As the recession continues, many Americans are struggling to make their used car payments which is causing many to lose their car to the dreaded repo man. But according to Edmunds.com, there are some steps drivers can take to avoid getting towed away.

Tom Webb, chief economist at vehicle auction giant Manheim told Edmunds.com that 1.67 million people in the U.S. had a car repossessed last year and the numbers are only expected to increase this year.

The news provider says if a car owner is having trouble making payments, the amount of time they have until the repo man shows up depends on how they’ve made payments in the past. If they’ve been relatively up-to-date, a credit agency may work to help set up a payment plan. But if payments are chronically late or not made altogether, a car owner may have only days after the due date.

Another option for some car owners would be to try to sell their vehicle and purchase a more inexpensive used car.

Because of the economy more people are looking for used cars, which is driving the price for many makes and models.

Find New York Used Cars with New Jersey State Auto.