yeah I got lucky with my situation but I also waited about a year to get a good deal and wasn't in a rush. also u can usually never trust "the trade in story" even tho that would make sense.
just don't rush it and use
true car, kbb and whatever else u can when u find a car ur interested in and know how much it's worth when u go in there.
http://clearbook.truecar.com/used-ni...1_xa05/t_curve
DONT tell them how much money u have, don't tell them how much u want to spend, don't tell them anything nomatter how harmless it may seem.
just say "I'm here to get this car at the best possible price" and stick to it.
no offer they say should be good enough, they work for u.
and at the end if it all works out, MAKE SURE u say it's not a deal until u throw in free tint and whatever else small stuff u can think of (nismo Mats, locking wheel lugs or whatever)
I'm no pro but I like to see ppl get good deals because I have been taken advantage of at dealerships before so make sure ur happy when it's all over