Welcome to the forum.
Not assuming anything as you may be a very skilled car buyer, but the best tactic is do some research on invoice pricing on the car you are interested in with the way it is optioned. Dealers usually have ~3% holdback that the manufacture gives them so you can take that off the price of the vehicle. Best tactic is to find the same car at multiple dealerships and negotiate the price before you walk in the door. Once you have settled on a price you can live with (and have it in writing), go in and sign the papers. Don't be afraid to walk out the door if they change the price on you. Set a time boundary of 5 minutes for them to correct any price discrepancies (verbally let them know this) if they need to "Speak to the Manager". If they don't comply, thank them for their time and walk out the door.
Don't get emotionally attached to a car you "want" and don't necessarily "need". I just walked away from a deal on a TRX where the dealer and myself couldn't come together on a price I was willing to pay on a "want".
There are dealerships nationwide that are willing to sell and ship you a new car to your house, don't limit yourself by driving distance.
Good luck.