Overhaulin'

Is it possible for me to use my sister's credit history/background to buy a car?

I've recently immigrated to the US and I am hoping to have my own car but I am still establishing my credit history. I am in California while my sister is in Michigan, but I already asked her if she can help me with it and agreed. But what we don't know is if it is possible to do so even if she isn't here with me and do the transactions herself. So, is it possible? How do we go about it? Hoping to have an idea before I go to a dealer, so, anybody...help?

Public Comments

1. yes and use her as the principle co signer
2. No. That is identity theft. It is illegal.
3. YES! She can co-sign for the loan. Have her go to a local copy shop that has a fax machine and when you sign for the car have them fax her the contract, sign it, and send it back. She can receive the fax in Michigan, sign it and fax it back to the dealership. But ask the place who is selling the car first if they can do that or not so that your sister doesn't show up to the copy shop for no reason. Once the dealership says that it's ok if you do that, call your sis and find a good time for her- "Michigan time" -and ad a few hours to your time and set the appointment for her to receive a fax, sign a paper and send a fax. Then you'll have your Co-signer and a contract for you to sign (and send her a copy) and you'll have your car! Good luck! And welcome to California and the USA!
4. Your sister can certainly cosign for you however you may have trouble convincing someone you're legit. Try applying for a loan through a national lender that would have a branch in your area and hers that you could each go in to.
5. Your sister can co sign for a loan for you if she wants to. Because she won't be there in person, there may be a problem. But car dealerships want business, and they may "overnight" her a loan application so they can process her credit. Dealerships and banks need original signatures, not fax or photo copies. Once her credit has been established and approved, they can "overnight" her the contracts and paperwork to sign. Good dealerships will also enclose a return "overnight" so she can send everything back. Dealerships I worked for did it all the time. Some wanted the paperwork notarized before they would accept it as a valid and the right person's signature. Personally, I would have her get everything notarized before sending anything back. And I would also have her send a copy of her drivers license, many dealerships request it or require it. Better safe than sorry and send too much information and documentation than not enough to have the loan be approved. Good luck.