If you're currently in the market for a new car, you should know that dealers are doing lots of discounting in an effort to move cars off their lots. The collective financial struggles of consumers have left auto dealers reeling, especially those selling new cars. The auto makers are hurting too, leaving the consumer in a good position to benefit from many discount programs.

Bankrate.com says that over 150 models of cars have some sort of discount or special deal attached to them right now. SUVs are seeing even bigger discounts, as consumers are leery of buying gas guzzlers during this time of record-high gas prices.

The ten most deeply discounted cars identified by Bankrate include: Chrysler 300C, Dodge Ram 1500, Ford Explorer, Mercury Grand Marquis, Cadillac DTS, GMC Envoy, Nissan Pathfinder, BMW 7 Series, Land Rover LR2, Lexus RX 350. These cars come with rebates/incentives of $2,000 to $5,000, and some also have special financing rates too. So maybe now is the right time to go find yourself a deal on a car with that delicious "new car" smell.

Oh... and about the fact that buying a brand new car is a bad deal because it depreciates so quickly? I know, I know. But there are some consumers who are determined to drive new cars, so who am I to stop them? They still need this information to help get the best deal possible.

Tracy L. Coenen, CPA, MBA, CFE performs fraud examinations and financial investigations for her company Sequence Inc. Forensic Accounting, and is the author of Essentials of Corporate Fraud.

With recession fears growing, it might not seem like a great time to think about a new car. But if you want (or need) to get a different car, you might actually be able to benefit from the challenging economic conditions. Here's how:

Auto makers are desperate to sell cars. It's all about volume for the big car makers, and they want to sell you a car. That means you can probably find a great deal on a new model. Look for "rebates" that give you $1,000 to $3,000 off the usual price of a new car. Also consider looking at the "old" model year. As 2009 models start coming off production lines, you can find better deals on the 2008s.

Use the power of the internet to your advantage. It's no longer a secret what a new car costs a dealer, and it's all available online for free. Find the model you want, and price out the "invoice" on the car to know where to begin bargaining. Remember that a dealer actually pays less than invoice when you factor in the incentives they receive from the manufacturers. Don't be afraid to offer the dealer less than invoice.

Auto dealers rely on volume. They can qualify for financial incentives from auto manufacturers if they reach certain sales milestones each month. That's why it's often better to go shopping for your car at the end of the month. The manager of the dealership knows how many more cars they need to sell to meet their quota or bonus, and your car could put them over the edge. They'll be motivated to make a deal.