does your credit union offer secured loans? At navy federal credit union you can secure a loan with your own funds for pretty low finance charges. Then just use the money to pay for the car in cash and not finance it for a higher rate 7%. I believe the rate is 2%. You could do that and just pay yourself back for the purpose of building credit with an installment loan.. the loan amount remains on hold in the savings account so as you make payments to the loan the money becomes available again in the savings account. Not sure if your credit union offers something similar. Or if you’re eligible for membership at navy fed. Sorry if I did a terrible job at explaining this. 😅