smarten, I see you are from San Jose. I bought a new truck from Courtesy Chevrolet - paid for completely on my Visa. They gave me resistance at first, but I told them it was a dealbreaker. They did call Visa (in front of me) and confirm the transaction.

edited for poor spelling



[This message has been edited by RKG (edited 08-31-2003).]

A year and a half ago I bought my Toyota Prius with my AMEX. Since the car was Prix fix, I went from dealer to dealer letting them know I was interested in Prius and would they accept payment in full. Only 1 dealership was willing. The others let me walk out. So it depends on the dealership - obviously some were willing to lose the sale and would not negotiate, and one wanted the sale enough to say yes right away. I got AMEX to raise my credit line enough to cover the transaction (made $1000 deposit when I ordered the car). So it really does depend on the dealership. AMEX never asked for proof that the car was for me. I think it would take more than $35K for the IRS to think you were not reporting income. If you were audited, they could easily see what you did. People lend people money all the time by making charges on their credit cards - even when miles are not a benefit.

------------------
Ms.DtG

You mentioned that the car is being bought overseas. What you might want to check out is if it is being charged in $US, or in the local currency. Most credit cards have a conversion fee and the real buying may not want to pay extra for the conversion which could add 2 to 3% on the price.

------------------
Ms.DtG

1. I used Diner's Club as an example of a card with a very large limit. I realize there might be a problem buying a car with DC. Since he was getting it in Europe, though, there might be a better chance. OTOH, I think he sets up the deal stateside.
Oh well - Visa is probably a better bet.

2. If we did use Visa, I can't imagine that they would care one whit what I was buying or for whom. They get their percentage and I make the payments. I mean, really; what do they care? That same argument would apply to DC - how does it affect them? I would be channeling mucho business their way that they would not normally get.

I'm not sure I see the legal problem here. Perhaps I shall call them and ask.

And, as others have pointed out, it is quite possible to buy a car with a credit card.