Though some automakers may be less likely to offer incentives and rebates than they were in months and years past there are still a number of ways that you can find a good deal if you know what to look for and how to approach the buying process according to CNN Money.

One of the most important things to determine is how much your current car is worth. It may be difficult to come to terms with the figure, especially if it's lower than what you may have thought, but when it comes time to trade in your car, you'll be glad you have an educated opinion on just how much value your ride has.

Doing so is especially easy as well, the news source reports. All that's required is visiting Kelly Blue Book's website to find out how much you'd likely get for your car if you sold it yourself. (This can be made simple by visiting Kelley Blue Book's website to find out how much your car would be worth if you sold it yourself, the news source reports.

Along with knowing the price of your own car, you should be prepared about the prices the dealer will offer you. Coming armed with the knowledge of how much the model you're looking purchase goes for will allow you to avoid getting taken advantage of. Luckily, there are a number of websites available, such as AOL Autos and Edmunds.com, that can provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.

Finally, CNN suggests being prepared to be wary of dealerships that will try to get you to purchase unnecessary add-ons after you've bought your car. Experts say that everything from extended warranties to upgraded security systems are usually not needed.

In addition to providing consumers with a few tips on saving money, the news source also offers what it thinks are some of the best values when it comes to cars. Perhaps the most surprising choice is the the powerful Ford Mustang convertible. Analysts say that this sporty ride is one of the best deals out there.

"The Mustang convertible is a drop-top bargain, relatively practical, and a blast to drive," CNN Money's Peter Valdes-Dapena writes. "It's also amazingly fuel efficient, considering its performance."

Those looking for a more family-friendly model at an affordable price can look at the Hyundai Veracruz. This crossover provides relatively high fuel-efficiency and is being sold at a very affordable figure.  

It's no surprise that distracted driving is a common cause of car accidents, but just what's distracting drivers may come as somewhat of a shock. According to a recent report released by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), 25 percent of crashes are caused by electronic devices.

According to Reuters, while distractions caused by talking and texting on cellphones is not too surprising, what the report found was that there was no evidence that proved that hands free devices lowered the risk. Additionally, texting was found to be a much larger factor in crashes than simply talking.

"While distracted driving is an emotional issue that raises the ire of many on the road, states must take a research-based approach to addressing the problem," GHSA Executive Director Barbar Harsha said in a statement. "Until more research is conducted, states need to proceed thoughtfully, methodically and objectively."

The report was complied after analyzing hundreds of papers on the subject that have been written since 2000. It also concluded that there should be a ban on cellphone use (hands-free or not) for inexperienced drivers. 

The auto industry was one of the hardest hit during the recession, but new signs indicate it may be back with a vengeance. According to The Associated Press, a number of manufacturers have opened new plants and are continuing to add jobs.

The news is especially encouraging given that the auto industry is hiring at a faster pace than other areas as well, including airline manufacturers and the healthcare sector. Specifically, Honda, Volkswagen and General Motors are all in the process of adding thousands of employees.

The boost in employment certainly comes from the boost in sales. According to the news provider, Americans are on pace to buy 13 million cars this year, which is up significantly from the 11.6 million they purchased in 2010.

"I really do believe that we are seeing a renaissance in the American automobile industry," economics expert James Brock told the AP.

Part of the boost is due to the creation of some new, more fuel-efficient models, most notably the much-anticipated Chevy Volt, which spurred the hiring of 2,500 at a Chevrolet plant in Detroit.