How to track prices on AutoTrader UK – and more car-finding secrets

Jan 20, 2025 | Finding

In today’s digital age, purchasing a used car in the UK has been revolutionised by online platforms like AutoTrader UK. But if you really want to get the most from car-buying websites, whether that’s how to track prices on Autotrader or to see more details about a specific car, our top tip is to check out the browser extensions available.

Small red model car on the keyboard of a laptop, hands just visible - how browser extensions can help you buy a car, including how to track prices on AutoTrader

This article shares some of our car-finding secrets by looking at the most useful browser extensions, including Motorwatch, AT Price Tracker, AutoRaider, and AT Toolkit, including their functions, advantages and potential drawbacks.

This post aims to be a complete beginner’s guide so by the end you’ll know how browser extensions work, how to install them, and most importantly, how they can give you the upper hand in negotiations when buying a used car.

 

What Are Browser Extensions?

If you’ve never used one before, browser extensions are small software programs that modify and enhance your web browser. They integrate seamlessly into web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge, and Safari, adding new features or improving functionality.

Extensions can help with tasks such as ad blocking, password management, or, in the case of car buying, they can do everything from tracking price changes to offering additional insights on listings.

 

How Browser Extensions Work

  1.  Integrates with Your Browser: Extensions act as add-ons that operate within your existing web browser, customising how websites are displayed or interacted with.
  2. Data Access: They can read and process information from websites to provide enhanced features. For example, a price tracker extension might collect data on a car’s price history from AutoTrader’s listings – perfect if you’re wondering how to track prices on AutoTrader and similar sites without endless checking and note-making.
  3. User Interaction: Many extensions include interactive features such as buttons, dropdown menus, or alerts to help users navigate their tasks more effectively. Most extensions are lightweight and easy to install, so they won’t affect your experience by slowing your computer down and you don’t need any special technical knowledge to use them.

 

How to Add Browser Extensions

Adding a browser extension is a very straightforward process. Here’s how you can get started:

 

For Chrome (and Chromium-Based Browsers Like Edge)

  1. Visit the Chrome Web Store: Go to the Chrome Web Store.
  2. Search for the Extension: Use the search bar to find extensions such as Motorwatch or AT Price Tracker.
  3. Click “Add to Chrome”: On the extension page, click the button to install it. Confirm any prompts that appear.
  4. Pin the Extension (Optional): Once installed, you can pin the extension to your toolbar for easy access.

 

For Firefox

  1. Visit Firefox Add-Ons: Go to the Firefox Add-Ons page.
  2. Find Your Extension: Search for the extension you want.
  3. Click “Add to Firefox”: Install the extension and confirm permissions.

 

For Safari

  1. Open Safari Preferences: Navigate to the ‘Extensions’ tab.
  2. Visit the App Store: Safari redirects you to the App Store to download extensions.
  3. Install and Enable: Download the extension, then enable it in your preferences. Once installed, extensions often appear as small icons on your browser toolbar, where you can interact with their features.

 

Hands at a computer keyboard with message notifications showing in the air - why browser extensions can help you buy a used car

Why Use Browser Extensions for AutoTrader UK?

For car buyers, extensions simplify the process of finding, comparing, and negotiating the best deals. Let’s take a closer look at some popular tools tailored to AutoTrader UK users and how they help you during negotiations.

 

Motorwatch: Comprehensive Price Tracking Across Platforms

Motorwatch is a free browser extension designed to monitor vehicle prices across multiple platforms, including AutoTrader UK, Pistonheads, Heycar, and Cinch. By tracking over 8 million unique vehicles, Motorwatch provides users with real-time price changes and an integrated MOT history checker.

Key Features

  • Multi-Platform Support: Tracks prices on various sites, so it’s easy to see vehicle pricing across them all.
  • Price Change Alerts: Notifies users of any price fluctuations, helping you make more informed purchasing decisions.
  • Integrated MOT Checker: Access MOT history directly from the extension.

Pros

  • Supports multiple platforms, providing a broader perspective.
  • Easy to install and use, making it accessible for all.
  • Community-driven data ensures up-to-date information.

Cons

  • Relies on user input, which may occasionally lead to inaccuracies.
  • Primarily designed for Chrome; limited support for other browsers.

How It Helps in Negotiation

Motorwatch provides a clear record of price changes for a vehicle. If a car’s price has dropped multiple times, you can make the most of this data to negotiate further reductions by pointing out the seller’s pattern of lowering prices.

The MOT checker also allows you to identify potential future expenses, giving you room to bargain for discounts.

 

AT Price Tracker: In-Depth Price History for AutoTrader UK

AT Price Tracker is a browser extension tailored specifically for AutoTrader UK. It displays and tracks vehicle price history, offering users insights into pricing trends and aiding in negotiation strategies – this is one of the best options if you’re looking at how to track prices on AutoTrader. 

