[onewhippedpuppy]

Personally I wouldn't look for a cheaper used car at a dealership. You are usually dealing with the bottom of the barrel dealerships and salesmen, who are typically selling auction cars with very little invested in refurbishment. Many of the genuinely nice cheap used cars are sold privately, because sellers don't want to take a bath on trading in an older car. Craigslist is your friend.

If you were shopping for nearly new I would reverse my position, because most 2-3 year old cars are either just off lease or traded in.