didn't read all the other responses. But, why go to a dealer? You can get a lot better deals from a private party sale. And cash does talk with a private party. Going to a dealer is simply paying them to be the between man for you and the person who originally traded or sold it.

Get a black book, look only at trade in value. Buy only for that number or less.

When you meet someone, meet at their house, and look at how they keep themselves and the house. You will know how the car was kept. Get a vehicle history report, and youre good to go.