Search Tips
- How do I use the search tool?
- How do I search for a specific type of car?
- Which field do I need to fill in first?
- What's the easiest way to search?
- Do I have to select my vehicle by make and model?
- Why does the number of results keep reducing?
- Can I compare different models?
- Why are numbers next to the options in the drop down menus?
- Why doesn't Auto Trader automatically list vehicles near me?
- Why does the search update if I haven't clicked Show Results or Update Results?
- Why can I see a No Vehicles Found message?
- Why isn't a make or model listed in my area?
- Why are there so many options?
- What does {Value Unknown} mean?
- Why does the search form sometimes turn grey?
- Why isn't a make or model in the drop down menus?
- How can I carry out more specific searches?
- What's 'Make me an Offer'?
- What are Private and Trade sellers?
- I live abroad, what postcode can I use?
- Where can I read more FAQs?
1. How do I use the search tool?
2. How do I search for a specific type of car?
By selecting your desired body style, engine size, fuel type, transmission, colour or number of doors, Auto Trader's search engine will bring back adverts relating to your search options from all makes and models. If you want to search all cars of a particular body style from a single manufacturer, include it with the rest of your search criteria.
3. Which field do I need to fill in first?
You must enter a valid UK postcode. Afterwards you can choose any of the other fields to find the car of your dreams. If you're unsure of your postcode, visit the Royal Mail website.
Please remember to enter your postcode in the correct format. Ensure the letter O and the number 0 (zero) aren't mismatched.
4. What's the easiest way to search?
Enter a make and model first. Narrow down your search by selecting features from the drop down menus.
If you don't have a particular model in mind, just select a car type and browse at your leisure.
5. Do I have to select my vehicle by make and model?
No - you can search by any field - price, colour, number of doors and more. Mix and Match to find the perfect vehicle for you.
6. Why does the number of results keep reducing?
As you become more specific with your search criteria, fewer results will appear. If you find your search too limited, try increasing the distance you're willing to travel or remove some of the search criteria.
7. Can I compare different models?
Yes. You can compare up to five cars with our Compare function. Click on 'Add to Compare List' and when you have the cars you want to compare, click on 'View in Compare List' to see them side-by-side.
8. Why are numbers next to the options in the drop down menus?
These represent the amount of adverts available if you selected a specific option.
9. Why doesn't Auto Trader automatically list vehicles near me?
To offer maximum choice, our search engine will carry out a national search unless instructed otherwise.
To narrow your search, select the distance you're willing to travel from the 'Distance' drop down menu.
10. Why does the search update if I haven't clicked Show or Update Results Below?
The search updates results automatically, as soon as you click out of a keyword box or drop down menu.
11. Why can I see a 'No Vehicles Found' message?
No vehicles have matched your search criteria. Try expanding your search by being less specific.
12. Why isn't a certain make or model listed in my area?
There may not be any in the area you specified. Try a default search, which will find national adverts.
13. Why are there so many options?
Auto Trader aims to have the best search engine in the business. By offering more options, it allows you to narrow your search to a handful of cars.
14. What does {Value Unknown} mean?
If an advert has omitted certain information about the vehicle, this will be displayed as {Value Unknown}. It can still be searched for and viewed however.
15. Why does the search form sometimes turn grey?
We list more than 350,000 adverts, so occasionally it takes a few seconds to process the information.
16. Why isn't a make or model in the drop down menu?
The menu only displays vehicles listed on the website at that time. Check later as new adverts are uploaded all the time.
17. How can I carry out more specific searches?
You can search for specific vehicle specifications by entering relevant terms into the keyword box.
18. What is 'Make me an Offer'?
Adverts with a 'Make me an Offer' logo next to them allow you to send an email offer to a dealer, for the car.
19. What are Private and Trade sellers?
Private sellers are individual sellers who are likely to be selling their own used vehicle.
Trade advertisers are usually companies who can sell new and used vehicles with the view to make a profit.
20. I live abroad, what postcode can I use?
You can use the postcodes of some of our regional offices:
Motherwell, Scotland - ML1 2DA
Leeds, Yorkshire - LS9 8AL
Bristol - BS32 4NF
London - SW19 3RQ
Southampton, Hampshire - SO15 0HX
Auto Trader also has sites located in Holland, Italy, South Africa and Ireland. Visit tradermediagroup.com for more information.