Technically yes, but it's going to be expensive and most debt relief programs strongly advise against it. Here's the reality depending on what type of program you're in.

During a debt management plan (DMP): Your credit score is usually still decent because you're making payments through the program. You can get a car loan, and your rates won't be terrible. But your credit counseling agency may have restrictions. Some require you to get approval before taking on new debt. Taking a car loan without notifying them could violate your DMP agreement and get you removed from the program. Talk to your counselor first.

During a debt settlement program: This is where it gets tough. Your credit score is likely in the 450 to 550 range because you've stopped paying your creditors. You'll only qualify for subprime auto loans with interest rates of 15% to 25%. On a $20,000 car loan at 20% APR over 60 months, you'd pay about $11,000 in interest alone. That's a total cost of $31,000 for a $20,000 car.

Beyond the cost, there's a strategic problem. Every dollar you put toward a car payment is a dollar not going into your settlement savings account. This extends the length of your settlement program and increases the risk that creditors will sue you before settlements are reached.

During bankruptcy: If you've already filed, you generally cannot take on new debt without court approval. After discharge, you can get a car loan, but rates will be high (12% to 20% for the first year or two). "Buy here, pay here" dealers target people in this situation, and their terms are often predatory.

The practical approach:

If your current car is dying and you genuinely need transportation, look for the cheapest reliable option. A $5,000 to $8,000 used car financed at a credit union (which often has better rates for subprime borrowers than banks or dealers) is better than a $25,000 car at a predatory rate.

Put down as much cash as possible to reduce the loan amount. Get pre-approved before going to a dealership so you know what rate you actually qualify for. Don't let a dealer run your credit at multiple lenders without your consent.

If you can possibly get by with public transit, a carpool, or a cheap beater paid in cash for another 12 to 18 months, that's almost always the better financial choice during a debt relief program. The interest savings alone could be several thousand dollars.