Last 3 cars I’ve bought were negotiated through email.
I sent my requirements to 3-4 different dealers that had a version of the vehicle I wanted and asked their best price.
I let them know that I was working with the others.
At one point I had a dealer tell me he could ship out of state and sell for more if I was going to ask for such a low price. I said good luck with that and dropped him.
Got best price and bought from that dealer. They tried to upsale me, of course, when I got there; but I was clear that I wouldn’t be doing any of that.
I’ve read where many are doing that. Given how outrageous dealer fees are in Florida some people look into buying cars out of state and either pick them up or have them shipped to them, saving themselves over $ 1,000 in dealer fees alone.
I have a mobile mechanic that will inspect the car, produce a report on car and tell me what they believe the car price should be.
Taking that data I don’t negotiate with the salesman I say this is my out the door offer. If they don’t accept or try to ‘discuss’ it. I up and leave. Plus I go to the car seller with my financing already lined up. I right now want to pay cash whereas many dealers latest trick is using financing to hook you for more fees.