The outline of the sales process from the original post is just the normal sales process for almost any product. I sold cars for a couple a years and now I just train sales people (not for selling cars) and it's all the same process.

The only real advice has already been said a couple of times. Know your numbers and set boundaries on what you're willing to pay. It does no good to negotiate to a number then have no idea what that means for monthly payment unless you're like some of the baller's on here that paid cash.

Reported^^^

my only advise, is be able to walk away.....
should have done that on my purchase, but didn't
the red mist over took me

Got at the end of the month, when they are trying to make their quotas... More likely to be able to talk the price down.

When buying my Z, I wanted the sport model. They only had a touring on site, so i wanted them to order me one. They did not want to do that, and it helped me gain leverage to talk to price way down, as i said i would just go to the dealer down the street that did not have any Z's and have them order me one. MSRP on my car was like 34,800 or something. They were asking 38500, and it was last years model. Walked away with the Z for 31000 before taxes and fees. I think that was a win

Only thing I can add is bring a useful friend. Don't bring your "bro" car buddy that thinks they know how to haggle, bring a person that is better with numbers than you are and let them translate the deal into something you can understand and make a choice from there. Remember, at the end of the day the dealership is a business with the need to make money and if you are happy with the deal you made just put it in the past and enjoy your vehicle.

PS- Don't keep searching for cars after you have bought one. There will always be a better advertised deal and it may sour your new toy!

Make sure the dealer is more anxious to sell a Z than you are to buy one.