re: Rules of engagement buying a new vehicle

1. Visit cars.com to find the exact year, make, model, and trim level you want.

2. Sort all cars within (say) 200 miles by lowest price first.

3. Call the Internet sales rep at the lowest-price dealer. Ask him to confirm the final drive-out price. If he adds anything more than TT&L to the price, keep going down the list until you find the best actual price. It may take several calls.

4. Once you find the best deal, ask the salesman to hold the car with a $150 credit card deposit until you get there.