re: Used car buying advice for an OT poor?

Make sure you start a bidding war if you go the dealership route.

You can literally tell the dealership that you're looking at other dealers as well. They can't do shite or be a bitch about it, most times you'll end up saving a couple of thousand if you go this direction.

Also, I would buy before the end of the year, as dealers must pay taxes on vehicles that are remaining on their lots at the end of the year. So, getting a 2015 model or even 2014 model they will be willing to make a stupidly good deal for you.