Used Cars: credit application when using cash, national watch, credit application

Question
Why is the dealership running a credit application when I am paying cash for the vehicle??
Thank you!

Answer
We used to have to run a credit app after 911, to see if you or your name was on a national watch list but the dealer can print the list and check it without pulling your credit report. There were many complaints about actually pulling the reports and it came down that the dealers were being lazy. In Tx and other states, the state does require a short application, mostly for your SSN, to do your registration. There is no reason for anybody to pull your credit report. The only reason I can think of is maybe they are going to pre qualify you for some 0% program or a low interest rate and try to convert you from paying cash? Make them show you in writing why they are pulling your report.