SellCarAdvisor is reader-supported, when you sign up through links on this post, we may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. How We Work.
The bottom line: Hemmings is built for classic and collector car fans. They’ve been around since 1954 and reach over 400,000 enthusiasts monthly through their website and print magazine. However, they step back after connecting you with a buyer, so you’ll handle payment, title transfer, and shipping yourself.
Autotrader runs a Private Seller Exchange for modern vehicles (1990 or newer). Their big selling point is security: verified buyers, secure payment processing, and help with title paperwork. That said, their fees add up quickly. A $15,000 car costs about $200 total in listing and transaction fees.
These platforms serve completely different markets. Hemmings charges $99.95 to $189.95 per listing and adds a 5% buyer fee on auctions. Autotrader charges $9 to $49 to list plus 0.99% when your car sells. Neither platform buys your car directly.
Your choice depends entirely on what you’re selling. Pick Hemmings if you have a classic, collector, or specialty car worth at least $15,000. Pick Autotrader if you have a modern vehicle and want protection from scams during a private sale.
Neither platform works for cars with salvage titles, cars made before 1990 (on Autotrader), or if you need a quick guaranteed sale.
Compare offers from multiple services with Sell Car Advisor before deciding.
Compare Instant Offers
Hemmings vs Autotrader: Detailed Comparison
These platforms take completely different approaches to selling a car privately. Hemmings focuses on connecting classic car enthusiasts. Autotrader focuses on protecting you during a modern car transaction. The right choice depends on what you’re selling and how much help you need.
Hemmings gives you three ways to sell:
- Auction ($99.95): 7-day bidding with professional write-up and free CARFAX. If you don’t hit reserve, converts to free 6-month Make Offer listing.
- Make Offer ($99.95): 6-month listing where buyers negotiate directly with credit card on file.
- Classified Ad ($129.95 to $189.95): 6-month online listing plus placement in Hemmings Motor News print magazine.
About 60% of cars that don’t sell at auction end up selling during the Make Offer period.
Autotrader’s Private Seller Exchange charges a flat listing fee of $9 (cars under $10,000) or $49 (cars $10,000+), plus a 0.99% transaction fee when your car sells with a minimum of $99. Your car appears on both Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book, and you get a free AutoCheck vehicle history report. Listings stay active until your car sells.
The biggest difference is what happens after someone wants to buy. Autotrader verifies every buyer through Stripe, processes payments securely, and helps with title paperwork. Hemmings charges the buyer’s 5% fee right away, then leaves you and the buyer to work out payment and delivery directly. If disputes come up, Hemmings won’t help much.
For classic cars, Hemmings’ specialized audience often pays 10% to 20% more than general marketplaces. For modern vehicles, Autotrader’s security features are worth the extra cost if you’re worried about scams during a private sale.
Hemmings vs Autotrader: Feature Comparison
Where to Sell Your Car?
If you have a classic or collector car worth at least $15,000, Hemmings is the better choice. Their audience of 400,000+ enthusiasts often pays premium prices for special vehicles. The auction format can drive competitive bidding, and their print magazine reaches collectors who don’t shop online.
If you have a modern vehicle (1990 or newer) and want protection during a private sale, Autotrader makes more sense. Their buyer verification, secure payments, and title transfer help reduce your risk of scams. The fees are worth it if peace of mind matters to you.
Neither platform works for salvage titles, quick guaranteed sales, or if you need someone to handle the entire transaction. For those situations, check our guide to online car buyers that make instant offers.
