I know you want to believe that, but its not true. dealer holdback avgs 2% of invoice (ie 20k car = 400 bucks) and there' usually something called wholesale financial reserve, which usually equals about 1%. Some manufacturers are different, but this is the case with toyotas and hondas...
I always hated it when people came in and tried to act so sly and told me all about the business when they knew jack shit. One of the main reasons I left the business was that car buyers can turn into major dick-holes and will not allow honest salespeople to make a living.
Invioce DOES reflect the exact amount that the dealer strokes a check for, but they get refunded the amounts for holdback and financial reserve...
so its a deception, but you wouldn't believe how many people actually expect you to take a loss on a vehicle when they purchase one...
ladybrave, shop online and get a quote for what you want. dealing online will get you the best deal, and assure that you get the exact car you want without having to settle for something in someones inventory.
If you're not physically there looking at a new car (that isn't even what you had in mind in the first place) you have alot more bargaining chips.
use dealer's pricing against one another, but remember, the 2008 accord is a newly redesigned car, and hondas tend to sell for sticker when they first come out, even moreso than other manufacturers... you may have to wait a bit before you get your deal, but thats sometimes the price you pay to be the first on the block with the new toy.
if you get it for a few hundred bucks over invoice, you're doing great.
2008 Honda Accord optional equipment at Edmunds
edmunds is saying they're selling for sticker, but you may be able to find a deal at a mega volume store...