22 replies to this topic

[chrisandsarah]

I was listing a car for a friend, as he isnt very tech savy... at all. And realised how little I like the most recent redesign of the Autotrader site.

Was thinking of making another website, similar idea with a few major differences:

• Adverts would be free
• Adverts would only be cars - no stupid wanted ads
• No banners
• No flash
• No garish colour scheme
• No clutter
• None of the insurance rubbish
• Adverts would be free

What are peoples thoughts on the above idea? Also does anyone have any suggestions or requests that would make the process easier.

This is not an attempt to advertise anything, just a miffed of fella wanting some ideas... feel free to doodle some doodles

[rick.spi]

pistonheads...

its free and easy to use.

[samsfern]

second for pistonheads

[chrisandsarah]

Not actually heard of pistonheads, will take a look

[Mini-Mad-Craig]

Autotrader is a pile of ...

Like you search for your criteria, then it takes ages to load, then searches and that little bar comes up, so you wait and then it tells you you need to enter a postcode, so you do that and all that come's up is MPi's from G.C.Minis

Edited by Mini-Mad-Craig, 07 June 2010 - 11:18 PM.

[Gaffer]

The adverts really cheese me off, try looking for a cheap car and all you get is 'we will by your car off you' or 'lease this car for £xx a month'

[Mini Adam]

pistonheads all the way

[davidv]

Piston Heads are great.Very good with Rare and Expensive cars.I also have bought from there site.
Auto Trader Has been about years early 80s.I still like the Mag. for a good read and see what things are selling for.For a good Mag. it is a good cheap read.I have bought and sold many cars with them in the past.The Price to sell with them has gone up so much and it is full of adds.Still thats how they make so much.
Back in the 80s cars would sell on first ad.These Days You really need to be Sure The Car you want because you will be stuck with it for some time.

[Ouster]

I was listing a car for a friend, as he isnt very tech savy... at all. And realised how little I like the most recent redesign of the Autotrader site.

Was thinking of making another website, similar idea with a few major differences:

• Adverts would be free
• Adverts would only be cars - no stupid wanted ads
• No banners
• No flash
• No garish colour scheme
• No clutter
• None of the insurance rubbish
• Adverts would be free

What are peoples thoughts on the above idea? Also does anyone have any suggestions or requests that would make the process easier.

This is not an attempt to advertise anything, just a miffed of fella wanting some ideas... feel free to doodle some doodles

Good luck competing against autotrader with their huge user base and brand name!
How will you fund such a website....they are not free to maintain and run.

[Naif_Wolves]

Good luck competing against autotrader with their huge user base and brand name!
How will you fund such a website....they are not free to maintain and run.

Spot on

Seeing as someone earlier in the thread hadn't even heard of PistonHeads, things are not looking good.
Also, with a lack of adverts + free listing, you'll be well out of pocket
(Basically just backing up what Ouster said)

I still use the old layout of AutoTrader when searching for cars, so much more simple.

[davidv]

I agree the secound hand Car Market has become so tough i noticed in 1997 when selling and buying them so take care.With some i ended up doing honest fair swaps bigger cars for smaller ones and smaller cars for bigger ones.Worked out good with a few sales.These days at 47 i only buy cars for my family and myself.Still have a couple of other hobby dealer mates so we swap with each other some times have a play then sell them on.Its old age.Still its been are life hobby.

[chrisandsarah]

Good luck competing against autotrader with their huge user base and brand name!
How will you fund such a website....they are not free to maintain and run.

It wouldnt really be competing against, just offering an alternative that isnt rubbish. As for cost, im sure my student loan will be handy

I had a look around pistonheads and understood what 'davidv' said, I think its a little cluttered and clunky..

[minisilverbullet]

commercially in general per user you manage to click on your page you need to pay out 5p in advertising costs. So imagine wht your out put would be, its not really a case of "we will build it and they will come", as the fact is how will people ever know it exists!

Word of mouth you migt say but in practise and regarding the internet; we find very few examples, of succesful firms with no output on advertising.

[davidv]

Its great to see anyone with ideas having a go Best of Luck.
Word of mouth when someone has been going a few years is best doing fair honest deals.
My old friends only add a very small amount on and only sell good cars.

[chrisandsarah]

commercially in general per user you manage to click on your page you need to pay out 5p in advertising costs. So imagine wht your out put would be, its not really a case of "we will build it and they will come", as the fact is how will people ever know it exists!

Word of mouth you migt say but in practise and regarding the internet; we find very few examples, of succesful firms with no output on advertising.

Tis an issue yes - need to win the lottery and get a really annoying ad like go compare

Edited by chrisandsarah, 08 June 2010 - 11:05 AM.