Autotrader Showing Incorrect Vehicle Model Compared to Navigator

This guide explains why a vehicle model may appear differently on Autotrader compared to Navigator, and what actions can be taken to resolve the discrepancy.

This issue is usually due to the fact that Navigator and Autotrader use different vehicle lookup data sources, which can occasionally result in mismatched or inconsistent model information.

Why This Happens

• Navigator uses the DVLA database to perform vehicle lookups.

• Autotrader uses a different commercial database, which may interpret the same VRM (vehicle registration mark) differently.

• When a vehicle is uploaded to Autotrader, they may override the uploaded model information based on their own lookup.

• If either data source has incorrect or incomplete records, this can cause a mismatch between the two systems.

How to Check Each Source

To verify what Navigator is using:

Visit the official DVLA lookup tool:
https://www.gov.uk/get-vehicle-information-from-dvla

Enter the registration number and confirm the model matches what is shown in Navigator.

To check what Autotrader is using:

Go to the Autotrader valuation tool:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/cars/valuation

Enter the same registration number and compare the model that Autotrader returns.

What to Do If There’s a Discrepancy

If Autotrader is showing the incorrect model:

• The issue is likely with Autotrader’s database, not Navigator.

• Because Autotrader performs its own vehicle lookup at the point of upload, the system may automatically change the model based on its internal records.

• In this case, the only way to correct it is to contact Autotrader directly and request a manual update to the vehicle data.

Summary

• Navigator uses DVLA data, while Autotrader uses a different source.

• Mismatches can happen due to differences in those databases.

• Use the links above to verify both sources.

• If Autotrader is incorrect, you will need to raise this with them directly.