AutoTrader’s earns a 2.5-star rating from 0 reviews and 29 complaints, showing that the majority of car shoppers are somewhat satisfied with purchasing experience.
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Auto Trader
Auto trader doesn't tell their customers that they prohbibit dealers from buying units on the site, which costs sellers half of their buyers in this market. I have personally bought at least a dozen units at near retail prices and zero disatisfied customers. This is just a scam site to allow Auto Trader to be involved and make money from financing customers cars at a profit, selling extended warranties at a profit, plus charging customers to and limiting their exposure to real cash buyers.
Desired outcome: THEY MUST BE MADE TO DISCLOSE THE SELLER THAT THEY DON'T ALLOW DEALER BUYERS
Ad for 2023 Kia Telluride
Kia of Muncie has an ad on your website that lists a 2023 Kia Telluride for $45,957 . This is below the MSRP which attracted me to this particular vehicle. I drove 65 miles to view and test drive the car after talking with salesman who verified the price. After a test drive the following day decided to purchase vehicle only to find out that they will not honor the listed price? I was told by representative of Kia of Muncie that the price was put on the listing by Autotrader and there is nothing they can do about it? I would like to know if that’s the case or not? Also not sure how you let someone to do business with you who doesn’t honor the advertised price?
Desired outcome: Would like them to honor the advertised price.
penske soutbay cadillac inventory
i been searching a car for more then a year unfortunatley i couldnt buy one yet. the dealer are acting ridicilously they are using autotrader.com as a false advertisment site. I have checked cadillac escalade esv on autotrader.com penske cadillac listed 21 new esclade for sale. but unfortunatley when you check theyir own web site they have listed only one used cadillac esclade esv This is insane this is false advertisment. whatever they have listed on autotrader.com wrong either they dont have the car available. Pls don allow to use aototrader.com as a false lake this has to stop
Desired outcome: pls review the dealer inventory dont let them add false add to your site
Is AutoTrader Legit?
AutoTrader earns a trustworthiness rating of 96%
Highly recommended, but caution will not hurt.
We found clear and detailed contact information for AutoTrader. The company provides a physical address, 2 phone numbers, and email, as well as 6 social media accounts. This demonstrates a commitment to customer service and transparency, which is a positive sign for building trust with customers.
Autotrader.com has a valid SSL certificate, which indicates that the website is secure and trustworthy. Look for the padlock icon in the browser and the "https" prefix in the URL to confirm that the website is using SSL.
Autotrader.com has been deemed safe to visit, as it is protected by a cloud-based cybersecurity solution that uses the Domain Name System (DNS) to help protect networks from online threats.
We looked up AutoTrader and found that the website is receiving a high amount of traffic. This could be a sign of a popular and trustworthy website, but it is still important to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of the site before sharing any personal or financial information
However ComplaintsBoard has detected that:
- Despite a high level of trust, our investigation found issues with AutoTrader's service, including poor customer service, lack of accountability, and responsibility to resolve complaints. Customers may face long wait times for responses, receive generic or unhelpful answers or no response at all. Only 37% of 0 complaints were resolved.
- We conducted a search on social media and found several negative reviews related to AutoTrader. These reviews may indicate issues with the company's products, services, or customer support. It is important to thoroughly research the company and its offerings before making any purchases to avoid any potential risks.
Davis Stanley didge/jeep, Tony Reasner general manager
Tony Reasner General manager of David Stanley Jeep is a liar and a crook!! Beware!!! I Purchased 2020 Jeep from David Stanley Dodge Tony Reasner General Manager advertised on Auto trader call Cash wired to dealership to be shipped to the West Coast. Was promised Vehicle to be fully checked and detailed car with no problems in writing. Car was not touched...
