When it comes to selling vehicles online, AutoTrader is one of the most recognizable and trusted platforms in the U.S. With millions of monthly users and a laser focus on car sales, it’s ideal for both individuals offloading a personal car and dealers listing inventory.
But while AutoTrader connects you with serious buyers, managing your listings, follow-ups, and pricing strategy across multiple vehicles (or platforms) can get chaotic fast. That’s where Wakewall comes in—offering sellers a clean system to organize their listings, schedule reminders, and build a reliable reputation both locally and online.
✅ Pros of Selling on AutoTrader
1. Highly Trusted Platform
AutoTrader has decades of brand recognition, making buyers feel more confident compared to newer or informal marketplaces.
2. Serious Buyer Traffic
Unlike Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist, most visitors on AutoTrader are actively looking to buy and understand vehicle value.
3. Powerful Filtering and Search Tools
Buyers can easily filter listings by make, model, year, mileage, price, features, and more—helping the right eyes land on your car.
4. Multiple Listing Packages
AutoTrader offers packages with photos, history reports, featured placements, and more. You can tailor your plan to your budget and goals.
5. VIN and Vehicle Tools Integration
You can input a VIN to pre-fill car data, check pricing trends, and enhance your listing with accurate details.
For more information, check out these other articles below:
- For a list of other platforms, click here: Wakewall Seller’s Guide for Online Marketplaces
- For information about selling in different states click here: Wakewall’s 50-State SEO Guide for Small Businesses
- Official link: autotrader.com
To view other platforms, click to expand below:
| Platform | Category | Type | Fee Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| ebay | General Goods | Auction & Fixed Price | Fees apply |
| Facebook Marketplace | General Goods | Local & National | Free |
| Craigslist | General Goods | Local Classifieds | Free |
| OfferUp | General Goods | Local | Free / Optional Fees |
| Mercari | General Goods | Shipping or Local | Fees apply |
| Bonanza | General Goods | Fixed Price | Fees apply |
| Etsy | Handmade & Artisan | Online Marketplace | Fees apply |
| Lucasgift | Handmade & Artisan | Online Marketplace | Fees apply |
| Redbubble | Print-on-Demand | Custom Products | Commission-based |
| Spring (TeeSpring) | Print-on-Demand | Custom Products | Free / Commission |
| Society6 | Print-on-Demand | Custom Products | Commission-based |
| Gumroad | Digital Goods | Downloads & Subscriptions | Fees apply |
| Sellfy | Digital Goods | Digital & Physical | Subscription |
| Ko-fi | Digital Goods | Donations & Sales | Free / Optional Fees |
| Buy Me a Coffee | Digital Goods | Donations & Sales | Free / Optional Fees |
| Payhip | Digital Goods | Downloads & Memberships | Fees apply |
| Poshmark | Fashion | Mobile Fashion Marketplace | Fees apply |
| Depop | Fashion | Vintage & Trendy | Fees apply |
| Vinted | Fashion | Clothing Resale | No Seller Fees |
| Curtsy | Fashion | Women’s Fashion | Fees apply |
| 5miles | Fashion & General | Local Marketplace | Free / Optional Fees |
| BookScouter | Books | Price Comparison | Free |
| Amazon | Books & Goods | Individual Seller | Fees apply |
| eBid | General Goods | Auction | Low Fees |
| Autotrader | Vehicles | For Sale Listings | Listing Fee |
| Cars.com | Vehicles | For Sale Listings | Listing Fee |
| PartingOut | Auto Parts | Marketplace | Free / Optional Fees |
| Chairish | Furniture & Decor | Curated Marketplace | Commission-based |
| AptDeco | Furniture | Local Delivery | Fees apply |
| Reverb | Musical Gear | Specialty Platform | Fees apply |
| StockX | Sneakers & Apparel | Authentication Based | Fees apply |
| GOAT | Sneakers & Apparel | Authentication Based | Fees apply |
| TheRealReal | Designer Goods | Consignment | Commission-based |
| ThredUp | Clothing | Consignment | Commission-based |
❌ Cons of Selling on AutoTrader
1. Listing Fees Apply
AutoTrader is not free for individual sellers. Packages range from $25–$100+, depending on how long your listing runs and what’s included.
2. Fewer Casual Inquiries
Unlike Facebook or Craigslist, you won’t get quick cash offers as easily. Most buyers will do their research and expect a clean sale process.
