Good to know: This guide will focus on a car advert, but the process is similar for all vehicle types.
Create an account
Before creating an advert, you'll need to have an Autotrader account.
Learn how to create an account as a private seller
Choose your vehicle type
Once you have an account and are signed in, go to the Autotrader homepage.
Along the very top row, select the vehicle type you want to sell. Then select 'Sell your car' (or whatever vehicle type you've chosen).
Starting your advert
For all vehicle types, except cars, add your reg and mileage on the left-hand side. Then select the 'sell my' button underneath.
The 'Sell your car' page has two options:
- 'Start an advert' - Here you'll be able to place an advert to sell your car
- 'Sell for free' - Here you'll be able to sell your car to a dealer
Select 'Start an advert', then on the next page, enter the car's:
- Registration number
- Current mileage
Next, select 'Find my car'.
The details of your car will show on the next page. Select ' Create a car advert ' if you're happy with the informat.
If any of the details are incorrect, you can:
- Edit them by selecting 'edit these details'
- Select 'Search again' underneath the 'Create a car advert' button
If you didn't sign in at the start, you'll need to do this now. If it's the first time you've created an advert, you'll need to add your personal details. For example, your name and mobile number.
A pop-up will show you the sections that we've filled in for your advert:
- We'll add a price that's based on our valuation of the vehicle's age and mileage, to give you a guide
- Your vehicle's mileage, that you added at the start
- Your vehicle's features and spec
Don't worry, you can edit these on the next screen. Select 'OK, got it'.
Adding extra info about your vehicle
Good to know: The price you choose for your vehicle will affect the cost of your advertising package. Once you've listed your vehicle in a price band and paid, you can't increase the sale price above that price band.
You can edit most parts of the advert using the links with 'Edit' or 'Add' in them. To give your advert its best chance, you'll need to add photos, an attention grabber, and a description.
Check out our top tips for creating an amazing advert
Once you're happy with your advert, select 'I'm happy with my ad' at the bottom of the page.
If you need to take a break, you can save your advert as a draft.
Learn how to save your advert for later
Adding your contact details and paying
On the next page, fill in your seller contact details. Don't worry, we'll keep your contact details private from buyers.
Learn how we protect your personal details
Once you've filled in your details, select 'Continue to package selection'.
There are several options to choose. But once you've picked a package and paid, you can't change it.
'Select' your chosen package and you'll be taken to a page where you can pay for it.
You'll get confirmation via email of your advert and the package you chose. Your advert will go live as soon as it's processed, but it can take up to 24 hours.