Read full review of AutoTrader and 1 commenthorrible experience posting an ad
I posted an ad... Purchased carproof and upgraded my ad as I wanted to sell fast. Ad would not post and I still can not edit! Carproof did not post and they cant find it. Wasted $75.00 and hours of my time. No phone # to contact autotrader. Ca (except for business end) and they cant help me. Carproof cant help me either. I will never use this service again, and I suggest that you dont either. What a waste of my valuable time and money. Not only do I want my money back, but I think that this service should be discontinued.
cardinaleway vw dealership, corona, ca
2/10/2018 Sales price on a 2013 Prius reported in AutoTrader website ad was deceptive. Only at the dealership did we learn there would be a $995 upcharge for upgrades to the car (shadow-tagging car parts, nitrogen in tires). None of this was listed in the AutoTrader Ad. Why is this allowed?
Spent almost 4 hours at dealership and left when I realized I had been lied to. Sales person had agreed to a $800 reduction in the sales price, but then later, when they connected us with a credit union to get a good loan rate, she did not include the $800 reduction in the sales agreement. Only at the last second as the final form was being reviewed, did I realize the $800 was not taken off the sales price as agreed. When I asked for it to be reinstated, the manager said they would not because they had gotten me the lower interest rate on the loan (from an outside credit union).
So, deceptive ad in AutoTrader, and deceptive sales practices. I would not allow them to advertise on AutoTrader any more.
This site is absolutely useless
Don't use www.autotrader.com, they will take your money and you will get nothing in return!
I paid for their ad and spent about $100 to put my car on this website. I even paid some extra to upload more pictures.
Months passed and I did not receive a single call! How was that possible? My car was in a perfect condition, price was very low. This site is absolutely useless and it's impossible to sell anything here, and in case you are not satisfied with their service they will not refund you.
They sold me broken car, but assured me that it was perfect
I bought used car from the company www.autotrader.co.uk. I spoke with the seller, who provided the car and he told me that it was in perfect condition. It was fraud, because they wanted to get larger sum, and therefore they sold me old and broken truck. So, I tried to get compensation from them, but of course these guys refused to pay me anything. It was the worst experience with them, so check cars before you buy from them.
I need to stop them, so please help me
I tried to contact the company www.autotrader.ca within several weeks. I left them messages and sent emails, but nothing. No response, no news and no idea how to reach these irresponsible people. I really need help. I signed up for their services and they started to take money from me every week. I have no idea how to stop this crap. Please, help me to reach them or stop these fake charges.
scam
On 28th July we saw an advertisement for a 2012 BMW 118D SPORT WHITE. It was listed for £5000.
Initially we thought it was too good to be true. I emailed the email address listed for further information. The email was dunc.[protected]@gmail.com. A Nancy Duncan.
They gave me a story about moving to Spain etc. hence the low price. She said a shipping company was handling the sale and If I should want to continue, to go to their website www.leandro-transport.com.
I visited the site on Monday 29th July Everything seemed ok. I spoke to the lady on the live chat option and she told me all the processes etc. She sent the payment details by email. Full of promises that it is 100% safe. We sent the £5000 shortly after. They said I will get confirmation in 24 hours and then the shipping will begin.
A few hours later, I went to the website again only to find that the website no longer existed. Filled with dread and embarrassment, I called the bank and they advised there was nothing they can do as already gone and we initiated the transaction. They told me to go to the police, which I did. The police took the report and I left.
On the Tuesday morning, I emailed them as if I didn't know they were scamming me. They confirmed my payment was received, and that shipping will commence. I knew it wasn't so I emailed shortly after advising them I am going to struggle to insure the car as an excuse and I would like a refund. I had no reply.
On the Wednesday morning I was researching this further. I came across a website scam.com.
It had a forum thread called Autotrader scams, the email I had been emailing was listed on their along with the made up story they scammed me with.
Someone will have informed autotrader about it, if it was listed on there, about this. Therefore I am extremely disappointed they allowed this advert to remain on their site if there had been scams related to that email address previously.
