Credit Card Debt and Student Loans, What to do?

I currently have Credit card debts and Student loans going to kick in in January. I am looking at trying to buy a new car hopefully in the next couple months and I am worried about what my credit is going to reflect and also my DTI. My credit cards currently equal about $8000. I haven't been the best the past couple months about paying full amounts and being on time (Which has resulted in some phone calls from them =><=) Due to being laid off for a bit. I now am making decent money and can start making a decent payment towards the cards and catch up. Should I consolidate to make my credit look better? Any suggestions?