Can somebody answer this?

[Dawnavyn]

I am looking at taking over payments on a minivan from a private party and I need to know what is the process of this since we are not wanting to change any of the finance information as far as names on the contract go. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[exsalesman]

sounds both illegal and not the best choice. should there be an accident if you are in sured the person whos name on the contract can be held responsible. I can be totaly wrong and it may be legal in your state but it is something you should look into

['97ventureowner]

I agree on what exsalesman says. You might want to check out the legality of doing what you posted. The company or finance institution might also not agree if they should ever find out and either party could get into trouble. The original person who got the vehicle loan met certain criteria,( income, credit history/high enough credit score,etc.) established by the lender in order to obtain the loan. You may or may not meet the same criteria. Besides if something should happen and you are unable to pay on the loan, the original party would be forced to continue paying on the loan. Also, I may be wrong on this point but I think in order to insure the vehicle, some insurers ask if the vehicle is financed and if so through whom. The insurance company may check with the lender to verify the info and you would be exposed. Another thing to think about would be if the proper agreement is not documented and signed, what would stop the original party from taking back the car? I saw something like this happen about 15 years ago where the original party wanted the car back and took it back because there was no legal agreement in force. The party who had the car had made all these payments and had nothing to show for it, and were out of a car. The best thing to do would be to finance the car in your own name if possible, and a good place to start would be the company that has the loan on it now. Explain the situation, and see if they will work with you to switch it over to your name. In that way you would be protected.