Auto Trader Review: Is It Good?

Overview

Auto Trader was initially founded as a local classified magazine in 1977. It transitioned into a 100% digital business in 2013. Today, it’s the most popular online car marketplace in the United Kingdom, with more than 450,000 vehicle listings at the time of writing. The company is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange and a constituent of the esteemed FTSE 100 index.

Auto Trader greatly simplifies the often stressful car-selling process. Listing your car on the platform is seamless and only takes a few minutes. What’s more, if you want to sell immediately, you can skip this listing process and request an instant cash offer instead.

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Auto Trader Pricing 

Auto Trader offers four main packages, which increase in price according to the listing duration. The more premium options include additional benefits such as enhanced visibility.

Here’s a closer look: 

If your vehicle is priced at £1,000 or below, you can list it for free for one week. After that, you’ll pay £9.95, £19.95, and £24.95 for the Standard, Premium and Ultimate packages respectively.

Auto Trader’s listing costs are on the high side, unfortunately. Some platforms don’t have any advertising charge, though some might impose an after-sale fee. There are no such charges with Auto Trader. Its instant offer feature is also free.

How To Sell a Car With Auto Trader

Selling a car on Auto Trader is relatively easy.  You can do it in either of the two ways below.

Placing an advert

Start by using Auto Trader’s free valuation tool to get a realistic view of how much you could get for your car. 

Then, go to the company’s website homepage and click  “Sell your car” from the main menu. You’ll need to enter basic details about the car, including its registration number and current mileage.

Next, write a comprehensive description of the car, upload some images (up to 100), and add your contact information. Then select an advertising package from the four options available and make your payment. Your listing will then go live, and all that’s left to do is wait for interested buyers to get in touch with you.

Auto Trader’s customer service team is available to assist with any issues or questions you might have during this process.

Instant offer

This feature allows you to bypass the listing process and instead get a same-day cash offer. 

For a quote, just provide your car's registration number, mileage, and postcode. Next, complete a short condition appraisal form. Auto Trader will then provide you with a quote and collect the car within 48 hours. 

If everything checks out during pick-up, you’ll get a final offer. If you accept it, you’ll receive your payment immediately.

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Deal Exclusions

Auto Trader doesn’t permit the listing of vehicles in the CAT A or CAT B insurance write-off categories. These cars have sustained severe damage in accidents that the insurer has deemed irreparable.

Is Auto Trader Legit?

Auto Trader enjoys a very good online reputation. On Trustpilot, the company has a star rating of 4.7 out of five. Sellers report an all-around great experience on the platform. There’s a lot of praise, in particular, for its user-friendly interface and the abundance of helpful tools on the platform. 

What’s Unique About Auto Trader?

The most unique thing about Auto Trader is its broad reach. For example, in the financial year 2023, the company’s average monthly visits stood at an impressive 69.6 million. This vast user base means that you can expect to find a buyer quickly when you list a car on the platform.  Some users even report selling their cars successfully in just a few hours.

Help and Support

Auto Trader provides support on the phone from Monday to Friday, 9am-5.30pm. Its customer service team is very responsive and only takes a few minutes to get through. Additionally, you can contact the company via live chat and email. Be aware, though, that email responses can take up to three days.

The Auto Trader website also features a comprehensive help centre with numerous FAQs. These range from creating and managing advertisements to safe selling and buying advice. Other helpful learning materials on the website include car reviews, guides, and blog articles.

What About the Auto Trader App?

Auto Trader offers a mobile app for both iOS and Android devices. Both versions are highly rated by users, with scores of 4.8 and 4.5 stars out of five on the App Store and the Google Play Store, respectively.

The app is very intuitive and user-friendly. It includes all the features offered on the online platform, including the ability to get a free valuation, list cars, receive an instant offer, and communicate with buyers.

Bottom Line

Overall, Auto Trader is an excellent choice for people seeking a straightforward and reliable way to sell a car.

It offers a simple listing process, a useful valuation tool, and an expansive reach that increases the chances of a successful sale. The instant offer feature is a convenient and efficient alternative when looking to sell a car promptly and with minimal hassle.

While Auto Trader is pricier than some competitors, your advert will be visible to a vast audience, which could help you sell your car faster. 

FAQs

Does Auto Trader charge to advertise a car?

Yes. Auto Trader charges a listing fee for cars priced above £1,000. The actual amount varies depending on the car’s value and the advertising package selected, but the range is £9.95-£84.95. 

Can I sell any type of car on Auto Trader?

Yes. Auto Trader lets you list almost every type of vehicle, whether it’s a nearly new car, an older model, or a specialised vehicle.

Is it safe to buy or sell my car on Auto Trader?

Auto Trader helps connect buyers and sellers of cars, but the ultimate responsibility for ensuring a secure transaction lies with you. Some precautions that can help keep you safe include conducting transactions in a relatively public place, keeping car keys safe during viewings, and never letting your vehicle out of sight during test drives.