Key Features

  • Price History Display: Shows historical pricing data directly on AutoTrader listings.
  • Automatic Price Tracking: Monitors price changes without manual input.
  • Multi-Vehicle Support: Compatible with cars, vans, bikes, motorhomes, caravans, trucks, and more.

Pros

  • Access to price history helps you during price discussions.
  • Seamless integration with AutoTrader UK makes the user experience better.
  • Wide compatibility with multiple browsers, so you can stick with your preferred browser.

Cons

  • Exclusively supports AutoTrader UK; lacks multi-platform tracking if you’re searching across multiple sites.
  • Price history depends on how long the extension has been tracking a particular listing. 

How It Helps in Negotiation

The ability to view a car’s price history directly within AutoTrader gives you a significant edge. For example, if a seller recently increased the price, you can question the rationale behind the hike.

On the other hand, if you can see a price drop, it’s fair to assume that the seller is likely motivated to sell and push for further reductions. The extension also helps you identify listings that have remained unsold for a long time, which may indicate the seller’s willingness to negotiate.

 

Four increasingly large piles of money with blocks on top using letters spelling out 'cost' - why a browser extension is a good way to track price changes on AutoTrader and other car buying websites

 

AutoRaider: Enhanced Data Insights for AutoTrader Users

AutoRaider adds to the standard AutoTrader experience by incorporating additional data fields not typically displayed on initial listings. This feature streamlines the process of finding your next vehicle by reducing the time and effort involved. 

Key Features

  • Ad Control: Allows users to hide specific types of ads, such as lease deals and recommended items, for a cleaner browsing experience to avoid wading through irrelevant info.
  • Customisable Display Options: Enables users to choose any standard AutoTrader field to display, including 0-60 time, BHP, and vehicle weight.
  • Enhanced Data Insights: Provides custom fields based on existing AutoTrader data, such as power per tonne and advert listing date.

Pros

  • Reduces clutter by allowing users to control ad visibility.
  • Helps users tailor the display according to their preferences.
  • Consolidates essential vehicle information, allowing you to make decisions more quickly. 

Cons

  • Available only for Chrome users.
  • Depends on the completeness and accuracy of seller-provided data. 

How It Helps in Negotiation

AutoRaider’s ability to display details like the date a listing was posted gives you insight into how long a vehicle has been on the market. A car listed for weeks or months is likely from a seller eager to close the deal, which strengthens your negotiating position.

Viewing detailed specifications can also help you justify your offer if you spot any discrepancies or missing features.

 

AT Toolkit: User Experience Enhancement for AutoTrader UK

AT Toolkit aims to improve the user experience on the AutoTrader UK website. It offers features that enhance both main search results and individual listings. 

Key Features

  • Search Customisation: Allows users to hide results from specific dealers, show the date the listing was added, and remove promoted listings.
  • Listing Enhancements: Displays additional information such as dealer postcode, MOT expiry date, previous owners, and partial vehicle registration.

Pros

  • Improves search efficiency by removing clutter.
  • Provides valuable data not visible on standard listings.
  • Enhances decision-making with detailed listing information. 

Cons

  • Limited to Chrome browsers.
  • Might overwhelm users with excessive data if not customised properly. 

How It Helps in Negotiation

AT Toolkit’s listing enhancements, such as revealing MOT expiry dates and previous owners, provide you with ammunition for price discussions.

For instance, if a car’s MOT is about to expire, you can request a reduction to cover the cost of renewal. Similarly, a vehicle with multiple previous owners might justify a lower offer based on potential wear and tear.

 

Text TIME TO NEGOTIATE written in chalk on a chalkboard - essential tips from our car buying checklist

 

How Browser Extensions Can Help You Negotiate

  1. Gives Insight into Seller Behaviour: Extensions like AT Price Tracker and Motorwatch reveal pricing trends and listing durations, offering clues about a seller’s willingness to negotiate.
  1. Transparency in Vehicle Details: Tools such as AutoRaider and AT Toolkit uncover hidden details, enabling buyers to question discrepancies and strengthen their position.
  1. Data-Driven Confidence: Armed with accurate data, you can negotiate assertively, knowing the market value and history of the vehicle.
  1. Strategic Leverage: Extensions help identify motivated sellers and cars with potential issues, giving you the upper hand in discussions.

 

Why These Are The Best Browser Extensions for Car Buyers

Browser extensions like Motorwatch, AT Price Tracker, AutoRaider, and AT Toolkit are game-changers for UK car buyers. By combining powerful features with user-friendly interfaces, they simplify the journey of finding, evaluating, and negotiating for the perfect used car.

Whether you’re a seasoned car enthusiast or a first-time buyer, these tools can save time, reduce stress, and potentially save money. Happy car hunting!

For more help, the Palmdale team are always happy to lend a hand

 

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