About AutoTrader
AutoTrader is one of America's largest online marketplaces for buying and selling new and used cars, trucks, and SUVs. The platform connects buyers with dealerships and private sellers, offering listings for millions of vehicles nationwide with detailed specs, photos, and pricing data.
The site provides valuable market pricing data through Kelley Blue Book partnership, allowing buyers to assess whether a listed price is fair relative to market value. AutoTrader also offers tools for private-party sales, trade-in valuations, and financing options.
While AutoTrader doesn't directly sell cars, using it effectively can save significant money on vehicle purchases by surfacing below-market deals, enabling price comparison across multiple dealers, and providing data to negotiate confidently.
Quick Savings Tips
- Use the KBB fair market price data to identify below-market vehicles and negotiate from a position of knowledge
- Expand your search radius—driving 100 miles for a better price on a major purchase often makes sense
- Set up saved searches with email alerts for specific makes, models, and price ranges
- Check the vehicle history report (Carfax or AutoCheck) on any used car before purchasing
- End of month, quarter, and year are when dealers are most motivated to make deals