Bad news...but really good news too!
So as I described earlier, the dealer had an asking price of $17,985 on their website, allegedly marked down from $18,985. But as soon as we sat down with the salesman, he told us that they best they'd be able to do on the '07 was $18,985! Apparently, he "didn't do the website" and wasn't aware of the correct asking price. We just outright told him that this was a terrible start to the negotiation. We offered $16,500 with a new pair of brakes thrown in. He came down...to the original asking price of $17,985 and wouldn't budge! Unfortunately, we just didn't trust this guy from the get-go...he was either completely unprofessional and unprepared or just untrustworthy.
Good news, however, is that instead of the '07, I came home with a '09 EX! After the terrible experience bidding on the used, we figured what the hell, lets make an offer for an '09 below invoice and see what happens. I was prepared with the latest purchase prices from the pricing thread and when we offered $22,000 they accepted! It's polished metal and she's an absolute beauty. I couldn't be happier.
Thanks for all your help folks!