North Country residents seem to be buying more new sets of wheels in the past year and dealerships have been working to keep up with demand. But as the number of new car purchases increases, so is the cost of driving. Our Amanda Kelley explains how drivers are saving some cash as they're buying new.

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WATERTOWN, N.Y. -- More and more North Country drivers are picking up the keys to new cars and driving them home.

FX Caprara car salesman Patrick Doldo said, "We've been doing very well. We're very fortunate Fort Drum has really helped us a lot. Competition all across the state kind of has a hard time keeping up with us, believe it or not."

But Doldo says the jump in sales isn't just thanks to soldiers. Many families are finding that it's an affordable time to buy.

Doldo said, "There's real good rebates on all of the new vehicles right now, so that's what's making it easy for people to purchase them."

But as the number of cars being driven off the lot increases, the cost of car ownership is increasing as well and that's changing the way many people are buying their vehicles.

According to AAA's annual 'Your Driving Costs' study, the cost of owning and operating a new vehicle is up about two percent from last year. The main factors behind that increase are gas and tire costs and it's something people are paying attention to when looking to buy.

Fort Drum resident Greggory Kannenberg said, "With me having a family, having enough room, just gas mileage. Gas prices are a little outrageous."

Even more people are downsizing as well, hoping to save a few extra bucks as the price at the pump continues to rise.

Doldo said, "A lot of them are bringing in their six liter Chevy pickups or other things like that, large sport utilities and reducing the size and going to either a Compass or a Patriot to get the gas mileage."

It's not the only factor behind buying a new set of wheels, but it's something many are keeping in mind.

To see how much your car is costing you, visit FuelCostCalculator.aaa.com.