Will purchasing a used car before mortgage pre-approval hurt me?

[David Antunes]

Hello all,

I'm just beginning a search for my first property and I'm simultaneously in need of a vehicle to aid the process. I'm curious what the negative impact of buying a used car (all cash, upfront) would be on my mortgage application.

If I'm not financing the car, I won't be taking on any additional debt, so I don't think it should have an impact on my DTI. Though it will obviously reduce my available capital.

What is the potential damage to my eligibility here? Would it be better to borrow a car from friends or family and wait on purchasing my own until after closing on a home?

Thank you!