Autotrader new search categories explained

Are you unsure on what engine size to go for? Or maybe you're not fussed about the details as long as it gets you from A to B. Perhaps you're somewhere in between; not sure what you need but very clear on what you want. That’s exactly why we’ve launched 13 new AI-powered categories within a new search filter; ‘I’m looking for.’ The search categories are a simpler way to search that starts with your life and unique motoring needs, not just the spec.
Instead of relying solely on fixed traditional filters like make, model or engine size, our search categories let you explore cars based on your everyday needs. The categories include popular vehicle types (e.g. ‘Sports cars,’ ‘Small cars,’ and ‘Luxury cars’), as well as practical lifestyle (e.g. ‘Big boot,’ ‘Family car,’ and ‘First Car’) and more economy focused categories (e.g. Cheaper to run,’ and ‘Cheaper insurance’). Need room for a buggy, football kit, and the weekly shop? Try 'Big boot'. Buying a first taste of freedom for your teenager? Start with 'First cars'. Want something that makes you smile every time you park it? That’s where 'OMG' comes in. As well as the more practical categories, we’ve also introduced an ‘OMG’ category – a space dedicated to cars that stop you mid-scroll. The ones that make you do a double take or send to your group chat. It's where the weirdest and most wonderful vehicles live, include cars like the 2001 Corbin Sparrow, a single-seat, jellybean-shaped runaround. If it makes you look twice, it belongs here.

As the UK market continues to expand, the volume of brands and models creates significantly more choice but also more confusion. With the increasingly complex retail landscape, many people don’t know exactly what car they want when they start looking. These categories make it easier to start your search, help you discover vehicles you may not have considered and removes the need to navigate unfamiliar technical terms.
Behind the scenes, the Autotrader team has built smart technology that analyses thousands of cars alongside real buyer behaviour so that the results reflect how people actually search and browse. By combining machine learning with a dynamic, data-led scoring system, they’re able to match vehicles to your real-world needs. Our Chief Product Officer, Karolina Edwards-Smajda, said With huge increase in choice entering the market, in terms of make, model, and fuel-type, the early stages of car buying can be overwhelming. We aren't just giving consumers new buttons to click; we’re leveraging our deep data infrastructure and AI capabilities to fundamentally change how vehicles are discovered. By intelligently matching stock to the natural language buyers actually use, we are delivering a significantly smarter, more enjoyable search experience that connects our retailer partners' stock with more informed and high-intent buyers.

Whether you’re at the beginning of your vehicle buying journey or already have a clear idea in mind, these search categories makes it easy to narrow down over 423,000 vehicles advertised, to those that best suit your needs.
1. To begin with start broad with a category like ‘Family cars’ or ‘First cars’, then further refine results using our ‘filter and sort’ option for features like budget, milage or fuel type. 2. Consider how you’ll use the car day-to-day. Perhaps you need a significant amount of space? Try ‘Big boot’ or maybe you’re looking to for something affordable? Use the ‘Cheaper to run’ category. 3. Browse different cars and compare various models to find what suits you best. Why not try out our new search categories for yourself, find exactly what you need even if you’re unsure what you want!