[Stu from NYC]

Originally Posted by Aacosner

If purchasing a new car, I recommend negotiating the price purely via their internet manager. It's definitely less stressful, and I think it gets to a better price. I've used the following approach several times, and I've been comfortable with the price I paid:
1.) First decide exactly what car you want, down to the trim level, options and color. This will probably entail your going to some dealers to test drive cars -- but don't talk price or enter into a negotiation after the test drive. Just tell them you'll think about it, and walk away. Also, use Consumer Reports to help you decide exactly what you want -- they are a good source to see comparative reviews among similar vehicles of the class you are looking at.
2.) Use a search app to find several instances of the exact car you want within whatever distance you're willing to travel to pick up a new car. I like autotrader.com. You can input trim levels, options, colors, etc, etc to search for the exact car you want.
3.) Go to the manufacturer's website and use the build-a-car option to price out the car and to get a first look at the rebates being offerred.
4.) Go to the dealers website, and initiate a request for quote to their internet person. Start the process by quoting the VIN from the car you found, and ask for their best out-the-door price. Be clear that you want the out-the-door price that includes all fees and extras. Whatever you do, don't give them your phone number. Keep the negotiation by email as it's less stressful and they know you can walk away in a heart beat.
5.) Initiate the above with multiple dealers at the same time. By seeing how each one responds, you may pick up visibility on another rebate that's out there or clearly see that some dealers are adding on fees that others aren't.
6.) Most, but not all, will play games in the email exchange, but keep after them for the out-the-door price. Don't be shy about telling them you're casting your net wide and will choose strictly by price over a wide area.
7.) They will all ask you for your phone number repeatedly, but don't give it to them.
8.) If you've zeroed in on a price you feel is as good as you can get, drop it by a few hundred bucks and make them a firm offer, stressing that it is an out-the-door number including all fees and extras.
9.) When you finally have a hand shake on price over the email, then give them a call and arrange the logistics. But beware of them still trying to sneak in extra things like a dealer fee. Keep their email in your pocket where the exchange said your offer was for the out-the-door price.
10.) Be prepared to walk away up to the last minute if they try to slip something in on the final paperwork.

Thanks for the suggestions.