Advice
How to sell a car at auction on Auto Trader
Here's how you can auction your car through Auto Trader, to get a good price and fast sale from a dealership.
Words by: Andrew Woodhouse
Published on 28 March 2025 | 0 min read
With Auto Trader, you can now auction the car you own and get a great price at great speed.
It’s a simple way to sell your car to an interested buyer – no need to set up an advert, field phone calls or arrange test drives. You simply add the key details (we’ll talk you through each step), then your car goes up in front of a network of over 5,000 trusted dealers, who’ll compete to give you their best price. It’s a quick way to get a great competition, and great price, for your car. Interested? Here’s how it works.
It’s a simple way to sell your car to an interested buyer – no need to set up an advert, field phone calls or arrange test drives. You simply add the key details (we’ll talk you through each step), then your car goes up in front of a network of over 5,000 trusted dealers, who’ll compete to give you their best price. It’s a quick way to get a great competition, and great price, for your car. Interested? Here’s how it works.
How does it work?
On Auto Trader, auctioning your car is easy, and takes just a few steps:
1. Start by submitting your details: Provide information about your car, such as make, model, mileage, and condition. 2. Listing and bidding: We’ll list your car in a daily auction, where over 4,700 dealers place bids based on market data. 3. Your best offer comes through: After the 24-hour auction period, the highest bid is presented to you. 4. Accept or decline: You can accept the offer or walk away if it doesn’t meet your expectations. 5. Arrange your collection and payment: If you accept, the buyer arranges collection and payment, making it a convenient, hassle-free process. Auctions on Auto Trader are a free and easy way to sell, learn more about it here.
1. Start by submitting your details: Provide information about your car, such as make, model, mileage, and condition. 2. Listing and bidding: We’ll list your car in a daily auction, where over 4,700 dealers place bids based on market data. 3. Your best offer comes through: After the 24-hour auction period, the highest bid is presented to you. 4. Accept or decline: You can accept the offer or walk away if it doesn’t meet your expectations. 5. Arrange your collection and payment: If you accept, the buyer arranges collection and payment, making it a convenient, hassle-free process. Auctions on Auto Trader are a free and easy way to sell, learn more about it here.
How to prepare your car for auction
1. Clean and detail the car: Make your car look presentable by thoroughly cleaning the interior and exterior (follow our tips here).
2. Provide accurate details: Make sure your car’s description is accurate and includes all relevant information like service history, any damage, or recent repairs. 3. Take quality photos: High-quality pictures that showcase your car from multiple angles can help attract more bidders. Here’s some of the angles you should include.
2. Provide accurate details: Make sure your car’s description is accurate and includes all relevant information like service history, any damage, or recent repairs. 3. Take quality photos: High-quality pictures that showcase your car from multiple angles can help attract more bidders. Here’s some of the angles you should include.
How to get the best price at auction
• Set a realistic reserve price: Avoid setting your reserve price too high, as it may discourage bidding.
• Choose the right auction time: Schedule your auction when there is likely to be more interest, such as during weekdays.
• Choose the right auction time: Schedule your auction when there is likely to be more interest, such as during weekdays.
Benefits of using a car auction service
• It’s fast: Auctions typically last only 24 hours, and once the bidding ends, your car can be sold quickly.
• It’s convenient: Services often include free collection of the car from your location. • It’s secure: Reputable auctions ensure a transparent and trusted process.
• It’s convenient: Services often include free collection of the car from your location. • It’s secure: Reputable auctions ensure a transparent and trusted process.
Who is Dealer Auction?
We’ve partnered with Dealer Auction to provide our auction service.
Dealer Auction is a trusted platform that helps car owners like you sell your vehicle quickly and easily through a network of professional car dealers. By listing your car with Dealer Auction, you gain access to a competitive marketplace where dealers bid for your vehicle, ensuring you get the best possible price without the hassle of selling privately. The process is simple, secure, and transparent, with expert support to guide you every step of the way. If you’re looking for a straightforward and stress-free way to sell your car, Dealer Auction connects you with trusted buyers who value your vehicle.
Dealer Auction is a trusted platform that helps car owners like you sell your vehicle quickly and easily through a network of professional car dealers. By listing your car with Dealer Auction, you gain access to a competitive marketplace where dealers bid for your vehicle, ensuring you get the best possible price without the hassle of selling privately. The process is simple, secure, and transparent, with expert support to guide you every step of the way. If you’re looking for a straightforward and stress-free way to sell your car, Dealer Auction connects you with trusted buyers who value your vehicle.