Negotiate From the Driver's Seat at Home
"Dicker up" from the dealer invoice price rather than down from the (MSRP) Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. Obtain the dealer cost of the vehicle you are interested in and you'll be in the driver's seat while negotiating at home.
Negotiate on the vehicle price itself, not the monthly installments. Dealers will often ask you what you can afford to pay monthly. Be honest with yourself and the sales representative with what payment level you can truly afford. This saves both parties from wasting time working on a vehicle that doesn't fit into your budget.
If you can't stand this part of the car buying experience, there is help and it's cheap. By becoming a Premium member at www.carcostcanada.com, they will assign one of their Certified Negotiators to do the dirty work for you. They will negotiate with 3 dealers that you choose from in your area and then they'll find a fourth to try to beat them all! You simply select the dealer that offers you the best overall deal and make the final arrangements to pick up your new car. It doesn't get any easier than this. The aggravation of buying a new car is totally eliminated.
Education is the key to confidence when buying a car. Being well informed will minimize any apprehensions you may have. If you follow this Canadian New Car Buyer's Checklist as a guideline, you will do your homework, price out vehicles on line, go on a few test drives, negotiate with confidence and have a satisfying and enjoyable new car buying experience. Enjoy the process... and enjoy your ride home!