How To Sell Classic Cars On Autotrader

Autotrader has been one of the best to-go-to online car selling platforms for over two and a half decades, having been founded in 1997. The platform's easy-to-use website, fast payouts, and extensive audience reach are among the key strengths that have earned it a top spot amongst private sellers and vehicle dealerships. You can list any car on Autotrader, but when selling a classic car, it would be best to use Autotrader's classic car-dedicated platform, Autotrader Classics. In this article, we cover how to sell a classic car on Autotrader through Autotrader Classics and the advantages and disadvantages of doing so. But first, what is Autotrader Classics, and how does it work?

What is Autotrader Classics

Launched in 2008, Autotrader Classics is an online marketplace dedicated to serving automotive classic car enthusiasts, whether buyers or sellers. The platform boasts a wide array of American and imported classic car listings, enabling buyers to find a perfect car for them and allowing sellers to sell any car they have, regardless of the make and model. In addition to being a classic car listing platform, Autotrader Classics also publishes print magazines tailored towards classic car enthusiasts. These range from classic car history publications to in-depth classic car buying, restoration, and building guides. The best part about Autotrader Classic's publications is that most of them have free digital copies, which most people read these days compared to print copies. If you want a print copy, they're not expensive and take a few days to get delivered to you. So, if you are a budding classic car enthusiast, Autotrader Classic has your back. Is Autotrader the same as Autotrader Classics? Both are separate platforms, but Autotrader Classics, being the newer platform, borrows the same merchandising functionality as Autotrader. This means that on Autotrader Classics, you still get the same extensive audience reach, secure transactions, and fraud protection, among other benefits.

How Does Autotrader Classics Work

Autotrader Classics adopts the same functionality as Autotrader but doesn't have an instant cash offer selling option. This leaves only one option to sell a classic car on Autotrader Classics: the "sell my car" option. However, there's an Auction page on Autotrader Classics that you can use to find auctions to sell your classic car. So, how do you sell a classic car on Autotrader Classics?

How To Sell A Classic Car Through Autotrader Classics

Like when selling a car on Autotrader, Autotrader Classics has different ad packages you can choose before making your listing. However, the starting price is slightly higher at $59.95 for the basic package with a 2-month ad duration, standard search ranking, and a maximum of four photos on the listing. A higher priced Deluxe ad package at $99.95 gives you a 5-month ad duration, 2-weel featured ad duration, enhanced search ranking, a 35-photo limit, and the ability to add a YouTube video with your ad. Lastly, the Premium ad package priced at $149.95 gives you a 1-year ad duration and featured ad duration, premium search ranking, 100-photo limit, and the ability to add a YouTube video with your ad. Which package should you use to list your classic car on Autotrader Classics? In our opinion, the Deluxe package is the best pick since it has a considerable ad duration length and isn't highly-priced like the premium package. Also, 35 photos are more than enough, and you might not even need to add the optional YouTube Video to your classic listing. It would be better if the Basic package had a higher maximum photo limit and, say, a 3-month duration, as this would favor a majority of classic car sellers.

How To Make An Autotrader Classic Listing

Once you decide on the ad package to use when listing your car on Autotrader Classic, it's time to create a listing. The listing process is relatively easy, but before we get to it, here are some tips you can use before making the listing that might help your classic car stand out amongst others:

• Clean the car and take quality photos and videos: A well-photographed and clean classic car will truly stand out amongst other listings. The car might not be in the best shape, but being clean is enough to make an interested buyer click on your ad. 
• Ensure the car is in the best condition possible: Let's face it, classic cars are not always in 100% working condition. Some of the car's issues, such as surface rust spots, might affect your chances of selling the car, so try to fix them before taking the photos.
• Put all vehicle documentation in order: Like when selling any other car, paperwork is integral when selling a classic car. Ensure everything is in order, including restoration and replacement receipts, which affirm the buyer they're not buying a lemon. Also, if there's paperwork that shows the car's authenticity, put it together with other documents.
• Determine the value of the car: Do a field study for average prices of cars similar to yours. Don't oversell, and don't undersell. You'll get a buyer sooner than expected if the price is right. If you need an expert opinion, consider an appraisal.
• Prepare a description draft: The description is vital in helping your car sell on Autotrader Classic. It should be well-detailed and contain all the car's information, including the niceties and flaws. Why include the flaws? It helps give the seller an idea of what issues to expect with the vehicle, and it's better to find out through the listing details instead of when they come to view the car.

