Suggestions and opinions needed for buying used Ford Focus

[Tjen]

Hi guys,

I'm thinking of getting a used Focus LX LS/LT and I will visit few dealerships soon. I have no experience or whatsoever in getting a used car from dealerships. I really need your suggestions and opinions on how to bargain from dealerships.

1. How much can I bargain for Focus LS/LT ? If a dealer puts a price of, let's say $16,990, can I still bargain for $2,000 less (driveaway) ? Do you guys think that it is reasonable / it is UNreasonable / we can bargain for more than $2,000 ?

I'm asking this because my friend once wanted to sell his old Holden Astra to a dealer, but it was only valued at $4,000 and the dealer told him that they were going to resell it again at $14,000 price tag. So I just want to bargain as much as I can within reasonable range.

2. How can you tell that the dealers have already reached their lowest price for a certain car ?

3. What extras or options or other stuffs we can get from the dealers ?

Please help me with any useful information on how to beat a dealer. Thanks in advance !

PS: I looked at Pickles Auction, and they have lots of cars with good prices. Have any of you had experience with Pickles Auction ?