With the current economy, about what percent or amount can I get discounted by a

used car dealer? I’m looking for what most people are looking for: a specific car & year, well maintained, clean, low mileage. I am looking in the $10,000 to $15,000 range but am not happy with what I am finding, (accident, mechanical issues, bad stains in upholstery, etc.) and I actually cannot afford the higher end of that range anyway. Kelly blue book is a few tho above that range for dealers, so what I am looking at must be the dregs that nobody else wants, so have been on the lot a while, and the sales rep won’t negotiate at all, it is about to be auctioned off. Private party sellers are asking around $12,000 or $13,000, but as soon as I call, the car is already sold. Should I move into a higher price range at dealership and then bargain harder? Keep trying for a private party seller? Buy a bicycle instead? Any other negotiation ideas?

It's always going to be a better idea to purchase from a dealership rather than a private party seller.