Car buying online - main dealers and "make us an offer"

[tywysoges]

I had to sell my car a while ago and now I am on the hunt for something "new" - mostly online at the moment. I have noticed on a couple of main dealers websites that they have a button alongside the usual "make an enquiry" and "book a test drive" saying "make us an offer" (or words to that effect). Has anyone used this feature successfully? Or does anyone work at a dealer and have any tips on what's an acceptable offer?

In general the make me an offer from large franchises is just to get your details, the sales people have quite strict parameters regarding what offers they can accept.
What is an acceptable offer is dependent on each car, the mileage, service history condition etc.
Remember whatever they say a garage has to cover any issues arising in the first six months.

If doing pcp finance make sure you check the mileage.

I take it by 'new' you mean second hand, if so check cam belt times, most have them and they are done on mileage and time so if it was done 5k miles ago that sounds good but it could be due on months.
Also Google is great, there are some cars that one engine is to be avoided whereas another engine would be great.

@Essentialgarage, thank you so much, that's exactly what I wanted to know. I was wondering if it was worth trying it or just skip it and go to the dealer in person.

I am currently looking at Toyota Auris(es?), I believe they have chains rather than cambelts? One of the many pieces of information I have learned in the last couple of weeks .

All car buying tips welcome, by the way. As well as good alternatives to the Auris .