Dealer Profits in New Cars

[Mooner]

First time posting so stay with me.
Tried to buy a car today. So frustrating.
Went to a Car web site got the vehicle type, model, options and did on line pricing.
Went to a car Dealership. The Dealer price was $ 3,000 higher then the on line price. I am certain that I had the model and options the same.
The Dealers MSRP (Manufacture Suggested Retail Price) that he showed me was over $ 2,000 higher then the web site listed price. I thought profit margin was built into the web site MSRP for the Dealers and that was the start of the negiotations.
I am willing to pay a fair price with profit plus commissions but I do not want to get ripped off.
Any information? Is the web listed MSRP what you should pay as the highest price? Does the Dealer and salesman get paid from the published MSRP and everything above that is GROSS profit. Car prep, delivery charges, jived with both the Dealer and Web Site.
Thanks
HackerBob

[Michael]

What web site did you use??? Also, if you use something like carcostcanada.com, they show you the MSRP and also, if you become a member, will show what the dealer cost is and what rebates are currently available.

[jeffc]

if you are buying new, join APA. Worth every penny. http://www.apa.ca/

[Mooner]

Thanks
I will look at both the options. It has been awhile since I bought a new car.
I didn't realize that it was like going to the flea markets.
Thanks

[Mooner]

I took Jeffc's advise and joined APA.
Worth the $ 75. My rough estimation is that they can save you around $500 at the $ 25,000 level with no hastles from the Dealers.
Advise. Pick your model, trim, package and be exact when you get your quote. Colour is not a problem at that point.
Going golfing in 2 hours. Get my car Monday.
Life is good.
HackerBob