LOL yeah 01's still aren't cheap yet, the 99's are going for around 21-24k depending on condition and mileage. Only reason I'm even considering parting with it is the payments are making it difficult for me to qualify in a home I want. I'm sure most anyone that has been down that path can relate.

As for financing you don't need to stick with a dealer. In fact you will likely get a better rate getting pre-approved yourself through a bank or credit union. Plus it gives you major bargining power with a dealer or individual seller when there is a check at the bank that can have their name on it the next day. Good time to get financed, banks are hurting and the rates are as low as your going to see them.

With the car prior to this I did just that. Got a approval # from the bank with a window of what I could spend, I think it was like $15-18k and I went out shopping. Once I found what I wanted and worked out a deal at a lot I I gave them the info and I was done and out the door in less then a hour.