KNOXVILLE (WVLT) -- You've seen the stories of how auto dealerships are hurting for business. While it may be true with many dealerships selling new vehicles, some used car lots in East Tennessee aren't struggling nearly as much.

Auto sales are down due to the bad economy, which is why it may surprise you to learn that JD Byrider in West Knoxville is doing pretty well these days.

"We're having a hard time keeping up with the customers right now," said David Dewar, the senior program facilitator for JD Byrider.

The used car lot attributes its current success to the fact that they offer in house financing. It helps them cater to many types of customers, especially those with credit issues, the unemployed, and those that are just looking to downsize their vehicles. They have been so successful in recent months that they’ve had to start hiring new employees.

“We're taking applications for facilitators for our program,” said Dewar. “We need help; we're looking at being overwhelmed."

Easy Auto is a “buy here, pay here” style used car lot that opened in Knoxville about a month ago. In only four weeks they’ve seen a lot of traffic and are expecting business to really rev up.

"We keep having people tell us that we're going to see a flood of customers that are unable to get financed at the new dealerships,” said Shane Gibson, the vice president of Easy Auto.

Rates at “buy here, pay here” lots typically range from seven percent all the way up to 24 percent.

“I don't think the economy hurts us as much as the new car dealers,” said Gibson. “If I was a new car dealer I'd be scared to death."

Before you purchase, make sure there aren't any major problems with the vehicle.

JD Byrider offers a limited warranty and they have a mechanic shop.

Easy Auto inspects the car, provides auto check reports, and allows your mechanic to check for problems before you make the purchase.