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I sold cars for a few years, please allow me to give you some tips.

People buy emotionally. They WANT a new car and the sales staff knows it. There will be a tipping point where the sales people will want to sell you the car more than you want to buy it. That is your point of control.

When looking at the car, don't let the saleperson know it's "just what you want." Always be a little hesitant. "I'm not sure if I want that package..." Have brochures from other car dealers; let them know that you are shopping around and that they are competing for your business. I have helped some people....I had a little black book that I kept referring privately to....it drove the salesman nutz.

When you sit down for bargaining you have to realize that you can make almost $300 an hour (or more) if you do it properly. That time is money time. Don't be in a rush to finish the deal. Wear the salesman down, not the other way around.

Watch out for the Add-ons.

Watch out for ADP (additional dealer profit); it's bargaining money. Scratch it right off in front of them.

Ask to see the factory sticker from the car, then take good note of the dealer installed items. A back up sensor system will cost you $300 to buy and install, but dealers charge a grand for the same thing. Carpets are terribly expensive.

You can buy a can of Scotch Guard for $10; it takes 3 to do a big car. The dealer charges you $400 to $1,000 for the same treatment with an off-brand.

Paint protection treatments are terribly expensive. I used to wonder why the GM or Honda jobs were so bad. They're not; the dealer is just trying to pad their profit. You don't need them.

Hope this helps. Freepmail me if you'd like more.