Borno,

Your advice is right on.

There is really nothing to add to it other than that when one does go to the dealership, go at a time good for you, i.e, not when you are stressed or rushed.

Additionally, I think you should go well dressed which is not hard to do given what most Americans think is appropriate to wear when spending 50K. Going well dressed with a Wall St Journal under your arm to read when the sales guy leaves to talk with his "manager" will give you more self confidence. It will also communicate to one and all that you are not the average slob in a sweatshirt and jeans. In all likelihood you are better educated and better paid than any "sales consultant" you might meet and it might help to communicate to communicate that.

Finally, if you go during service hours, why don't you ask for a tour of the service area and ask to meet the service manager, not a service writer? This will throw them a little off balance and elevate you in everyone's eyes. There is tension between the sales guys and the service people and it would be interesting to get their reaction to your request.