In article <4ctug3tfhhphh9dtt1jsjq1v5svd0lqapc@4ax.com>, doug wrote:

> Is it true that you can negotiate just as well on the dealer's web
> site with the fleet manager/internet sales manager as in person?
> (I'm old fashioned and don't believe it but it sounds good <g>)
>
> I heard this on a radio show recently and I actually tried it on one
> dealer and the so called internet manager did give me a price over the
> net but I don't really know how good it was because I didn't compare
> it to others when I changed my mind and therefore didn't negotiate
> with him further.

I hate the back and forth dealing bit. They just try to wear you down.
For many years I've used this technique:
After looking around, including on the net recently, I come up with my
best value price for what I want. Research on prices is very important.

Then I go to the dealer(s) I'm interested in, state what vehicle I want
and say this:
"There will be only two prices quoted, one by you and one by me.
You chose who goes first. If we don't agree on a deal I'm gone"

This approach has worked for me for years. Usually they go first and if
they are a bit high I quote my lower price. Sometimes they will only do
the deal if I purchase some option, so far it was an extra I wanted.

Then after the deal is agreed on, don't suck into their very high cost
special stuff, such as permanent wax, undercoating, anti stain on the
seats and extended warranty. If you want those buy them outside the
dealer.

If a dealer gets nasty about my approach I leave immediately because he
has demonstrated he's not one I want to deal with.
Fortunately we live in a major city with lots of dealers.