Auto Trader is piloting a new feature on its website called Quick Sale which encourages customers to put their cars up for sale and for dealers to bid on them for used stock.

The website follows a similar format to websites like WeBuyAnyCar.com and operates in conjunction with Autotrade-mail, Auto Trader's online real-time used car trading network.

A spokesman from Auto Trader confirmed the pilot scheme to AM: “We will be running it as a trial until the summer.”

Customers can enter their car registration, are given an "indicative value". Dealers will then have 36 hours to bid for the car. Once the bidding period has ended, Quick Sale collates the bids and emails the customer with the top three.

Payment can be set up through a transactions system called Transpact.

Transpact allows customers to receive payment for the car they have sold. The buyer’s payment is held securely in an account protected by law until delivery or collection of the car. The money is released once the buyer is happy that the car is as advertised. If the sale goes through, customers will be charged a £45 fee.

The Quick Sale section of Auto Trader’s website says: “Part exchanging limits you to one dealer. Quick Sale puts your car in front of over 5,000 trusted dealers helping you get a better price.”

Auto Trader said in a statement: "Autotrade-mail will be the link between the consumer and the dealer, providing information to its network of subscribing dealers who can then bid for the car.

"It will upload the vehicle information, collate dealer bids, notify the successful dealer and manage all communication between the dealer and Transpact, the secure payment provider."