About to purchase my first vehicle

Fr sure, they'll low ball you on the trade in value of your current vehicle. If the blue book is 4500 then ask for 3000. Also, look up info on how much dealerships pay out of pocket on that make and model. It can be very useful info when purchasing. If they pay $25,000 and are asking $32,000 you can pretty much haggle them down to about $28,000. If they offer you any deal that is awesome, make sure you get in writing before leaving the dealership that day, especially if the deal isn't going down that day.

Car dealers have a way of losing the "crunched numbers" and trying to make a new deal. Stand firm with them, and take control. Don't let them dictate where and what you look at. They need you, you don't need them. Take a deep breath and dive into the deep end my friend.