AutoTrader Review – Is AutoTrader Legit?

AutoTrader has long been considered one of the most trusted online marketplaces for car buying and selling in the U.S. According to Cox Automotive, AutoTrader draws more than 28 million unique visitors each month, underscoring its wide reach among car buyers and sellers. As digital car shopping becomes increasingly popular, platforms like AutoTrader play a major role in helping consumers access transparent pricing, connect with reputable dealers, and compare vehicles more efficiently.

Many shoppers still wonder, is Auto Trader legit? With millions of monthly users and one of the largest inventories in the country, AutoTrader has built a strong reputation among U.S. car buyers. For shoppers and sellers who want a blend of nationwide reach, helpful tools, and a familiar interface, AutoTrader continues to stand out.

This updated 2025 review breaks down the platform’s features, costs, user experience, and verified customer feedback to help you decide whether AutoTrader is the right fit for your car-buying or selling needs. Our 2025 review breaks down everything from pricing and platform features to real customer feedback.

Key Takeaways

• Sherpa rates AutoTrader 8.4/10, placing it among the top five best used car sites for 2025.
  
• AutoTrader’s partnership with Kelley Blue Book (KBB) strengthens its pricing tools, especially for valuation and Instant Cash Offers.
  
• Most negative autotrader reviews relate to the Private Seller program, particularly listing fees, outdated ads, and communication delays.
  
• AutoTrader is best suited for buyers who want strong comparison tools and for sellers prioritizing visibility over cost savings.

In This Review:

• AutoTrader Review – Is AutoTrader Legit?
• What is AutoTrader?
• How Does AutoTrader Work?
• Pros of AutoTrader
• Cons of AutoTrader
• AutoTrader Buying Process Review
• Review of AutoTrader Selling Process
• Bottom Line
• AutoTrader FAQs
• Sherpa’s Best Used Car Site Methodology

AutoTrader Review – Is AutoTrader Legit?

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 stands out as an established online marketplace offering both dealership and private seller listings in one place. This makes it convenient for buyers who want to compare prices and sellers who want quick visibility.

While the site’s popularity and reach give it an edge, there are fees for private sellers that might deter some users. Nevertheless, the platform’s blend of familiarity and broad inventory continues to draw a loyal audience.

Reputation: 9/10

Since launching in 1997, AutoTrader has earned long-standing industry respect. With an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, it has consistently demonstrated reliable service and buyer-seller support.

The platform’s name recognition alone often reassures users that they’re dealing with a trustworthy site, leading many to list or browse cars with confidence. Combined with glowing industry endorsements, AutoTrader’s overall credibility is hard to beat.

Platform Rating: 9/10

Beyond its well-known brand, AutoTrader impresses with a user-friendly interface and robust features that make car searches straightforward. Its advanced search tools let you filter down to the smallest detail, while supplementary resources like in-depth car reviews and buying guides offer added value.

Thanks to seamless navigation and comprehensive comparison capabilities, it caters well to both first-time buyers and experienced sellers looking for a polished experience.

Pricing Rating: 8/10

While the site’s reach is substantial, AutoTrader’s pricing structure might raise eyebrows for private sellers. A $49 ad cost plus a 0.99% fee can add up, especially compared to other sites with lower or no listing fees.

However, the platform’s massive audience and potential for competitive pricing can offset that expense if you’re aiming for a quick or high-value sale. For buyers, the breadth of inventory helps ensure you can find deals that fit your budget without hopping to multiple platforms.

Inventory Rating: 9/10

One of AutoTrader’s biggest draws is its extensive inventory, sourced from various dealerships and private owners. This diversity translates into a one-stop shop for those eager to sift through multiple car options and price points.

Detailed listings often including photos, vehicle history info, and advanced filters help narrow searches rapidly. As a result, you’re more likely to discover a vehicle that matches your exact needs, whether you’re after a nearly new model or a budget-friendly used car.

Customer Satisfaction: 7/10

Buyers appreciate user-friendly tools and thorough listings, which can drastically cut down the time spent scrolling through ads. However, the Private Seller program can lead to some friction, with both sellers and buyers sometimes feeling unsure about the fee structure and interaction processes.

While most reviews lean positive overall, a few frustrations remain around how AutoTrader handles private listings, preventing it from ranking even higher in customer satisfaction.

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 autotrader 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

AutoTrader’s comprehensive database pools listings from franchised dealerships, independent dealerships, and private individuals, offering users a wide variety of makes, models, and price ranges to choose from all in one convenient place.

Detailed Car Reviews and Buying Guides

To streamline the research process, AutoTrader features expert-written articles, in-depth vehicle reviews, and helpful buying guides that break down important details like performance, safety ratings, maintenance costs, and resale value.

Advanced Search Options

Users can set filters based on their preferences such as price range, mileage, year, location, and even specific features making it easy to quickly narrow down the most relevant listings and compare them side by side.

Transparent Pricing with Kelley Blue Book (KBB) Data

AutoTrader integrates KBB value estimates into its listings, helping both buyers and sellers gauge fair market prices. This transparency can facilitate smoother negotiations and ensures a more confident buying or selling experience.

Cons of AutoTrader

Despite its many benefits, AutoTrader has a few drawbacks:

Listing Fee and Transaction Fee Applied to Private Sales

Private individuals looking to sell their vehicles may find the required listing or transaction fees an added expense, which could deter some from listing on the platform or eating into their overall profits.

Listings Can Sometimes Be Outdated

Occasionally, cars marked “for sale” may have already been purchased or removed by the seller. This can be frustrating for buyers who are eager to move forward but have to sort through listings that are no longer available.

Negative Customer Reviews Related to Private Seller Program

Some users have reported dissatisfaction with AutoTrader’s Private Seller program, citing slow response times from customer support and challenges in resolving listing or transaction issues, which can impact the overall selling experience.

AutoTrader Buying Process Review

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.

Bottom Line

Based on our evaluation, AutoTrader is a legit, reliable, and feature-rich platform that continues to offer strong value for buyers and sellers in 2025. Its extensive inventory, partnership with Kelley Blue Book, and detailed research tools make it one of the most comprehensive car-shopping sites online. Private sellers may find the fees higher than expected, but the broad visibility often offsets the cost.

AutoTrader offers powerful tools to compare thousands of vehicles quickly, may it be SUVs, trucks, EVs, or researching the best hybrid MPG options. If you are buying or selling through AutoTrader and need your vehicle shipped safely afterward, Sherpa Auto Transport can help. We make sure your car reaches its next destination smoothly with our Price Lock Promise, top-rated service, and nationwide availability, whether it came from AutoTrader or any other marketplace.

AutoTrader FAQs

Sherpa’s Best Used Car Site Methodology

We used five criteria to evaluate the Best Used Car Sites, we based the analysis on the following pointers: 

• 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.