This wouldn't of happened otherwise. Now I have lost £5000. I never realised such a well know company like them allows things like this to happen again and again. I had obviously misplaced my trust.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
I advertised my Van in "Auto trader" and requested it to be placed in the general vehicle area as thats where they get the viewings and instructed that I only want the ad placed under these terms or I'd use Ebay.
Was told no problem but when it was loaded they put it in the van section where people struggle to find it.
Upon calling them they told me only contract customers get that privalage and they wont do anything to help me.
I was basicaly told Tuff and they wont refund me. I now have all the hastle of contacting my credit card company for them to take up the dispute for me. Hasstle I dont have time for!
My advise to all concidering the convisation I just had.
DONT USE AUTO OR VAN TRADER.CO.UK
I paid this company $75 to post an ad to sale my car they claim Renewing my ad for free every 8 weeks until it sold, on 9/14/09 called to renew my ad and I was told it has expired and that I have to pay for new ad for the same car. that was FRAUD to expired my ad after 90 days when most credit card company don't except charge back.
Terrible Customer Service
I listed a car for sale then sold it privately. Tried to cancel the ad only to discover that my account had been cancelled for no reason. Called them only to find that they are on "winter vacation" for 3 weeks with NOBODY ON THEIR PHONES OR ANSWERING EMAILS.
What kind of business is this?
I emailed anyway and said remove the ad.
Much to my surprise I got an email saying the ad had been deleted...IT WASN'T.
Even after 3 days it's still up.
I suspect they want the ad on their site to look like they have lots of content so they can charge their advertisers more money.
What a great SCAM...
Advertise your car on ANY other venue and steer clear of Auto-Trader
Started receiving multiple calls and text after posting an ad on AutoTrader.com. It appears that the telemarketers and scam artists are combing Craigslist and AutoTrader looking for new victims. List of the calls we received below...
[protected], 2647 and 2648 (OnceDriven.com) | andrewapeterson.com
[protected] (paulwaym101@hotmail.com)
[protected] | Paul Wayman
[protected] Cory @ One Stop Motors in Vegas
[protected] Auto Insurance Placement Center | http://whocalled.us/lookup/7147036474
It's a scam and it is unfortunate that they're using autotrader.ca for this kind of a scheme
I was shopping around for 2003 Ford Escape, found one, price was not that all great, maybe a $1000 less than going price. Contacted seller via email, got this reply:
"Hi, thank you for your inquiry. I am currently traveling through Europe. My car is located in Vancouver, BC but I can ship it anywhere in Canada for no extra cost. I have additional photos if you're interested. If you're interested please reply and I will send you details on how to send the payment."
Mileage was very low on this model, at least that's what the add stated. Now, who in their right mind would fall for something like this? Of course it's a scam and it is unfortunate that they're using autotrader.ca for this kind of a scheme. Stay away.
Rogue Car Dealer Rip-Off
Ash Vehicle Sales RIP OFF used car dealers in Royston. The owner is Conman, Ashley Smith, who sold me a vehicle he described as being in very good condition throughout, but turned out to have many faults - a total waste of two-thousand-pounds. Since posting my dealings with this ruthless fraudster on the internet, several other unsuspecting victims of...
Read full review of AutoTrader and 5 commentsTrade-In Offer from AutoTrader.com
I filled out the lengthy online form and received a reasonable "offer" of $2165 for my 2004 Dodge Neon SXT with brand new tires and brand new rims (wheels). It is in very good condition for having 149000 miles. It has a spoiler, motorized moonroof, 6 cd changer, among other nice features. These cars sell for $3500 to $5000 on lots. I expected the local car dealer to wiggle it down to about $1900, because the offer required an "inspection". When the AutoTraitor accomplice was finished nitpicking, my offer was now just $510! My new tires and rims cost more than that just a month ago! What a pathetic SCAM. Please help spread the word. Such an incredible waste of time. I pity the fool that would accept their final offer. Obviously set up as BAIT and SWITCH.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
I noticed a pre-authorization on my debit card for $1.00 which I did not make. I have not purchased any sort of gaming system or related product ever on line. They claim they do not have a record of my account being pre-authorized for the money.
