Auto Trader Keeps Switching My Postcode

[The Mad Monk]

When I consult Auto Trader, I insert my postcode SW1A 1AA. Frequently when I go back to AT the postcode has changed without any input from me, today it is G12 8DW. This seems to be somewhere in Glasgow, which, I am told, is in Scotland!

What can I do?

[MarcelM6]

Don't think its anything you can do - happens to me as well, usually totally random postcode instead of my own. Probably a bug in their latest release. Don't remember it happening on the mobile version, desktop only.

[MorganP104]

Do you guys click on Autotrader links to cars sent to you, or that you see listed on forum threads?

If so, it could well be your computer's internet browser remembering the last postcode it saw. Unless carefully edited, Autotrader links posted up by someone wanting to show you a car will reveal that person's postcode as part of the URL.

For example, in the link to the car below, the random postcode EX39 2RA is visible.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

If you click the above link, then go to the Autotrader home page, what postcode does the site now think you have?

PRO TIP: You can still post links to cars up without revealing your postcode. Just delete everything in the URL from the question mark onwards. Like this:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Edited by MorganP104 on Wednesday 21st February 09:12

[MarcelM6]

Nope, don't send links to cars to anyone, don't have a Autotrader account, don't save searches or get notifications.

[The Mad Monk]

MarcelM6 said:

Nope, don't send links to cars to anyone, don't have a Autotrader account, don't save searches or get notifications.

Likewise.

In the grand scheme of things, it is a minor irritation, but an irritation none the less.

[rsbmw]

Yes, it's when you click links from someone else. The URL even to the specific ad contains the search criteria (so you can press the return to listings link) that will override your own settings.

[Integroo]

The Mad Monk said:

When I consult Auto Trader, I insert my postcode SW1A 1AA. Frequently when I go back to AT the postcode has changed without any input from me, today it is G12 8DW. This seems to be somewhere in Glasgow, which, I am told, is in Scotland!

What can I do?

That is odd. G12 8DW is my postcode ... did you click on a link that I posted somewhere perhaps?

EDIT: Surely you knew Glasgow was the largest city in Scotland ...

Edited by Integroo on Wednesday 21st February 10:16

[feef]

If it's unable to obtain your postcode from your browser, it may be getting it from your IP address.

Visit : https://www.iplocation.net/find-ip-address
...and it'll tell you where your IP address 'terminates' i.e. where in the world it thinks you are. With a DHCP connection (which is most domestic broadband connections) your IP address will/may change from time to time and so may your location.

[Dapster]

As a lark, when posting links on Autotrader, use the postcode "W8 4QP". Then if anyone nosy fancies investigating what sort of house you live in will put that postcode into Zoopla to see how much your house is worth.....

[RowanF]

Dapster, whilst that's an amusing suggestion have you seen what the OP suggested his postcode was? Beaten you to it!

[Dapster]

RowanF said:

Dapster, whilst that's an amusing suggestion have you seen what the OP suggested his postcode was? Beaten you to it!

Ha ha! Missed that. I thought it "SWxx xxx" was Swansea so I was a bit confused by his disparaging remarks about our Scottish cousins.

It's a bit shabby though isn't it. I mean, it's technically Victoria and not the nice bit. Good for the shops though...

[The Mad Monk]

Integroo said:

EDIT: Surely you knew Glasgow was the largest city in Scotland ...

Just the tiniest bit of a tease.