See, I would consider those practices haggling, even your flagpole. That is what I did. The key is being prepared to walk out. EXPECT to walk out.
I started by emailing 7 different dealerships, ccing everyone on the email. I asked for the lowest price for a Limited G. Cherokee, didn't care about the color. They all tried some BS response like, call me and we can talk.
I emailed back to ALL of them that I wasn't calling anyone, and the lowest quote would get a visit from me the next weekend. I got prices from everyone. I studied those prices, compared them to various industry websites, etc. They were all too high.
I visited the two lowest quotes that weekend and offered my price. I offered to cut a check right there. Neither took me up on the deal, so I thanked them and left. Both called me back the next day (Sunday) and asked me to come back. One tried to upsell me on a Commander and the other offered the price I was asking (or so I thought).
When it was time to talk money, all of a sudden there were all kinds of fees. I simply said, "No, you don't understand. I will cut you a check for $XXXXX and that is all. No fees." He told me that was impossible and I thanked him and left.
I had a voicemail from the upsell guy to come by b/c he "found" another G. Cherokee that he thought I was going to love. I went over there and offered the same price but met the same damn issue. I walked out.
I figured I would give it a week and then go see them again. They both called me the next evening.
After speaking with both, one could give me the deal while the other said he I would have to pay T,T & I on top of my offer. I went with the first guy. I told him, "I am cutting the check at home and bringing it in. If you add one penny to the price, I will not be able to buy the car." He "checked" with his manager and then agreed.
I went in there, he hated me , and I left with the exact car I wanted at the price I wanted to pay - WELL below invoice. It took about a week, but it worked. I kind of had to be an asshole, but hey, they open it up for negotiations, so that is their game.
I just want to point out that this was during Chrysler's ridiculous warranty deal where ALL of their cars were three year total warranty, lifetime powertrain and free servicing until 50,000 miles.
They honored it too. My wife ended up having an issue with her electrical system about a year after she got the car. They took it, gave her a brand new Commander off the lot, completely replaced the computer in the car (took about 3 weeks) and it cost me nothing. Plus, while we waited those 3 weeks, I was logging miles on their car, not mine.