They made a mistake and no refund
We placed an ad on Kijiji in the HEAVY EQUIPMENT section for a Cat Grader for sale.
Autotrader.ca contacted us VIA the phone number posted on the ad and kept calling wanting us to purchase an ad from them in the Heavy Truck & Equipment Trader magazine. They offered us what we thought was a decent price for a color 1/6 page ad in the magazine. We were charged $194.
When the magazine came out, we looked and looked and looked on every page of the heavy equipment section and could nt find the ad. We called and were told which page to find it on. There it was, in the middle of the HEAVY TRUCK section.
We asked for a refund, because of course nobody interested in it saw it (people looking for heavy equipment will NOT be looking in the heavy truck section), We were denied any refund r even a discount and are now working with our credit card to dispute the charges. They told us 'because the as was printed there will be no refund'.
Bad Mechanical Service
I have a GMC Truck. My air conditioner has been out for two years. I decided to finally get it fixed. I took it to Stuteville Ford on Friday 07/1/2011 to get the air conditioner fixed. I was told it would cost $234.00 to get it fixed. On the invoice, it lists the items that were replaced and it tested good (AC system check $49.95 ac blowing hot air. Found that ac belt needs to be replaced. Found leak at clutch cycle switch will need to be replaced for ac to work properly. Done RR ac belt RR clutch cycle switch. Added one more can of freon. Tested good.).
When I went to pick it up later that afternoon I was told it was fixed. I drove it from the shop to my house which is only ten minutes away and it did work for that time. I didn't use the truck again until Sunday July 3, 2011.
I proceeded to go from Atoka, OK to Sherman, TX and the air conditioner did not work at all. I proceeded to take the truck back to Ford on July 5, 2011. They later gave me a call and told me that my truck needed a new ac compressor in order for it to work. This was going to cost an additional $800.00. I went to pick up the truck and declared I would pay for the parts that were put in for the air conditioning so far, but I wanted to be refunded the rest and I was told that the air conditioner was working when I drove off the lot. I proceeded to tell the mechanic that I was told it was fixed but he did not fix it and he should have known the ac compressor needed to be replaced since he is suppose to be the expert. I told him I would pay for the parts that he had already replaced with no problem but I wanted the rest of the money refunded. The mechanic proceeded to tell me that we weren't going to be charged for them to look at it again. I told him that it wasn't fixed to begin with. I was told I will not be getting a refund.
The mechanic proceeded to say that he should have kept the truck there at least a day to make sure it was still working. I was told there would not be a refund. I feel that I was ripped off. I was told it was fixed then all of the sudden they want $800.00 more. The labor costs as much as the parts. The customer service was awful.
Scam about buying my car
I have recieved a series of emails that started off from leads from autotrader.com. What first made me take notice was the similarities from these two people (Including the same destination address). The last email said he would send me a cashiers check, and I was to send him money back from the check. I would like to know if there is anything I can do to help catch the guy, because this seems suspicious to me.
Email #1 (James Carter, Yahoo address)
Hello,
Thanks very much for immediate your response please i will like to expresse how i feel about your car, sincerely speaking i am much impressed with the condition of the car and also with your punctuality in response to my request, i am promising you that with your prompt response in this transaction this transaction will be sealed within a month beside this car was a gift that my client wants to give to his wife for there successful, peace, endurance and patient in there marriage.they will be celebrating there silver jubilee on This month, sotherefore i will be happy if you continue to be punctual in this transaction so that by next two weeks
we can sealed this trasaction.please i will also need your coperation and honest in this transaction because am just a starter so i dont need to start with disappointment to my client.actually my client will be traveling to Brussel for National Assignment by next tommorow so i will like us to conclude the issue of price and any other information that will be needed from you.please my client instructed that he will like to see the car parked in his garage as soon as he is back from Brussel.he will be coming back in 12 days coming as soon as he live from Canada to there. Please there is a question below that i will like you to answer as soon as possible and also i will like you to send the answers to that question to my client private box so that he can expresse how he feel about the car and update you on payment information before then i have been permitted from him to get you posted on the payment confirmation.Have a nice weekend
Here is the following question below.,
1, Is the engine in perfect condition?.
