I am the GM Certified Internet Manager for a Chevy store. A lot of this advice is good, some is garbage. I personally would never buy a used car. I like having a warranty. Plus, a used Camaro was probably driven like a Camaro should be and you would be adopting someone elses problems.
This car is scheduled to be built in Feb 2009 as a 2010 model, and it will hit dealers shortly after. There will be a premium on it for at least the first few months of it's existence. The only good advice I can offer is find a dealer you like that has a good service dept and body shop. Ours is one of the top rated in South Florida. I would stay away from autonation stores for many reasons. They have a reputation for being racist, sexist, and just plain scummy. Disagree? go to
www.stopautonation.com or
www.destroyautonation.com and you can view literally thousands of complaints from employess and customers about tactics they use. I work for a privately owned SFE dealer that has been here since 1963. I would have it no other way.
As far as shopping the internet, it's not a bad idea. Just write the person back! I write 50 e-mails a day and probably get replies 1% of the time. It's just common courtesy. If someone gives you numbers that are far fetched, forward him/her a quote you got from another dealer on a car THAT IS EQUIPPED THE SAME and they will get more aggressive with their pricing. Honestly, this car will not go for under MSRP for a long time, but if you want it, you will pay. What's $1000 in a monthly payment anyways?