Getting money is becoming an everyday struggle as the economic situation gets worse. The auto industry is caught in the middle. Sales are down 11 percent so far this year across the country.

Here in Charleston County, the Department of Motor Vehicles says four dealerships already closed up shop this year. Lending practices are as tight as they have ever been right now, making it difficult for people to get a car loan.

Shopping for a new car is no doubt a process. Finding the best deal is always a priority. But nowadays, the perfect make and model is taking a backseat to actually paying for it. Car loans are not easy to get, even with average credit.

“Because banks have tightened up because of the situation, and now one or two marks on your credit may increase the interest rate from 6 percent to a 9 percent loan, that is going to bump the payment 20 to 40 dollars and bumps the customer out of the payment range,” said Johnnie Boyd of Paradise Motors in Mt. Pleasant.

The only people finding affordable car loans hold near perfect credit and are few and far between. Some dealers like Azalea motors are financing more buyers on their own. Buddy Martin says last year, bank loans totaled about 60 percent of business. This year, it's a different story.

“We are doing about 80 percent here and 20 percent with lenders,” said Martin.

In business for 37 years, Martin says he's seen the ups and downs but this situation is the worst he has ever seen. Just take a look around, not one customer on the lot.

Finding the right cars is also an issue for local dealers. SUV's are basically a dead market. Most sales are smaller fuel efficient cars that can be tough to find.

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