2, How often do you service the car?.
3, How many miles of the car at the moment?.
4, are you the owner before placing it for sale?.
5, If yes, for how long did you use car?.
6, Has the car been involve in auto accident?
7, What about mechanical defulties on the car?
8, Your intension of selling the car?
9, What is your Bottom Price on the vehicle?.
NB.please get back immediately so that he will get
you posted on the payment/pickup
arrangement as soon as soon as possible.
please get back with the following question immediately
and send a copy of the reply to my client private email box
[protected]@yahoo.com and also to me.
Below is My Client's information:
Name:Robert Hammond
ADDRESS:454 2nd RD E,
Stoney Creek, ontario L8J 2X9.
Below is my Information
Name.James Carter
Address.1010 Dawson Rd Ontario Canada P7b5j4
Regards
James Carter
Email #2 (Smith Adams, Yahoo address)
Smith Adams,
Department of Motor Vehicles
CPD Information Services Branch
PO Box 942890
Sacramento, CA 94393
Thanks for the email. Please I have a client who is very much interested in buying your Vehicle. He happened to budget for a Vehicle last time and unfortunately it was sold. I have discussed with him and he has agreed that he will be willing to have the Vehicle shipped to Canada upon reaching an agreement with you.
Please I have Some Questions to Ask:
1) Is the engine in perfect condition?
2) How often do you service the Vehicle?
3) send pictures for my client viewing.
4) Are you the owners?
5) If yes, for how long did you use Vehicle?
6)Finally At what price are you willing to sell this
Vehicle to Us ...Bottom price.
Below is my client's information
Mac Schneider,
454 2nd RD E,
Stoney Creek,
ontario L8J 2X9.
Phone Number [protected]
Email #3 (James Carter) Yahoo address
Hello James,
Thanks for your mail. Hope you are good today? I am happy to inform you that we have concluded with our customer. The answers to my questions were well accepted.
I have spoken to my customer and he has instructed me to inform you that payment will get to you in a cashier check of $16, 700 which is a refund payment of a cancelled order earlier made by my customer.
Due to company policy this check has to be made out in this amount to you, because company policy only allows a refund payment on one cashier check, so you are required to deduct cost of your Vehicle $8, 700 when payment gets to you and refund balance $8, 000 to my clients shippers via western union money transfer for them to be able to offset shipping charges down here and from there.
After payment has reached you and balance sent back to him, our agent will come for inspection/pick-up and drive to a prepaid shipper to be shipped to my customer, while title papers and other necessary documents will be either collected from you at the point of pick-up or sent via fedex courier to my customer.
Confirm this and provide
1) Legal Full Name (check will be made payable to)
2) Address ( the check will be delivered to)
and Phone number for check payment to be delivered to you via courier service.
Thanks and have a splendid day.
send a copy of the reply to my client private email box [protected]@yahoo.com and also to me.
Scam
I received a scam email via autotrader.com. This is a first for me, as I "usually" get them via motoseller.com. The email headers are not useful because the message is relayed through autotrader. Unfortunately, the IP address of the "buyer" is not provided by autotrader (like it is for motoseller.com). All the usual warning signs are there.
