BOSTON -- From the credit crisis to the high cost of gas, unloading new cars is becoming a monumental task.

NewsCenter 5's Jim Boyd reported Tuesday that industry insiders said that automobile dealers are expected to sell three million fewer cars this year than the average over the last five years.

Tough Times At Car Dealerships

"We've lost quite a few automobile dealerships. They've simply closed down because of the state of the market. It's been coming on for a while, and consequently, there will be jobs lost and, you know, we will do a lot less business in Massachusetts," said auto dealer Raymond Ciccolo.

Ciccolo is president of a group that operates seven car dealerships in the Boston-area. He is also the state director of the National Automobile Dealers Association. He said many will not be able to survive the economic downturn.

"People are putting off purchasing," he said.

"My car has about 110,000 miles. I am not going to buy a new car yet. I am going to hold it for another year or so because times are tough, and I am not going to spend it if I don't have to," motorist Richard Askenase said.

The sale of new cars is down, but the sale of used cars may be a bright spot.

"When new car business, you know, dries up so to speak, used car business becomes strong," Ciccolo said.

"Just go used. I think it is not necessary to buy a new car anymore. I think cars last longer, and you are better off getting a used one," motorist Paul Canney said.

"The want is gone, and they are only going to buy when they need a car," Ciccolo said.