How close are the listed prices to what the dealer actually expects to sell it for?

Okay mrchosop, I am 61 and have bought 4 brand new cars and I lost count, about 10 used cars since age 16. I am qualifying myself to answer you okay? First decide what car you want. Research reliability, re-sale value, read owners reviews. But Let me save you some time. Look for a Corolla 9th Generation, 2003-2008 or Honda Civic 7th generation 2001-2005, that part is biased. My choice, my not be yours at all. But they can be had for your price range. Maybe a Mazda3, Ford Focus. Much depends on if you are paying cash. If so, you have leverage, if not your credit score enters the scene, and how much you have down. Cash, offer 15% less than asking. Good credit expect maybe 5-6% APR Do NOT buy extended 'warranty' they are more of an insurance policy that a warranty and add so many deductibles and exclusions they are not worth it, then even if you have a claim they will try to weasel out of it. Ok onwards, ..no need to look at cars out of your price range, they might come down but not much. Back to cash, let them KNOW, and if you are financing offer 10% below asking.