Problems in classifieds section

[Rav]

Ive just noticed that the classifieds are split into two groups.

Premium adverts appear first. Following those, Standard adverts appear.

Now im looking for a Porsche 944 turbo, and when i got my beloved PH classifieds section i can quickly see new Premium adverts posted as they are at the top, but for standard adverts i need to trawl pages of ads that i have already seen until i get to the standard adverts pages.
Im sure the situation is worse if you are looking for a more common/popular car.

Any suggestions on how to improve this?

[Simpo Two]

I suppose the Premium adverts could be made to look bigger and shinier, but take their place in the queue. But then they wouldn't really be 'Premium'... it's annoying but they pay to be at the top.

Also a surprising number of dealer ads there. I will never buy from a dealer.

[RacingPete]

Rav said:

Ive just noticed that the classifieds are split into two groups.

Premium adverts appear first. Following those, Standard adverts appear.

Now im looking for a Porsche 944 turbo, and when i got my beloved PH classifieds section i can quickly see new Premium adverts posted as they are at the top, but for standard adverts i need to trawl pages of ads that i have already seen until i get to the standard adverts pages.
Im sure the situation is worse if you are looking for a more common/popular car.

Any suggestions on how to improve this?

Unfortunately the classifieds has grown so huge we need a way to monetise it to pay for the hosting and bandwidth it takes up. One of the methods we have done is to offer a Premium Advert at £9, now for people to sign up for this there needs to be a definite benefit and thus appearing ahead of any free adverts is one of the benefits (plus more pictures).

Unfortunately as far as usability goes it isn't the best solution but we are monitoring this since its implementation 9 months ago and have several ideas on this.