"Dealer" often equates to "wild-caught". You'd be much better going with something that's captive bred. For one, it's not ripped from its natural home and shipped all over the place, getting stressed as it goes. And 2.) captive bred animals are usually healthier, not having the parasites and other nasties that can come from wild-caught.
I agree with Hayden. Anyone who's ever owned a Taricha thinks they're just about the most awesome newt to have. They're hardy, they're not shy, and they're brightly colored. Mine are getting ready to breed soon, as are most people's newts, with the coming spring.
Keep an eye out in the 'for sale' section, and buy something from someone who's bred them, not just gone out and harvested them.