Can an 18 yr old buy and register his/her own car by his/her name.......or do u need a cosigner?

Yes an 18 yr old can buy and register their own car under their name (though insurance and financing may cost more). You just need a license and money to buy a car! If you want to apply for financing, then having a checking account and some other open accounts would be a lot better for your credit. Open up 1 or 2 credit cards (not at the same time but maybe a few months apart) and pay it off quickly. Increasing your credit is very easy, you just need to have a longer history of "good" credit

The basic rule is that no credit is better than bad credit, BUT, no credit can also be a detriment. Most credit card companies are THRILLED to give credit cards to 18 year olds, but please, please, please watch out for the credit card trap. If you can pay the balance off every month, your wallet will thank you, your mental health will thank you and you will be well on your way to earning good credit. Most of the dealerships I've been to are happy to sell cars. Go to reputable dealers in your area and ask. You shouldn't have any problems. You will need to show a source of income to pay the loan (i.e. a steady job that you've been at for preferably while -- the longer you've been there -- proof to them that you'll keep bringing in a paycheck -- the more likely they will be to loan you money). Best of luck!