Used Cars: dealing with dealers, kelly blue book, kelly blue book value

Question
Hi,
 I have been trying to save up for a new car and had $12,000 saved up.  Unfortunately in the last year my old clunker needed $4000 in repair and after all that it still wasn't right.  I went to 8 dealers of new cars and told them I had $8000 and my trade in (they all said worth $2000-$2500)
  Five dealers told me that they had nothing to offer in my price range and seemed insulted that I wouldn't take out a loan.  One had a 2003 Mercury Sable with 47,000 miles and said he would take what I had.  One other dealer had a 2001 Saab with 57,000 miles that was going to auction and he said he would take it.  The other was a Ford dealer who had a 2002 Explorer with 46000 miles that he said would take it and it came with a 3 month total warrenty.
   I was confused about which of these cars was best.  The Explorer had the most Kelly Blue Book value $15,900.
    What do you think about the way I handled the situation with the dealers and which car seems best to you?  They all seem in equally good condition (except the Saab has a tiny rust bubble).  

Answer
Hi Don
First i will make a few comments about your mail and then guide you from there...
shopping 8 dealers with your trade and seeing what was available was a good move giving you some idea what your trade is worth, but your shopping price rather than needs, by that i mean how can you compare an Explorer with a Sable...
As for the dealer seemed insulted you not wanting a loan - for the answer go to my website   http://usedcartips.bravehost.com/  
 and navigate to PAYING CASH WHATS YOUR BEST PRICE
RE...2001 Saab...If its such a good deal why take it to an auction where he will only get wholesale?
I dont care what story you were told i know every trick in the book and the only reason a dealer takes a vehicle to an auction is
If its an old stocker that been in inventory to long or its a problem car

Here are some steps to follow
# 1...Look up BEFORE YOU SHOP on website
# 2...Look up TEST DRIVE
# 3...LOOK up WHATS MY TRADE WORTH
# 4...LOOK UP NEGOTIATE
Take your time study and understand what i am trying to get across, i will be more than happy to answer further questions getting you valid value for your bucks
 Regards
  Ray