With the economy the way it is do I have an advantage to buying a used car from a dealership?

no, you're not wasting your time! the info you gave shows that you've got a good headstart on this deal. When you go down there, take cash (if possible), and DON'T BUDGE on your offer. If they give you grief about it, just say "hey, I know the car's been on your lot for a couple of months and if it doesn't sell, you don't make money, but I guess you're ok with that."

What may have seemed like a "crazy deal" when the economy was good, is now going to be given serious consideration.

I don't know if you know this but gas prices are going back up this summer. Are you sure you want to be driving a gas guzzler around? Out of the big three Ford is the only American car company doing fairly decent. If you want to save money then go with something a few years old.

You could get a better deal on a new car. When they sell used cars, they usually don't have much room to make a profit. You can get a good deal on a new car now.

But try it. They may just want you to come down, & they will try to get you to pay more!!!

offering 16k on a 20k ask is not krazy but you really should expect that they will not come down more than around 1500 from the ask price unless you can really pound on them on specific value faults of the vehicle.

you don't know unless u try. if u think its worth it then go for it. I would take the deal. but i wouldn't spend that much on a car.

actually, you're probably better off new, if you can afford it. new car sales are suffering a lot more than used. dealers and manufactures are offereing all kinds of incentives to buy new.