If you are in need of a new car, the best way to get one is to get a loan for a car, but not everyone is eligible for an auto loan. For some, it is a difficult process or others may not have the right credit score to get the loan they need or can afford. To help you get approved for an affordable car loan, these tips can help you.

1. Clean Up Your Credit

If you aren't in need of a car right at this very moment, you can plan for your loan and clean up your credit in the meantime. Give yourself six months at least to clean up your credit. In order to do this, you need to start paying off small loans, keep up with your other bills, and pay monthly payments on time. This can help improve your credit and give you a higher credit rating, which will help you get a better loan and interest rate.

It can take up to six months to make these changes and for them to reflect on your credit report. Give yourself the time to do this work and get your finances in order before you sign on for a new loan.

2. Put Money Down

Putting money down on your car or on the loan can help give you a better loan and show that you are capable of saving money and you will be paying on the loan as well. If you don't have any money to put down on the loan, see if you can borrow from a family member, or wait to get the loan until you can save money to put down on the loan.

3. Research Different Loan Lenders

You can get an auto loan from the auto lot where you're buying your car, but you're better off finding your own lender to get a better interest rate and loan. Do your homework and research different lenders to get the best offer possible that is affordable to you. Don't just go through the auto company and their finance company—find your own. You'll find that you'll save more money this way.

If you are looking to get approved for a car loan, there are things you can do to get you the best loan possible. Talk to your loan lender about how to get a better interest rate for a vehicle loan.