When I bought my last car, I was rather surprised (though probably shouldn't have been) by how unwilling dealerships were to quote prices by email or phone. The article gives you a pretty good indication of why but, nonetheless, two different dealers lost my potential business by basically refusing to deal with me except by making an appointment at the dealership.
I did end up dealing with a third dealership in person but only after confirming the availability of a model shown with a price in their Internet inventory. The in-person process was still a bit icky but I knew I was getting a good price on the car. I just deflected all attempts to play the monthly payment game. And they ended up giving me a good enough price on my trade-in that it wasn't worth additional fussing with.
Know the facts. Know what you're willing/able to pay. Separate transactions whenever possible. Ideally, don't be in a hurry.
"unwilling dealerships were to quote prices by email or phone"
Several reasons. One is they can't close you over the phone or by email. Other is they open themselves up to other dealers quoting a price that they won't hold once you arrive at the dealer. And then that dealer gets a chance to close them (after bullshitting their way out of the lie).
That said I've bought several cars by phone and have received prices by email but get the best deals in person. That way you are dangling a sale in front of them and they tend not to want you to walk out the door and go elsewhere.
In sales the more time somebody invests (either buyer or seller) the less likely they are to walk away from something.
I did end up dealing with a third dealership in person but only after confirming the availability of a model shown with a price in their Internet inventory. The in-person process was still a bit icky but I knew I was getting a good price on the car. I just deflected all attempts to play the monthly payment game. And they ended up giving me a good enough price on my trade-in that it wasn't worth additional fussing with.
Know the facts. Know what you're willing/able to pay. Separate transactions whenever possible. Ideally, don't be in a hurry.