Time for a new car

Time for a new car

My faithful 1995 Nisan Pathfinder is starting to show it's age and I'm
in the market for a new car before I find myself without one. I like
the VW Jetta but before I step foot in the dealer I'd like some advice
from the more seasoned folks. First off how much bargaining room do I
have when it comes to price? I got a quote of 17,750.00 from one
dealer. This is only a few hundred dollars below what the VW site
states. Is it true that these days dealers have very little markup
room?

Also, I'm on the fence when it comes to leasing or buying. From what
I've heard I should negotiate the price first as if I'm buying the
vehicle and then ask what the leas payments would be based on the
negotiated price.

I'm not sold on the Jetta I could easily go for a Honda or Toyota,
nor am I in a hurry. My Pathfinder isn't dead yet.

All advice is appreciated.

Javier