SALES LEAD - Received from AutoTrader
Name: Mrwilson
Phone: () -
Email: [protected]@yahoo.com
Question
Hello seller, I am mailing you to make enquiry regarding the "item"
advert you had placed for sale. I will like to inform you of my interest
to buy this item urgently. I will like to know the present condition and
your last asking price for it.. Also make available some recently taken
pictures of the item for a closer look. I will like to know if you will
accept Canadian Money Orderas mode of payment. Kindly get back if you
still have this item available for sale . Thanks. Mrwilson
fraud/scam
I too was a victim of a scam on autotrader. Found a vehicle for appoximately 9, 000 sent money to seller, never received vehicle. However a week before I sent the money I contacted Auto trader because I could not reach the seller via the email address. They inturn took the ad off their publication but not off the website eight days later I informed them this ad was a scam and requested my money back. Their attorney sent me a long letter explaining why ATC was not responsible. I said if you would have taken the ad off the internet when you took it out of your publication I may not have been victimized. Also they published day after the scam that the ad was removed by "sellers request". I believe if they would have put on their ad ad was removed by ATC this would have allerted the public to a potential problem. There is no telling how many others got vitimized through this ad. I called DA, attorney general, congressman, senator, BBB IC3 and given President Obama nothing will be done because it does not meet any criteria of $150, 000 in damages. No attorney will take this because there is not enough money in this. I hope we can bind together and start a class action lawsuit against AutoTrader.Com.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
I checked on autotrader and this is what they say - http://www.autotrader.com/research/shared/article_popup.jsp?article_id=12124
When it comes to battling AutoTrader.com scams, well, most online scams, I would just like to add that the best way I know to guard against being ripped off by online sales or auctions, Penny, Craigslist and eBay included—and whether seller or buyer—is to use a bona fide online escrow company. This is especially true for pricier items like antiques, jewelry and autos. Yes, it does add some cost, but it takes the uncertainty out of the transaction, and that is usually a small price to pay for peace of mind.
For my money, the best bona fide online escrow (and there seems to be ten or twenty fraudulent escrow sites for every bona fide one) is Escrow.com (http://escrow.com). In fact, that is the only site that eBay recommends, and is the only online escrow company that is licensed to provide escrow services all across the United States.
PS. You can find more information about battling online scams and frauds at Online Escrow at Wordpress.com (http://onlineescrow.wordpress.com/)
Auto trader&e-bay
On march 31st.i was seaching for a used car, i found two cars, i was suppose to e-mail them & give my tel.one car was Listed under.
AD ID [protected] .200 hnoda accord $3800.i recieved e-mail with e-bay logo on it telling me that i can have the car, term & caondtions were listed with all bells & wesells.i must send the money thtough Western Union & only through them .and as soon as they recieve the money fax info.they well go ahead and send the car.After i sent the money they told me the bidding on the car changed the price to $5700.00 when i contacted the buyer with the name jenna i told her the price was $4200 she told me she well send me $1500 back .its just for the computer.the price is$5700.seller name Jenna Heeadley(jenna.[protected]@msn.com).
the next day i selected another car2001 Honda accord LX.AD ID [protected].$3800.00Seller name Eric Brennan(eric.[protected]@yahoo.ca)..ame request to send money with Western union as well.Agentchristian Dodos london UK.
The Agent for $5700.00.Joseph Galen, Guildhall, pobox 270, London
I used your web site i have been scammed $9500.00.Its not faire.I need your help i need my money.Rober Afanih [protected].
.After i send my money, no more e-mail .no more news . pls help.
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.
What a rotten deal. I really feel for you.
The only thing I can say is that--perhaps for the next time--the best way to guard against being ripped off by online sales or auctions of any kind, autos included—and whether seller or buyer—is to use a bona fide online escrow company. Although it does add some cost, that will take uncertainty out of the transaction.
For my money, the best bona fide online escrow (and there seems to be ten fraudulent escrow sites for every bona fide one) is probably Escrow.com (http://escrow.com). In fact, it’s the only one that eBay recommends.
Take care,
Ulf Wolf
ObamaCare is the wave of the future!
About AutoTrader
Overview of AutoTrader complaint handling
Recent comments about AutoTrader company
Davis Stanley didge/jeep, Tony Reasner general manager




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