Yeah, I know Tampa. You know I bought a new car in 07' and it is no fun takes all day long too. I managed to bring a friend with me because I was not going to go alone for something like this if I could help it. I had already been to a few dealers before the last place that I went and that was with my mom and stepdad. I watched him. I learned some things but of course again the process sucks. I did not let them con me or get extra money  now I know how to say no under pressure and that is what I did. I stuck with the same phrase everytime they tried the "sad talk". I made my phrase into a fast no -hurry it up. hahaha.  I finally did something for myself. 

http://www.edmunds.com/advice/buying/articles/42962/article.html

Try this article at Edmunds.com.  They had a new hire go undercover and get jobs at dealerships then write about his experiences.  Edmunds is a great site for information about cars and car shopping.  Also, from what I've read, it really does make it easier if you go through the dealership's website.  Then they know you've shopped around and have done your research. 

Also, be aware that the salespeople often operate with a lot of ethnic stereotypes.  This will dictate how they deal with someone who appears to be from that group and how good a deal someone identified in such a way can get.  If the perception with that salesperson is that people of a certain ethnic group can be talked up in price they won't come down like they would for someone of a different ethnic group that is considered thrifty or bargain oriented.  This is even if you come in with the same behaviour and price information.  They just won't see past the color or ethnicity.  

My advice is to never walk in off the street and deal with the waiting salespeople.  Always start online.  Each dealership will have a separate salesperson or group that deals with internet and fleet sales only.  Initiate any contact for buying a particular car only with a dealership's online salesforce.  Iron out all details ahead of time by fax or e-mail.  Insist that you are busy and will only have time to go by the dealership when you pick up the car and give them the check.  Read everything first and don't cut them any slack, but don't be angry about it.  Just do your best to be calm and firm when you have any face to face dealings.

Always arrange full financing ahead of time from a source other than the dealership.  Often dealerships pack into the loan all of the profit that they "gave up" on the price of the car.  If they do offer financing that seems attractive, run the numbers and figure out exactly what you will end up paying in interest and priniciple and compare to the financing you've already arranged.  If you know how, do a present value analysis on both loan deals.  Again, finalize any details by e-mail or fax before ever walking into a dealership.

The exception is test driving.  For that, identify the the models you are interested in and walk into a dealership and explain to the salesperson that you are looking to buy a car, but you are at the initial stage only where you need to test drive each car and narrow down what you want.  Always tell them this is the first car you've driven of the ones you are considering even if it's the last.  Never let them keep you there after you've driven the car.  Tell them you do not want to trade in the car you drove there.  Do not let them have the key so that they can evaluate it as a trade-in.  This is sometimes a trick where they try to trap people at the dealership by "losing" their car keys.  Always come with a spare key to give them if they insist on a holding the key to your car while you are out test driving so that you aren't trapped at the dealership.  Always insist on written quotes.  Walk out and go home if they deviate one iota from the written quote.  Do not call them if you have turned down a deal.  Make them call you back. 

There are some truly bad salespeople out there who would sell their mothers into slavery if they could figure out how to get a commission on it.  Usually, if the salesman is like that, the dealership managment is worse because they used to be salespeople who did the same things and got promoted because they were really good at it and they could motivate others to do the same things.  The best way to avoid these sharks is to not get into their part of the ocean in the first place.

LOL!!   Thanks Tampa...you put into words all the thing I feel when I go into places like that!!  

The GREAT thing is you've done your research...and you COULD LET them rabble on (whilst looking at your watch..of course..make sure they notice this..lol!)  then offer them (LESS than you plan to..)  and see it they'll come to the deal (or close) that you had in your head??

BUT...You have to be feeling..looking..strong..powerful..confident...cheery...     in the knowledge that YOU KNOW what you WANT...   and if THEY don't come to an arrangement with you....   you KNOW SOMEONE ELSE  WILL!!!      see... simple....   hahaha    :oO   GULP!!!!!!

How good are you at acting........... could come in handy!!!   LOL! 

yeah, every time i've car shopped, the sales guys act like they're going to give me a great deal on something. they never come down low enough on the monthly payments. Then they guilt me into feeling like i was just being unreasonable and cheap. they are assholes. i try to keep in mind that it doesn't matter if they like me or not. i'm only seeing them for one day...but paying for a car can take years. it's still impossible for me to be assertive with them so my husband deals with them (nicely). if u have a family member who understands u, it'd be great if they could go along cause those sales people are ruthless  Like if your mom or dad knows what u need and u can discuss it with them before going to the lot, that would make it a lot easier on u.