Guide to Selling your Car on Autotrader

Selling your used car online can seem daunting, but it’s not. Yes, there are risks, such as being targeted by scammers and thieves. But if you post your ad on a reputable marketplace like Autotrader, you don’t have to worry about such issues.

Autotrader has the largest audience of car buyers in the UK, which means you can sell your car within 24 hours. They offer free instant online valuation with free home collection, unlike other car-buying sites. Want to know how you can sell your car on Autotrader? in this guide, we take you through the steps of selling your car on Autotrader.

Prepare Your Used Car for Sale

Selling your car before the 60,000 to 70,000-mile mark is a good idea. This is when warranties expire, and expensive repairs become necessary. If you sell your car before this mileage marker on Autotrader, it will fetch a higher price.

Before selling your car, you need to prepare it for sale. The first step is making repairs. For example, small windscreen chips are usually repaired under your car insurance at no extra cost. It’s also worthwhile to repair any damage to the alloy wheels and body. Consider touching up the scratches and chips with the help of a professional mechanic. A new set of car mats can increase the value of your used car.

You should also consider major repairs, especially if it’s a newer car. You can recoup the costs when you sell the car at a higher price. If you fail to take into account the major repairs, buyers will likely find a comparable deal in a better condition.

Second, check the essentials. Make sure the tyres are correctly inflated. Check the brake fluid, coolant and oil levels plus the basic electrics – everything from the wipers and lights to the air con and stereo. Make sure the spare tyre has a minimum legal tread depth of 1.6 mm. You can easily do this with a 20p coin.

Third, deep clean your car. A clean car makes the buyer believe that it’s well maintained. Also, there is less chance of the buyer haggling. If you spend two to three hours cleaning your car, you can add £100 to its value. Thoroughly clean the car inside out.

Start with simple things like clearing out the door bins and glovebox. Alternatively, consider professional cleaning.

Lastly, have all the relevant paperwork together, such as the MOT certificate, service history and V5C. If the current MOT is about to expire, consider getting a new one. You need to take note of car repairs and services for making your sale listing on Autotrader.

Get an Accurate Quote

Autotrader has a car valuation tool that offers an accurate quote. The valuation tool uses your mileage and registration to recommend the best price based on similar cars on sale.

It’s completely free and guarantees a fair and accurate price. The price of your car is usually calculated using Autotrader’s award-winning car valuations. This valuation is normally adjusted based on the condition of your car.

Unlike other car buying sites, Autotrader does not haggle on price. If your car’s history and condition match the information provided, you’re guaranteed the best offer. As a rule of thumb, a new car loses 15% to 35% of its value in the first year. After three years, the same car loses 50% of its value.

During the three years, a car owner has several things that affect the car’s resale value. For example, expensive stereo systems and modifications will reduce the car’s value. So is failing to maintain your car properly.

To increase your car value, you can add optional extras such as a built-in sat-nav, rear-facing camera or collision warning system.

Cost of Autotrader Adverts

To sell your car on Autotrader, you need to create and publish your advert. Autotrader offers four advertising packages…

Basic – £36.95
Standard – £46.95
Premium – £58.95
Ultimate – £74.95

The Basic plan allows you to upload up to 20 photos showing your car’s best features. If you select this plan, your advert will be active for two weeks. The Standard plan also enables you to upload 20 photos, plus the ad will be live for 3 weeks, and you can promote your car on mobile adverts.

The Premium plan has everything offered in the Standard and Basic plan. You can also upload a YouTube video showcasing your car’s best features.

Lastly, we have the Ultimate plan. This plan allows you to reach more buyers, and you can even promote your car on desktop. Autotrader also allows you to rebook your advert for free for as long as you like.

Take High-Resolution Images of Your Car

Before placing your advert on Autotrader, take high-resolution images of your car. We suggest photos of the following features…

Front Straight on
Front Corner
Back Straight on
Rear Corner
Side Profile and Rear Seats
Dashboard
Close up of all wheels
Engine
Inside the boot

If selling a convertible, take pictures or a video with the roof up and one with the roof down. Take photos of any damage on your car, plus the documents and car keys. Just make sure no photo reveals any personal information, especially your email and address.

Create Your Advert on Autotrader

Now that you have the 20 photos showcasing your car’s best features, it’s time to create your advert. Head to the Autotrader website, click on the ‘Sell your Car’ tab, enter your car registration and current mileage, then click ‘Create your Advert’

Autotrader will automatically fill in details such as…

Fuel type
Engine size
Body type
Colour
Age
Transmission, etc.

Upload your photos plus details such as warranty information, MOT and service history.

Keep your description focused on the car you’re selling. Avoid block capitals, clichés and overly technical language. You want to ensure your ad is easy to read for buyers, most of whom are looking for relevant figures and facts.

If your car has any extras such as heated seats, rear parking camera and others, include them in the description. This will appeal to buyers. Add your contact details, such as your mobile phone number or landline number but not your email address. This carries the risk of scams.

Remember, Autotrader prohibits false advertising. It’s essential that you disclose any faults upfront and ensure all the details are correct.

Tips for Staying Safe

When a potential buyer contacts you, request their mobile number, full home address and landline number. A genuine buyer should have no problem providing this information.
Be present during a viewing. This allows you to supervise the potential buyer closely to ensure they do not tamper with your vehicle. There have been cases where potential buyers damage vehicles on sale to impact the sale price.
Never give out your card or bank details to unknown persons. If you receive an unsolicited call, report it. Alternatively, you can check if it’s genuine by calling the Customer Security Team on 0330 303 9001.
Always accompany a potential buyer on a test drive. Before driving off, make sure the potential buyer has a driving license, and they’re covered by insurance to test drive a car. This prevents you from being liable for damages.
Keep hold of your car keys, documents and the vehicle until full payment gets cleared in your bank account. If you’ve a keyless fob, keep hold of it even on a test drive.
Always meet the buyer at your home or a location you’re familiar with. A genuine buyer will meet you to view the vehicle and make payment.
Never jeopardize your personal safety. If you don’t feel safe with a potential buyer, walk away from the deal.

What’s Next

After selling your car successfully on Autotrader, notify the DVLA of the exact date of the sale. To do so, ask the buyer to complete section 2 of the V5C. Send the V5C to DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BD. Alternatively, you can write to DVLA informing them of the sale if you don’t have a V5C.

In your letter to the DVLA, explain that you sold your vehicle. Include details such as vehicle registration, make, model, name and address of the buyer.

You need to do this within 28 days from the date of sale otherwise, DVLA will issue a fine. Also, inform your insurer that you sold the vehicle. Now that you’ve sold your used car, you can buy another vehicle to drive.