I always have dealers negotiate against each.
Steps:
1. For the Telluride (not that I've signed any paper work yet) I started with 2 traditional dealers. Test drove the SUV, then got an OTD price including my trade.
2. I gave that written quote to a dealer that claims to give their "best price first." This is a bunch of baloney, if they really were giving their best price, then it would be on the sticker like a price tag on a shirt. Any way, once they give this price, it's non-negotiable. That part is legit.....I've tried. Their best OTD price always beats the traditional dealer.
3. I give that written quote to the traditional dealers and say, "Best price wins." At this point, anything can happen. For the Telluride, one dealer said, "Sorry, I can't beat that. Good luck." The other dealer beat it by $500. At this point, I'm at $500 over invoice for a S-Trim model. I'm pretty happy with that price, and it doesn't look like anyone in my area is willing to go below that number.....why would they?
4. I might go back to the "Best Price First" dealer (I like this dealer a lot more to be honest) and ask for an accessory or two since the other dealer is $500 below them. If not, then I'll have to make a decision.......save $500 and go with the dealership I don't like or reward the dealership I do like (much less pressure and more knowledgeable salesman) and spend an extra $500.
Wish me luck.