3. Competitive Landscape
You’re competing with professional dealers, often with better listings, photos, and price flexibility.
4. Communication Still Happens Off-Platform
AutoTrader doesn’t support in-app messaging. Most buyers will call, email, or text you directly, which requires keeping good communication records.
5. No Escrow or Payment Handling
Sellers and buyers arrange payment themselves. There’s no built-in system like on eBay Motors, so you’ll need to handle checks, bank transfers, or in-person cash.
Click to download WAKEWALL today
🚗 What Sells Best on AutoTrader?
AutoTrader works best for mid-range to premium vehicles, but supports listings across the board.
High-performing categories:
- Used cars under 100,000 miles (Toyota, Honda, Ford, Hyundai)
- Pickup trucks (Ford F-150, Ram 1500, Chevy Silverado)
- SUVs (Jeep Grand Cherokee, Honda CR-V, Subaru Outback)
- Certified pre-owned (CPO) vehicles
- Luxury models (BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus)
- Electric vehicles (Tesla, Nissan Leaf, Ford Mustang Mach-E)
Tip: The more detail, photos, and transparency you offer, the faster your listing gains traction.
📝 Tips for Creating a Great AutoTrader Listing
Title: Use Year, Make, Model, and Key Feature
Examples:
- “2018 Toyota Camry SE – 48K Miles – Excellent Condition”
- “2021 Ford F-150 XLT 4×4 – Low Mileage – One Owner”
Description: Be Honest, Specific, and Helpful
Include:
- Ownership history (first owner, clean title, non-smoker, etc.)
- Service and maintenance history
- Upgrades or aftermarket features
- Reason for selling (optional but trust-building)
- Location for viewing/test drives
- Preferred contact method and timing
Photos: Show the Whole Story
- Exterior (all angles, daylight shots)
- Interior (dashboard, seats, odometer)
- Engine bay
- Tires and wheels
- Any dings, scratches, or wear
Use at least 10 clear photos for best engagement.
Pricing: Research and Justify
Use AutoTrader’s pricing tools or external tools like KBB (Kelley Blue Book) to:
- Price competitively
- Justify asking price in your description
- Mention if it’s firm, OBO, or below market
🚀 How Wakewall Helps AutoTrader Sellers Stay Organized and Consistent
AutoTrader connects you to buyers. Wakewall helps you run your vehicle sales like a business—even if you’re just selling one car.
Here’s how Wakewall helps you stay sharp:
1. Track Listings, Status, and Pricing History
Use Wakewall to:
- Log each vehicle’s VIN, year, make/model, mileage, and price
- Record where it’s listed (AutoTrader, Facebook, Craigslist, etc.)
- Track test drive appointments, buyer questions, and sale status
- Store notes on past pricing, buyer offers, or inspection outcomes
Everything stays searchable and backed up.
2. Set Reminders for Price Drops, Renewals, and Follow-Ups
Wakewall helps you:
- Schedule reminders to lower the price after X days
- Set test drive appointments and prep time
- Follow up with interested buyers
- Plan your next photo session or detailing
No more missing opportunities because of disorganization.
3. Build a Trustworthy Seller Profile
AutoTrader doesn’t give you a public profile—but Wakewall does.
You can:
- Share a public Wakewall profile with links to all your active listings
- Post updates or availability for each car
- Add FAQs or info about financing, delivery, etc.
- Use hashtags like #carforsale, #lowmiles, or #reliablecars
- Show you’re a real, reliable local seller—not a scammer
Perfect for repeat sales, family referrals, or word-of-mouth traffic.
4. Organize Documents and Car Data
Upload or link to:
- CarFax reports
- Service records
- Warranty documents
- Title status
- Test drive waivers or contracts
Everything in one place—even from your phone.
5. Expand Across Other Platforms Smoothly
If you’re listing the same car on:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Craigslist
- OfferUp
- CarGurus
- eBay Motors
Wakewall helps you track each listing, what price it’s listed for, and which one drives the most traffic. No more copy-pasting chaos.
✨ Final Thoughts
AutoTrader is a serious selling platform for serious vehicle buyers. It’s trusted, clean, and efficient—but also more competitive and structured than casual selling apps.
That’s why pairing it with Wakewall makes perfect sense.
AutoTrader helps you reach buyers. Wakewall helps you stay professional and grow your sales process.
Whether you’re flipping one car, running a small dealership, or just helping a friend sell a truck, Wakewall gives you the tools to do it clearly, consistently, and with confidence.
