Autotrader review
A free-to-browse marketplace combining vehicle listings, research and online purchase steps.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Autotrader is a U.S. vehicle marketplace for buyers and sellers, with dealer and private-party listings alongside research and comparison tools. It suits shoppers who want to filter a broad set of new, used and certified vehicles, keep track of matching listings, and explore purchase options in one place. Founded in 1997, it is available on web, iOS and Android, and buyers can use a free membership to save cars and searches.
The search and research tools cover location, price, mileage, condition and other criteria. Shoppers can compare vehicles, review pricing information and vehicle histories, and save searches for email or text alerts. Private Seller Exchange listings include vehicle history reports; that service also supports messaging, offers and test-drive scheduling. Trade-in valuation tools and financing details help buyers consider costs alongside listings, while vehicle reviews and buying advice add context. This breadth is useful for comparing options, though shoppers who want only a simple listing board may not need its added research and transaction tools.
Autotrader is free for buyers. Sellers should account for a different model: private sellers pay listing fees of $9–$49 depending on asking price, plus a 0.99% seller protection fee for sales through Private Seller Exchange. Eligible vehicles can move through online purchase steps, but delivery or dealership pickup depends on the specific vehicle and dealer, so the online route is not identical for every listing. Choose Autotrader if you value a mix of dealer and private inventory, saved-search alerts and financing exploration; look elsewhere if a uniform end-to-end online purchase process is essential.
Autotrader pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Search by location, price, mileage, condition and other criteria
- Save searches for email or text alerts on matching listings
- Explore financing, trade-in values and online purchase steps
- Where it doesn't
- Online purchase steps apply only to eligible vehicles
- Delivery or dealership pickup depends on the vehicle and dealer
- Private sellers pay listing and Seller Exchange fees
Autotrader fact sheet, pricing and score →
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.
Last updated · How we research and update