Autotrader Reviews 

The private seller exchange is garbage. Nothing but scammers. Every single response I received asked me either to use their specific service for a VIN report or wanted me to contact them via email or text. DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY WITH AUTOTRADER PRIVATE SELLER EXCHANGE!!!

I really enjoyed the process of buying a car through Auto Trader. Their app made it easy to understand next steps and chat with the seller, and if I ever had a question the people I reached on the phone or email support were always very helpful.

You took the worry out of every step of the process. Buying from private parties can be stressful, but the autotrader process was protected and seamless.

Took longer than expected to get the buyers money approved.
There is unclear steps in the process.
It would be great if the website was clearer about the status.
Expectations of the seller as it pertains to the title. I'm assuming that if a transaction is within the same state that the seller and buyer handle the title? Idk.. it wasn't clear.

The smoothness of the paper work after the sale for me the seller and the buyer .

Just full of scammers trying to get you to buy auto reports. I couldn’t get to any serious buyers for all the messages from these scammers that prey on private listings. They act interested up to the last moment of scheduling a test drive then hit you with buying a report you don’t need. Then when you say no, they ghost you and a new scammer pops up. Over and over again. If you are looking for a car at a dealership thru the platform, you’re okay but private is a bunch of blah.

I don't normally write reviews but in this case I had to. I tried to use the Autotrade private seller exchange. They are a name I know and they claim to make the process safe. Well, in the first 72 hours I got many, maybe 25, responses but every single one was scammer. I called the company to complain that every response was someone providing email or phone contacts to get me to move off the platform. I was told their security system prevented that from happening yet 25 scammer in a row, and not one real person, managed to contact me. Don't bother with this service / site. They have not worked out the details and it's just a opportunity to get scammed.

Easy communications with seller, limited interference from Autotrader.

The private seller platform is nothing but a forum for scammers. I place a a premium ad and for over a week got nothing but scammers trying to get me to contact them off platform which Autotrader acknowledged is a scammer. After a week of exclusive scam messages and not one legitimate buyer inquiry, I asked for a refund and they refused after escalation to management they offered a 30% discount which is not acceptable since the platform is completely useless and nothing but scammers trying to rip you off. I used to have trust in this brand but after this experience I will NEVER trust or use this platform again. Not only is the platform useless the customer service experience is apathetic and uncaring. Autotrader and the all the scammers on their platform belong together as they both share the same objective scam you out of your money. Very disappointing that this company and brand has degenerated to this level. I thought this would be a better more secure way to sell a car than Facebook but it is actually far worse and will cost you $69 for zero value.

I had an opportunity to address the Private Seller. It allowed me to speak honestly with a one on one and address the issue regarding the asking price.

I listed my C8 Corvette on there about a week ago. I didn't know to be a private seller you had to give them DNA to sell the car. I jumped thru all the hoops, so far I have had approximately 10 fake buyers and 1 real low ball offer from a dealer. I used them several times in the past years before they got bought out and they started charging a percentage to sell. Most all my inquiries were real. I always sold. I thought now the buyer was vetted to, but must not be by the looks of all the scammers. I paid the upfront 49$ so I am going to let it play out and see if it sells. At least most people say if you get a real buyer that process is smooth.

It provides an easy and safe way to sell a car. Both the seller and the buyer are protected.
The only criticism I would make Is The letter that came with the document package Should coordinate the Delivery date and return Of the documents. The letter indicated that I should return the documents before The car was actually picked up. He also said that there would be a penalty if I had not returned it by a certain date. I was pretty sure That I should not sign the title until the car was accepted by the buyer, but I called anyway to clarify.

Using the verified seller/buyer provides some relief for both parties. Using Auto Trader for the transfer of money provides relief for both the buyer and their bank.

I had an excellent experience selling my Porsche through Autotrader Private Seller Exchange. The process was safe, straightforward, and easy to understand. Autotrader verified the buyer, securely handled the payment, kept me informed throughout the transaction, and promptly released the full amount after the vehicle was delivered. I felt protected during the entire process and would definitely recommend Autotrader to anyone selling a vehicle privately.

Auto Trader (AT) handing all the financial & title side of the sale & provided very useful "checklists" for after the sale.

I did receive 8+ spam contacts, however, AT private seller information had addressed all of these up front in there information reading.

It was really smooth once getting thru all the fraudulent inquiries. Once you get a serious prospective buyer, the process is so smooth. Almost gave up and glad I stuck it out with Auto trader. Does a great job at holder both the buyer and seller accountable and clear next steps is outlined well.

I was grateful for a safe platform to sell my car through. Although there were many scammers on there trying to get me off the platform I appreciated having a way to keep me safe. You protect the interest of the buyer and the seller. It was smooth and easy. I would definitely recommend your services and I’ll use you again in the future.

The only people that will get in contact with you are bots and scammers. Do not use if you are an independent seller. Terrible. Message after messasge just a complete waste of time.

First time using this as a buyer or seller (was buyer this time) and the experience was fairly seamless and professional. Lots of good e-mail and text communications throughout the process and it felt "safe/secure". I would recommend this method especially if selling/buying a car that is more than a few thousand bucks.

I generally like to buy my cars cash. And I've found a couple of good ones dealing with Private Sellers on AutoTrader. You can trust that even on the PS market you're less likely to find a lemon, especially if you do your research. Plus PS tend to be more flexible in pricing.