How much credit history do lenders actually require for approval?

What people tried

Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.

1. 1
   using a co-signer
2. 2
   relying on current income as a force multiplier
3. 3
   checking credit terms to ensure no missed payments
4. 4
   Applying online to see if you qualify
5. 5
   Calling the bank or credit union to ask about the process
6. 6
   Searching around for institutions known to offer low rates or using multiple rate search sites
7. 7
   Looking into reputable dealerships that offer first-time car buying loans

In their words

Unedited, grouped by where they were said, most upvoted first within each place, each linked to the thread it came from.