked to several different repair shops in the Utica area and found that their business is also steady.

Those not mechanically inclined are also looking to keep their old cars up and running.

The name of the game here is not style. It's about making the most out of the old, and perhaps driving away in a better deal.