Shopping for Cars
About Searching for Cars for Sale
Does Autotrader list new and used cars for sale?
Yes. In fact, you can specifically search for used, new or certified pre-owned cars on our site.
How do i search for cars on Autotrader?
It all starts with our Find Your Car search tool. The expandable search form allows you to be as narrow or broad in your search as you want. Search by multiple makes and models or by body style, such as SUV, truck or sedan. Be sure to click “View more search criteria” to see all available options. Want to make your search even easier? When you join My Autotrader for free, you can save your search criteria and any cars you like while you search. Easily access your saved cars and run a new search with one click.
How often are listings updated?
We update our inventory daily, so you’ll see any changes quickly, such as a new price or more photos. We also encourage sellers to keep their listings updated by requiring them to renew their ads on a monthly basis. However, we can’t guarantee that all vehicles posted on the site are still available for sale.
What does it mean when a listing displays “Newly Listed”?
When you see a “Newly Listed” indicator you’ll know the car has just posted to our site within the last seven days. You’re looking at a new listing!
Why do certain cars have the word “Reduced” by the price?
Dealers use the Reduced indicator to highlight cars that feature recently lowered prices. It appears for seven days each time a dealer makes a significant price reduction.
Can I compare cars side by side?
Yes. You can compare up to three cars at one time. On the search results page, you’ll find a check box on the left side of every listing. Check two or three listings on the same page, and click the “Compare” button.
Is there an easy way to find listings I like again?
Whether you’re browsing the search results page, comparing cars or reviewing car details, click “Save this Car” to easily access the listing later. You’ll save it to your personal space in My Autotrader. We just ask for your email address and a password to sign up. Membership is free!
Do I have an obligation to purchase a car if I email the seller?
No way! Email is simply a quick and fairly anonymous way to talk to the seller. Feel free to ask questions or set up a test-drive. It creates no obligation of any kind.
What if I haven’t heard back from the seller?
We bring buyers and sellers together, but we can’t guarantee either party’s response. We suggest following up an unanswered email with a phone call.
What is the advertised price range shown in the search results?
It’s a quick way to find out the range of listed prices for your search. Shown are the average, lowest and highest price ranges in the results. We use the given year, make and model combination of the listings shown to calculate the ranges.
Does Autotrader play a part in the sales process?
As a vehicle listing service, our main job is to connect buyers with sellers. We don’t get involved in any transactions. All discussions, negotiations and agreements are strictly between the buyer and seller. It’s always a good idea to check out our fraud awareness tips before you buy or sell your car online.
About Researching New, Used and Certified Cars
Where can I find general information on New, Used or Certified Cars?
Start with our Research & Compare section. You’ll find helpful articles on buying New, Used and Certified as well as articles on how to shop for a car and so much more. We also offer a wealth of information on fuel economy, maintenance and so much more.
How can I determine a fair purchase or sale price?
You can use our valuation tool to determine the Kelley Blue Book® Private Party Value and Trade-in Range or browse Autotrader inventory to determine what similar cars are being sold for.
What if I’m torn between several cars?
If you need to make a decision, read our comparison articles to understand the differences between trims of the same model.
Can I search for a dealership on Autotrader?
You can search our site for dealerships by keyword(s) and location. Narrow your results even further by dealership services and specialties such as special offers, dealership financing or delivery options. Whatever your needs, you can find the right dealership for you on Autotrader.