Autotrader Reviews in 2025: How to Buy and Sell a Car?

For the buying or selling of a car in 2025, this continues to remain one of the most popular marketplaces: Autotrader. Millions of people visit it every month for vehicle searching, comparing, or advertising functions. 

Before using the platform, you should understand how the sales process for cars with Autotrader is conducted, what users feel about it, and what possible fees might apply.

Customer Reviews about Autotrader

Customer reviews are perfect for gaining knowledge about the weaknesses and strengths of the platform. While users praise the search experience on the app, private sellers complain about the selling fees on Autotrader and scam attempts.

What is Autotrader?

Autotrader is an online marketplace where buyers and sellers meet. Established in 1997 and currently under the ownership of Cox Automotive, it offers listings from dealers and private sellers along with Kelley Blue Book pricing guides and financing tools. 

Buyers searching will find any number of vehicles of all makes and models, while the sellers have nationwide exposure for a price.

Depending on access, while buyers go through thousands of vehicles of all makes and models, the sellers list domestically for a price.

How Does Autotrader Work?

Autotrader connects buyers and sellers. As a buyer, you use the filter and resources it offers, allowing you to find vehicles that meet your needs. As a seller, you advertise the car by listing it with all of the pertinent information, pictures, and pricing help.

Buying a Car

When you buy a car on Autotrader, of course, a wide variety of listings can be expected. Typically, the structure consists of:

• Search Filters: Anything from price, location, mileage, and features can be adjusted.
• Vehicle History Reports: Some listings already have car history reports.
• Comparison Tools: Compare up to several vehicles side by side.
• Financing and Calculators: Calculate the monthly payments right inside the platform.
• Dealer and Private Listings: Professionals or private sellers can be picked from.

If you are looking at long-term profits, you can also study how to buy and sell cars or be a car reseller to maximize opportunities.

Selling a Car

These are the step-by-step operations if you want to sell your car with Autotrader:

• Create Your Listing: Choose the vehicle or put in detailed information about the vehicle; upload clear photos and describe it accurately.
• Pricing Support: Use the estimated prices by the Kelley Blue Book to set a reasonable price.
• Exposure: Ad will be shown to millions of potential buyers.
• Packages: Different packages could include more photos, videos, and better visibility.
• Direct Contact: Serious buyers will directly message you asking for more information about the vehicle.

You can also prepare by learning how to sell a used car to increase your chances of success.

Car Shipping After a Sale or Purchase

After sealing a deal, the car might have to be shipped to a faraway buyer. You may also use auto transport quote calculator for quick shipping price estimates. 

Pros and Cons of Autotrader

Autotrader has its advantages and its set of disadvantages, which certainly need to be taken into account.

Pros

• Massive Reach: Millions of buyers search daily.
• Trusted Reputation: Long-standing brand with Kelley Blue Book integration.
• User-Friendly Tools: Search filters, calculators, and reviews provide support in the decision-making process.
• Flexibility: Dealer and private sales allowed.
• Extra Features: Vehicle history access and Instant Cash Offers.

Cons

• Autotrader Listing Fee: Private sellers pay as low as $9 to list a vehicle.
• Transaction Charges: These can add 0.99% to the total cost.
• Scam Risks: Some sellers report fraudulent inquiries.
• Mixed Seller Outcomes: A lot of people complain about the low result and high expense of selling through it.

TempusLogix Review Table

From the table below, you will be able to identify Autotrader’s strengths and weaknesses in terms of features, pricing, and customer experience. TempusLogix gave the service an assessment in several categories to give a better comparative picture of the performance of Autotrader versus other platforms.

Overall, Autotrader performs strongly in key areas. From the standpoint of buyers, the inventory is highly populous, and the platform is easy to use. However, the customer experience provided by Autotrader is slightly less competitive. 

The ratings of TempusLogix reflect a balanced view of its strengths in reach and functionality, but a few minor drawbacks in terms of sellers.

As of 2025, a heavy presence and useful tools attract buyers to Autotrader. However, sellers recognize mixed experiences, complaints about fees, scams, and less response. One must look at the advantages and disadvantages to effectively plot a path for using this site in buying or selling vehicles.

FAQs

How Much Does Autotrader Charge to Sell Your Car?

Starting as low as $9, you can list your car on Autotrader, which includes a Free AutoCheck report. Once the vehicle is sold, you will be securely paid online, though there is a 0.99% transfer fee (minimum $99) for the transfer.

Is Autotrader Legit?

Yes, it is, Autotrader is the legitimate business out there. It is run by Cox Automotive and has been in the business since 1997. Still, one should always be wary of scams. 

Does Autotrader Charge a Fee?

Listing fees start at $9, and sellers are charged a transfer fee of 0.99%. Buyers handle the local taxes, registration, and license fees. However, if the seller takes care of title and registration, then they will collect these fees from the buyer.

Does Autotrader Verify Listings?

Though Autotrader verifies listings for accuracy and compliance, buyers are advised to still inspect the vehicle or procure a history report from an authorized data provider.