Spending money unnecessarily in this economy might be insane, but sometimes big purchases simply cannot be avoided. If it is time to replace your old clunker of a vehicle, for example, you might have no other choice. Getting a loan right now can be difficult, however, but it does not have to be impossible.

With more people facing credit problems and fewer banks going out of their way to write auto loans, you might find yourself rather disheartened if a new vehicle is a must. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of getting the funding you need. They include:

•Coming up with a down payment – For many, the days of no-money-down loans are over. A down payment can help you look more attractive and responsible to a lender. Try to come up with at least something beyond your old clunker to sweeten the deal.

•Addressing credit concerns – Try to pay off a few accounts and make your income versus debt ratio look better before applying for a car loan. If you have the time to do this, it can help a great deal.

•Accepting a higher interest rate – It is possible you might have to take a higher interest rate than you may have otherwise paid. If the loan is simple interest and comes with no penalties for over payment or faster payoff, do not sweat this point too much. Instead, pay down the loan as quickly as possible to avoid extra interest charges.

Getting a loan to buy a new vehicle in this economy is no walk in the park. There are steps you can take to make the road a little less bumpy.