What should a transplant know before going to buy a used car?

Considering everything automobile related in this city is like a different planet compared to where I’m originally from in Washington, I have to imagine there are some quirks and nuances when it comes to buying cars that one only learns from experience.

I'm finally thinking about replacing the car I moved here with, and am a bit overwhelmed by the extent of the car buying market. I'm mostly interested in the culture of sales, what type of salespeople I should expect, what kind of tricks they pull, and if there are any "hacks" in terms of maximizing time and value (negotiating). My first hunch is that at the end of the day there is so much competition that dealers just need to move as many cars as possible so I have some leverage if I know go in knowing exactly what I want, but locals know best.

Any tips would be helpful. If it matters I'm looking for a specific mid-00s japanese sports car in the range of 14-16k, so likely mid-tier dealers who are financing.