| Your Situation | Better Option | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Selling a classic or collector car |
|
400k+ enthusiasts who pay premium prices for special cars |
| Selling a modern vehicle (1990+) |
|
Lower listing fees and broader audience for everyday cars |
| Want protection from scams |
|
Verified buyers, secure payment processing, fraud protection |
| Prefer auction format |
|
7-day auction with professional write-up and CARFAX included |
| Need help with title paperwork |
|
Title transfer assistance and loan payoff coordination |
| Still owe money on car |
|
Processes your loan payoff and ensures title releases correctly |
| Want print magazine exposure |
|
Classified Ad includes Hemmings Motor News magazine placement |
| Salvage title, pre-1990 car, or need quick sale | Neither | Both platforms have restrictions; try instant offer buyers instead |
Best Alternatives
Best for Newer Cars
Buys newer, low-mileage cars
Offers pickup or free drop-off
Competitive trade-in value
Best for Used Cars
Instant offer in 2 minutes
Instant offer and free pickup
Get paid on the spot
Best for Junk Cars
Sell your car in 30 minutes
Easy-to-use
Buys non-running cars
Want to compare more options? Use our free tool to see who offers the most for your car:
Compare Instant Offers
Compare Instant Offers
Frequently Asked Questions
Which platform charges less: Hemmings or Autotrader?
It depends on your car’s value. For a $15,000 car, Autotrader costs about $200 total ($49 listing + $149 transaction fee). Hemmings costs $99.95 for auction or Make Offer, but buyers pay an extra 5% on top. For budget cars under $10,000, Autotrader is cheaper at $9 plus $99 minimum when sold. For high-value classics, Hemmings’ flat fee becomes more economical since buyers absorb most of the transaction cost.
Can I sell a classic car on Autotrader?
Only if it was made in 1990 or later. Autotrader’s Private Seller Exchange doesn’t accept cars made before 1990. For older classics, Hemmings or Bring a Trailer are better options since they specialize in collector vehicles.
How long does it take to sell on Hemmings vs Autotrader?
Hemmings auctions run for 7 days. If your car doesn’t hit reserve, it converts to a 6 month Make Offer listing. Most cars that sell do so within the first 1 to 2 months. Autotrader listings stay active until your car sells or the listing becomes inactive. Neither platform guarantees a sale timeline since you’re waiting for private buyers.
Which has better reviews: Hemmings or Autotrader?
Hemmings has 2.4/5 on Trustpilot (8 reviews). Autotrader has 1.4/5 on Trustpilot (512 reviews), though Autotrader holds an A+ BBB rating. Common complaints about Hemmings include deals falling through (about 15% of initial sales) and limited support after the sale. Autotrader complaints often mention slow customer service and unwanted dealer solicitations.
Can I sell a financed car through these platforms?
Yes, but differently. Autotrader’s Private Seller Exchange processes your loan payoff for you. They ensure it’s done correctly so buyers know they’ll receive the title once the lender releases it. Hemmings expects you to handle the payoff yourself before transferring the title to the buyer. Autotrader’s approach is easier and safer if you still have a car loan.
Learn more: How to Sell a Financed Car
What happens if the buyer backs out on Hemmings?
You can relist your car, but Hemmings won’t help chase down buyers who don’t follow through. About 15% of deals fall apart this way. Autotrader’s buyer verification and secure payment system reduces this risk since buyers are screened before they can contact you.
Do Hemmings or Autotrader buy cars directly?
No. Both are listing platforms that connect you with private buyers. Neither makes offers or buys vehicles directly. If you want a guaranteed instant offer, you’ll need to use a different service like Carvana for newer cars or Peddle for junk cars.
Is Hemmings or Autotrader safer for private sales?
Autotrader is safer. They verify every buyer’s identity through Stripe, process payments through a secure system, and keep your contact info private until you’re ready to share it. Hemmings only validates buyer credit cards before they can bid, then leaves you and the buyer to handle everything directly.
Learn more: How to Sell a Car Without Being Scammed
Article Update History
We verified all information for 2026. Hemmings fees stay at $99.95 for Auction and Make Offer listings. Classified Ads now cost $129.95 to $189.95. Autotrader still charges $9 or $49 to list, plus 0.99% when your car sells. We confirmed Autotrader's Private Seller Exchange still handles loan payoffs for you. Trustpilot ratings and review counts are current. BBB status checked for both platforms. Added more details to the comparison table including buyer verification and payment processing differences.
Originally posted and shared with our readers.