Autotrader – What are the alternatives?

How to use Autotrader

Autotrader has many features and tools for both buyers and sellers. Buyers can search listings using advanced filters, then save and compare results. Listings feature photos and/or videos, vehicle descriptions, and history information.

There are also price comparison, finance, and insurance tools, dealer reviews - and a messaging system, enabling users to contact sellers directly.

Sellers can create, manage, and renew listings, with the option to pay extra to promote or target their ads. Autotrader has numerous guides available to help you navigate the selling process, including:

• Getting your car ready for sale.
• How to create an effective listing.
• Avoiding scams.
• Valuing your car.
• Taking payment safely.

Selling your car on Autotrader

To place an ad, go to “Sell your car”, select “Create your advert”, then enter your reg number and mileage. Autotrader will then automatically fill in some details about your car, but the more information you add yourself, the better.

The price field will be blank, as it’s up to you to decide how much to charge. Autotrader also has a valuation tool that you can use, but before setting a price, it’s worth trying a few of the other free car valuation tools on the web, and going with the average price.

Next, you need to write a description. Try to be thorough, but concise. Focus on any unique selling points, but don’t gloss over any flaws; honesty is key!

You can also add up to 100 photos to your listing. Make sure the photos are high-res, taken in good lighting, and show the car from a variety of different angles. If you’ve paid for one of the premium ad packages, you’ll also be able to add a YouTube video.

Autotrader offers up to four ad packages, which vary in price depending on:

• Whether you’re in the UK or Northern Ireland.
• What type of vehicle you’re selling.
• The value of your vehicle.
• Whether you’re a private or trade seller.
• How long you want your listing to run for.

The only free option is for a bike worth under £1,000; you must pay for any other type of listing.

Autotrader has a secure email and live chat system, allowing buyers and sellers to contact each other. When you get a message from a potential buyer, reply quickly with all the information they’ve asked for. If they want to come and view your car, ask for a phone number and call them to confirm that their contact details are genuine.

When facilitating a viewing, choose a time that’s convenient for both of you, and ask the buyer to bring along proof of ID. (A driving licence is ideal.) Here are a few helpful tips for a successful car viewing:

• Make sure you have all the necessary documents to sell your car before meeting buyers.
• Arrange to meet at your home, ideally during daylight hours.
• Ask a friend or family member to assist you and ensure the process goes smoothly.
• Allow the viewer plenty of time to look at your vehicle and be prepared to field any questions.
• Ask to check the buyer’s ID when they arrive. Make a note of their car registration.
• If they want to go for a test drive, check their insurance first, and make sure you accompany them on the test route.
• When it comes to payment, there are several options, including cash, bank transfer and cheque. Whichever you opt for, make sure that the money has cleared in your account before handing over the keys.
• Beware of car buying scams, and if something doesn’t seem right, call off the sale.

Tips for a Hassle-Free Viewing

• Once you’ve made contact with the seller, arrange a safe time and place to view the car.
• Check the car carefully, inside and out, including under the bonnet. You could ask a mechanic or a friend/family member with mechanical experience to join you.
• Most sellers will be more than happy for you to take a test drive. If they’re not, that’s a huge red flag, and you should walk away from the sale.
• If you’re satisfied with the car after driving it and want to go ahead with the sale, you might want to negotiate a little to see if you can save a bit of cash. Some sellers are open to this, whilst others aren’t, but it’s always worth a try.
• Just be polite and don’t make any unreasonable offers.
• When you’ve agreed on a price, get everything in writing (including a receipt), and make sure you have all the paperwork that belongs to the car, along with any extras and accessories before making payment.
• If you are paying in cash (physical tender), ask the seller to accompany you to the bank. The teller can verify and count the money. Be careful when carrying a large amount of cash around.

Alternative Platforms for Car Buyers

Online Car Retailers

Cinch is a popular online car retailer, with thousands of used cars available at a range of price points. Home delivery, part-exchange options, and car financing plans are also available.

Car Supermarket also offers a convenient online car marketplace, featuring thousands of used cars, with home delivery, or collection from the nearest physical store also available.

Online Car Auction Sites

Online car auction sites allow you to bid on a wide range of cars. Here are some of the most popular platforms:

eBay Motors: This established car auction site allows you to filter by make, model, year, price, and proximity to your location. If you see a car that catches your eye, you have the option to bid for it. If you win the auction, you can arrange pickup and payment with the seller. Whilst eBay Motors doesn’t offer shipping, you can hire a third-party car shipping or private transport company to deliver your new motor to your door.

PistonHeads: PistonHeads is a car auction site and online community frequented by car enthusiasts and performance car fans. It features an automatic bidding system. So, you can set the maximum sum you’re prepared to pay - and the platform will automatically bid for you in fixed increments until your maximum bid is reached. You’ll get a notification if the bids exceed your limit, so you can decide whether to raise your maximum bid.

Social Apps

Many social apps provide a space for sellers to list cars for sale. As a buyer, you can browse their marketplaces and communicate with sellers. Here are a couple of social apps to consider:

Facebook Marketplace: You can browse Facebook Marketplace to find used cars in your area. Many sellers are looking to sell their old motor quickly – and the prices are typically low. The majority of sellers are genuine. However, it is important to be vigilant and carefully check that your chosen car and its paperwork are in order before committing to a sale.

Nextdoor: This community-based social app allows you to buy a wide range of goods, including cars from sellers on your doorstep. Once more, whilst most sellers are legitimate, it’s important to watch out for car selling scams. As a general rule, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is!

Alternative Ways to Sell Your Car: Exclusive Car Buyers

While sites like webuyanycar offer you a quick and easy way to sell your car, you may want to look at alternatives. If you’re willing to wait longer, there are other options you can explore:

• Motorway: Motorway is an online car marketplace that allows users to sell used cars and vans directly to a network of automotive dealers. The site features a valuation tool, which can estimate your vehicle's value using live market data. However, your final price will be determined by an online auction, in which Motorway's network of dealers will bid on your vehicle in increments of £50. After the auction, the winning bidder will contact you. However, it's important to note that most dealers prefer to inspect vehicles in person before committing a sale. Therefore, even after the winning dealer bids on your vehicle, the sale could still fall through if they change their mind after taking a closer look. Carwow is another dealer aggregate site, which works in much the same way as Motorway. Once you’ve accepted the deal, your car will be picked up at an arranged time and you’ll get your money straight away.
• Motors: Through Motors, you can sell your car via the classified ad platform Gumtree. You use Motors’s car valuation tool, then use your valuation as a starting point to create a free Gumtree listing. You’ll also get a free HPI check.

Alternatives to Autotrader (Comparison)

For Selling Your Car:

For Buying a Car:

Selling your car with webuyanycar

If you want a fast, simple way to sell your car, look no further than webuyanycar! Here’s how it works:

• Enter your reg and mileage into our free car valuation tool.
• Book your appointment at any of our 500+ UK branches.
• Drive to your appointment. Happy to sell? We’ll help with the paperwork and send the money to your bank!

What’s more, if you choose webuyanycar, you’ll benefit from a guaranteed sale. True to our name, we’ll buy any car, regardless of its age and condition. So, you won’t have to entertain any dealers or punters who aren’t serious buyers.