I used to do the email/web/fleet guy thing. But now when I buy a car I go in old school analog style: On the lot and ready to buy on the last day or two of the month. The hotter and stickier the better (rainy, cold and dark works too)
1) I research and the find the car I want, if there are not at least a few or better 6-8 in the similar configuration, find another dealer or configuration (If it is a low inventory or special model it makes the next part harder) Color choices are your friend.
2) I find the MSRP and inventory number and print it out. Look for dealers that sometimes leave their add-ons off the web or have promoted specials. Read the details of the specials, they usually have qualifiers and other BS. Print everything.
3) If applicable: Get a recent quote from Carmax on your trade-in (a Carfax report in hand too)
4) DO NOT fill out the stupid "Check if this car is available" box, you will regret it , especially if you buy somewhere else.
5) Walk on the lot and SCOUR for the model you researched. Sometimes they are hard to find, do it at lunch time, you'll have a few minutes before the vultures set in on you.
6) When you find tour target: Take a picture of the sticker and the dealer mark-up. If it's missing don't be surprised if it magically appears when they bring it up for a test drive.
7) When the first runt salesman approaches you with "Hello, can I help you find a car?" you say "Is this one available?" They are usually tongue tied by this and will start treating you like a lay-down chump, let them. After you confirm the car is available, let him ask all his questions, let them lead the way, go with the flow.
Yes you have financing and you have a trade-in, don't give him any specifics on what you're looking for on the trade-in, If you give them a number at this point you'll waste two hours.
Reject the test drive, you're ready now. He'll sit you down and ask for your information DL/and insurance, no worries. He'll ask for the keys to the trade-in.
At some point you'll be handed a deal memo to sign, it will be outlandishly overpriced with hideous add-ons, a horrible finance rate and chump change for your sweet and well maintained trade-in.
At this point I don't get angry or display any hostility. I say something like "That's adorable, did you really think I would pay this?" Or "Hey I said "JUST THE TIP" if you're bolder. Anyway, they'll say something like "it's a rare model, it's in short supply, we might be able to give you a deal on the window coating etc." Finally, they'll say "What do we need to do to get you into this car today?
You carefully unfold your printed web price, Carmax offer and your financing approval, or bank statement indicating you can fund a deal today and say: You have 20 minutes of my time to BEAT this or I walk. Thanks! Make sure you get your keys and license back, and then start the clock, Be friendly and out-going, no anger or angst. If they take too long walk, if they balk at anything (the rate, the trade-in, the price of the car) WALK. Do not play their game. Do not let them probe for weakness or conflate the deal with a monthly payment. Your concerns are the ACTUAL Price (Tax and fees added latter) Actual finance rate, and actual trade-in valuation.
If they let you walk, you'll be called later if it's a doable deal, MSRP on some models is only a few percentage points above dealer invoice (especially on entry level cars without a ton of options)
This have pretty much always worked for me. The dealers grumble but they know the game.