In the evolving car buying and selling landscape, AutoTrader stands out as a leading platform offering a seamless experience. Whether searching for your dream car or looking to sell, AutoTrader’s user-friendly interface and extensive inventory make the process straightforward.

In this review, we’ll explore AutoTrader’s features, pricing, user experience, and more to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your needs.

Key Takeaways

Sherpa rates AutoTrader 8.4/10, making our list of the five best used car sites.
AutoTrader’s partnership with Kelley Blue Book provides meaningful pricing data and competitive Instant Cash Offers.
AutoTrader’s private sales rates are higher than those of some other platforms, and the majority of the platform’s negative reviews are related to private sales.

Our AutoTrader Review

We reviewed AutoTrader and other leading used car sites based on reputation, platform, pricing, inventory, and customer satisfaction. We give AutoTrader an overall rating of 8.4 out of 10. Here’s what we found during our evaluation of the platform:

Overall Rating: 8.4/10

AutoTrader is an established online car buying and selling platform that provides access to dealership and private seller inventory.

Reputation: 9/10

Since its establishment in 1997, AutoTrader has maintained a highly respected reputation. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and strong industry recognition, it’s a trusted platform for car listings and reviews.

Platform Rating: 9/10

The platform is user-friendly, with advanced search options and comprehensive features, including car reviews, buying guides, and price comparison tools. It provides a seamless navigation experience for both buyers and sellers.

Pricing Rating: 8/10

AutoTrader charges $49 per ad and a 0.99% fee for all private sales, which is higher than other platforms. For car buyers, the ability to search used and new car inventories means that car buyers are likely to find competitive pricing.

Inventory Rating: 9/10

With an extensive inventory sourced from various dealers and private sellers, AutoTrader provides buyers with a wide range of options. The platform excels in offering detailed listings and advanced search filters.

Customer Satisfaction: 7/10

Positive customer reviews highlight the platform’s user-friendly tools, comprehensive listings, and detailed car reviews. However, AutoTrader’s Private Seller program frustrates both online buyers and sellers.

What is AutoTrader?

Established in 1997, AutoTrader has become one of the most respected platforms in the automotive industry. Known for its extensive car listings, detailed reviews, and informative buying guides, AutoTrader connects buyers with dealers across the country. Its reputation for providing reliable and comprehensive information makes it a go-to resource for car shoppers.

AutoTrader’s partnership with Kelley Blue Book (KBB) embeds accurate and insightful pricing information directly into the platform.

How Does AutoTrader Work?

AutoTrader is an online marketplace where buyers can search for cars using advanced filters and connect directly with dealers. Private sellers can list their vehicle for a $49 ad and a 0.099% fee on the selling price. The platform also offers valuable tools such as car reviews, buying guides, and price comparison features to aid decision-making.

Pros of AutoTrader

AutoTrader offers numerous advantages for both buyers and sellers:

Extensive inventory from various dealers and private sellers
Detailed car reviews and buying guides
Advanced search options
Transparent pricing with Kelley Blue Book (KBB) data

Cons of AutoTrader

Despite its many benefits, AutoTrader has a few drawbacks:

Listing fee and transaction fee applied to private sales
Listings can sometimes be outdated
Negative customer reviews related to Private Seller program

Review of AutoTrader Buying Process

The buying process on AutoTrader is informative and straightforward. Buyers can use the platform’s advanced search options to filter cars based on criteria such as make, model, price, and location. Each listing provides detailed information about the vehicle, including photos, specifications, and seller contact details.

AutoTrader also offers car reviews and buying guides to help buyers make informed decisions. After finding a suitable car, buyers can connect directly with the dealer or private seller to complete the purchase. We also appreciate the additional tools on the AutoTrader site for online car buyers, such as their Affordability Calculator.

Review of AutoTrader Selling Process

Selling a car on AutoTrader is simple. Sellers can create a listing by providing detailed information about the vehicle, including photos, specifications, and descriptions. Ads are $49 to publish across the AutoTrader and Kelley Blue Book networks. For a secure transaction, there is a 0.99% fee on the selling price.

AutoTrader also features an Instant Cash Offer for car sellers looking for a quick and easy way to sell their used vehicle. After entering basic information about your car, AutoTrader uses a proprietary tool to calculate an instant offer for cash redemption or credit toward a vehicle purchase.

After receiving the offer, sellers have 7 days to drop off their vehicle at a participating dealership.

AutoTrader FAQs

Should I buy a car with AutoTrader?

AutoTrader is a trusted platform with a wide range of listings and detailed reviews, making it an excellent option for car buyers looking for comprehensive information and various choices.

Will AutoTrader give me a good offer on my car?

AutoTrader’s Instant Cash Offer uses Kelley Blue Book data to provide a fair and accurate offer for your used vehicle. Customers also have the option to list their used vehicle for sale across the AutoTrader and Kelley Blue Book network for $49.

How do I ship a car I bought with AutoTrader to my location?

Shipping a car bought on AutoTrader is easy with Sherpa Auto Transport. We offer reliable and affordable vehicle shipping services to ensure your new car arrives safely at your doorstep. Request an instant online quote to start the process.

Sherpa’s Best Used Car Site Methodology

We used five criteria to evaluate the Best Used Car Sites:

Industry Reputation – Sites that have a strong overall standing in the industry are rated more favorably. We considered years in the industry, BBB rating, and overall reputation.

Platform – We evaluated the platform’s features and ease of use. We also considered if the platform was open to all users.

Pricing – We evaluated the site’s pricing, favoring transparent pricing structures. We also considered listing fees or premium services.

Inventory – We evaluated both the quantity and variety of vehicles on the platform.

Customer Experience—We reviewed the support available for both buyers and sellers and read online customer reviews to evaluate their sentiment towards the platform.