A Deal Seeker's Guide to Closing Dealerships

2. Do your homework.
If you’re in the market for a new car given the economic climate, are you dead set on a Chrysler? Shop around, says Magliano. "Without doing your research you won't know how good a deal you're getting.”

If you are decided on a Chrysler, research Chrysler models you’re interested in and get professional reviews on them using resources such as Edmunds.com and Consumer Reports. Look up your local closing dealerships (check out the list here) and call ahead to find out what they’ve got in stock and what deals and incentives they’re offering. Get quotes from the dealers, and from other sources such as Kelley Blue Book.

3. Haggle appropriately.
Though the salesman might only have a few days left to get rid of his inventory, don’t come offering $12 for a new model Chrysler. Know what you’re buying, get quotes beforehand and be reasonable.

“We’re getting people in here offering $15,000 for a $35,000 car and it’s insulting," says a 10-year veteran salesperson at ABC Motors in Valley Stream, N.Y.

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