Auto Trader is presented by Mike Brewer and Edd China, who have worked together on other TV series, including Wheeler Dealers. The programme is set in the fictitious garage called Mike's Motors. Mike introduces a buyer who is interested in purchasing a certain type of car. He has three or more cars on offer, and the buyer decides which ones he or she is most interested in, usually taking two for a test drive. Mike gives details of any potential problems with the cars. At the end of the episode, the buyer decides which car they have chosen to buy. Edd meets a seller who has been trying to sell their car for a number of weeks. There is usually a reason why the car hasn't sold and he works with the seller to repair and clean the vehicle, usually increasing the value of the car. Mike shows the viewer how to spot a lemon, working as a dodgy seller with a potential buyer, or meeting "reformed car clocker" Tony who shows Mike how to spot a clocked, cloned or stolen vehicle.
