I'm a dealer. I won't post my dealership name or anything so just let me shoot you straight. Buy from a small mom and pop place. You are getting drilled at a big dealership no matter how much you have to spend. Their "certified used" advertisements are nothing more than having a mechanic take a quick look at the vehicle (other than the tires must be around 80%). I have no problem with my customers having a vehicle on my lot checked out by their mechanic. Used car dealerships get a bad reputation because of a very small amount of dealers that are complete scum. You don't hear about all of the positive experiences. People mostly voice their opinions when they are upset. I run a small, family owned, dealership and we aim to make as close to $1000 per car as we can. Your big dealers are usually making at least $4000. I have seen deals at $8000 after they sell back end product to their customers. It's ridiculous. Don't be afraid of Craigslist dealer section. I post my vehicles there from time to time. If they are a reputable company, they won't mind you having the vehicle checked out. I certainly don't. I have every car I purchased inspected and repaired of necessary. Really the main point of my post is just to let you know that the vast majority of dealers (at least the small places) are not out to do anything but pay the bills and put some food on the table. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I knew that I took someone's hard earned money and put them in an unreliable vehicle that won't last very long past the purchase date. Just check out a few websites (although I would suggest being VERY cautious with the "for sale by OWNER" vehicle section). Drive around and stop in a few different dealerships that you may pass everyday. As long as you are allowed to thoroughly inspect the vehicle, you will get a MUCH better deal at the smaller places. Idk of this has helped or not but good luck in your search.