With that out of the way, here's how to make a classic car listing on Autotrader Classics:

1. The first step when creating a listing on Autotrader Classics is adding photos. From the photos you took, select the best that showcases the car from all angles, but remember your ad package's limit. For example, if you're using the basic package, select four photos showing the car's exterior, interior, engine bay, and underside.
2. Add your vehicle details. On Autotrader Classic, you can manually add your vehicle details, including the mileage at the time of sale, or input its VIN, which will be displayed publicly to buyers.
3. Fill in the vehicle's specifications. These include the vehicle category (type/class), body style, engine, and drivetrain, among other specifications as required.
4. In the condition and price section, put the car's condition as used and its mechanical state as you see fit. It could be fair, good, very good or excellent. Classic cars are never new unless it's a kit car you're selling. Finish by writing an asking price you decided on before creating the listing.
5. Write a clear listing description. Since you have already included the car's make, model, and other important information, use the description section to highlight the unique features that might help it sell. When finishing off, list the car's flaws, but don't go too deep into it to avoid discouraging buyers.
6. To complete the listing, insert your contact information, and you can choose to hide or show it to prospective buyers. If you hide your contact information, Autotrader Classic will notify you via email if prospective buyers enquire about your listing.

Pros And Cons Of Selling A Classic Car On Autotrader Classics

Selling a classic car on Autotrader Classics has benefits that undoubtedly make it one of the best classic car listing platforms. However, the downsides are not to be ignored, considering they can be decision changers, especially if you can get what Autotrader Classic doesn't offer on another platform. What are the pros and cons of selling a classic car on Autotrader Classic?

Pros

The following are the major advantages of selling a classic car on Autotrader Classics.

Best Suited For Classic Cars

Autotrader Classics attracts a multitude of classic car buyers and enthusiasts who might turn into buyers. This increases the likelihood of buyers being genuinely interested in your listing, unlike when selling a classic car on other platforms such as Facebook Marketplace. Also, your car might sell quicker and at the expected price due to the genuine interest of potential buyers who get what you're selling.

Easy Listing Process

Like the main Autotrader website, the listing process on Autotrader Classic is relatively easy. All you have to do is select your ad package and start filling in the blanks as instructed, and you even get to see how your listing will look like on the platform as you fill in every detail. You will only pay the ad listing fee after completing your listing and getting approved.

Caters To Private Car Sellers and Dealerships

When selling a car on Autotrader Classic, you can do so as a private seller or dealership. The first option primarily serves one-time or irregular private sellers, but if you sell classic cars as a business, you can register on Autotrader Classic as a dealership.

Shows Listing Stats

Autotrader Classic does not show you your classic car listing's views, but they show you how many potential buyers have added it to their favorites list. This gives you an idea of how your listing is doing and increases your hopes, especially if you want to sell the car quickly.

Sell Your Classic Car Through Exotic Car Trader

With Exotic Car Trader, selling a classic car has never been easier. We provide listing solutions for all types, makes, and models of classic cars, ensuring maximum reach to potential buyers. Your classic car will be listed on Exotic Car Trader's website, which has verified buyers ensuring a fraud-free selling experience. What other services do we offer? Besides listing your classic car on Exotic Car Trader, we'll also list the vehicle on partner sites such as eBay Motors, CarGurus, Autotrader, Cars.com, CarsforSale.com, and even Facebook and Instagram for the most exposure. If you can't do a vehicle photoshoot, we'll do that for you and much more, including transacting the sale on your behalf and handling shipping, trade-in, and financing needs just in case the buyer requires any of those services. So, why not sell your classic car with Exotic Car Trader? List your classic through Exotic Car Trader car here

Final Thoughts

Selling a classic car through Autotrader Classics offers a seamless listing and selling experience with its easy listing process, making it ideal for private sellers and dealerships alike. Being classic car-focused also helps sellers as listings get the attention they deserve due to the platform's users' appreciation for classic cars. If you're having trouble listing your car on Autotrader Classic, let Exotic Car Trader sell your classic car for you.