Then they'll laugh at me! OK, probably not.

Probably not, but if they do, it's just a tactic, and they will still counter-offer. I also know this from all of my real estate shows.

If you are NOT willing to walk away, then that is not as little as you are willing to pay. Your lowest price is the one where you will walk away from the car if you don't get it. Also, don't start with an offer. The deal wants to sell the car. Make the dealer give the first offer. If it is too far away from what you are willing to pay just say "that is not really even in the range we were expecting. Please, can you double check and make sure that is really the asking price for that?" Be really really nice, but also extremely shocked. The dealer should come back with a different price. "No that is really the asking price, but just for you we'll let it go for." And then you make your counter.

And you have to be willing to lose the deal. I mean what if they asked $50,000 for the car and would not budge? You would totally walk away. And really there has to be a price a lot less than $50,00 where you will walk away. So agree on that. Become a united front. And agree that if you don't get that you will walk away. And agree that you will not change your mind on the lot and that if the sales person starts trying to make you feel guilty you will walk a way. Set a price where you will walk away if you don't get it, and really do it.

Also, some car salesmen can be very annoying. I once got up and walked out of a dealership while the salesman was still talking to me.

I think what we need to decide before we go in is (1) What's the most we're willing to pay for this car, and (2) If they won't go as low as we want, are we willing to just walk away? Once we settle those questions, and can present a united front, I think I'll feel better.

Also make sure you only talk about the out-the-door price (with taxes and fees), which is what you will actually be paying for the car and will be hundreds more than the asking price.

From Sullivan's blog: Praying As Protest, Ctd

A picture's a thousand words - what about a thousand people in a picture? This image shows riot police using a water gun to disperse protesters in Cairo who are merely praying.

What everyone said. Also at some point what you may need to do is just give them your lowest price, and ask for a yes or no answer. If you don't get it then just walk out, slowly. Saunter. Stroll. And when they ask you to please wait, tell them you have given them your final offer, and that it is up to them to accept it or not. On your way out, you can stop at the reception desk and leave your phone number in case they change their mind.

Also be ready for them to sell you on the extended warranty. You'll be vulnerable and confused! Watch out!

Oh and one other thing. Since it sounds like you have not bought via dealer before, watch out for the following:

Guy you are dealing with says "what if we do X. Would you accept that?". If you way yes ,he will get a check from you and bring it to his boss, and then come back and say "your offers was not accepted. The boss is willing to do y". So now you thought you were accepting an offer from him but really he just got you to raise yours. Plus they have a check to hold to keep there negotiating it. So if they say something like that and it is a deal you like, ask them if that is a firm offer on their part.

I'd also recommended looking on a used-car site like Autotrader.com even if you are planning to physically go places to look. The dealers know price is what's going to attract people there, so you'll get a better idea of what the real prices are and what you can get for the amount you want to spend. If you see a great price there, print off the ad and bring it with you.

Also make sure you only talk about the out-the-door price (with taxes and fees), which is what you will actually be paying for the car and will be hundreds more than the asking price.

Oh, good call. And good advice, everyone! I'm taking notes.