factory financing , rebates, and a FAX
Get all information online about the rebates. Sometimes they are regional and you must ask the dealer what rebates/incentives are aavailable.
Sometimes the lowball financing only applies to specific models. This was true last year when I bought my 4runner. The 2.9% 60 months was not for the 4runners.
I was able to get 3.8% for 60 months by telling the dealer I could get 3.9% from the local credit union (which was true). I had my letter of approval fromt the CU. Their FIRST quote for factory financing was 6%. LOL!
Finally, FAX them, attn: Internet Sales or Fleet Sales Manager, and ask them straight out, you want such and such vehicle with a minimum equipment list blah blah your minimum requirements. DO NOT TELL THEM THE PRICE YOU ARE WILLING TO PAY. ASK for their lowest price and tell them when you will make a desicion in your fax. Don't screw around. make it clear that you are contacting several dealers for that particular vehicle. Buy it from the lowest quoted one. Usually you will be inside the invoice price by a couple hundred or closer. Rebates/Incentives should ONLY aplly AFTER their best price without the incentives. Get the REAL sale price.
Leave them your phone contact, or even better, have them FAX you back with their response. Some dealerships will be very quick to respond, some won't even fax back.
Hope this helps. This is the only way I buy vehicles now. When you walk into a dealership, it costs them NOTHING to trap you in endless negotiations for HOURS of haggling. They have alll the time in the world to sell the car, and talk is free. Costs them nothing. They are hoping you get disgusted and break down and buy the car. If this dealer is close to you, they know that you want to purchse locally.
Hope this helps. It actually works.