Introduction
As the automotive industry continues to evolve with technology, having the right dealership management software has become increasingly important for dealers to streamline operations, boost sales and maximize profits. While there are many options on the market, not all solutions are created equal. This guide analyzes and compares the leading car dealer software providers based on key criteria to help dealers make an informed decision.
Methods of Evaluation
We evaluated each software using the following criteria: features and functionality, customer reviews and satisfaction, pricing and cost structure, track record and experience in the industry, integration capabilities, and online visibility factors like backlinks, traffic and keyword trends. Additional considerations included ease of use, implementation support, reporting capabilities and potential ROI based on reviews. The results are ordered based on overall score with the top providers scoring highest across most of these parameters.
1. Cox Automotive
Cox Automotive Inc. is a large, established provider of automotive solutions. Founded in 1998, Cox Automotive has grown to become a global leader offering digital marketing, retail, financial, and wholesale solutions for consumers, dealers, manufacturers, and the automotive ecosystem. One of their flagship products is Dealertrack, a dealer management system (DMS) that helps automotive dealerships manage everything from inventory to financials.
Pros: Some key advantages of Cox Automotive and Dealertrack include:
– Large, established provider with a diverse set of automotive solutions beyond just a DMS
– Integrated marketplace that gives dealers easy access to a large pool of used vehicle inventory
– Robust CRM and marketing automation tools to help dealers acquire and retain customers
– Power APIs allow for deep customization and integration with other dealer systems
Cons: A potential disadvantage is that as a large, complex system, Dealertrack may be overly feature-rich for some smaller dealerships and come with a higher total cost of ownership versus smaller, less robust DMS options.
Pricing: Dealertrack pricing is not publicly listed but is typically sold as a monthly subscription based on dealership size and desired feature set. Additional transaction and listing fees may also apply depending on the integration and marketplace features used.
Some key stats about Cox Automotive and Dealertrack include:
– Serving over 50,000 auto dealerships worldwide
– Processes over $500 billion in vehicle transactions annually
– Integrated marketplace of over 4 million used vehicles for dealers to source inventory
2. Reynolds and Reynolds
Reynolds and Reynolds is the industry leader in automotive retail technology. Founded in 1948, Reynolds and Reynolds has over 45 years of experience developing dealer management systems (DMS) and business tools for automotive retailers. Serving over 24,000 customers in over 50 countries, Reynolds is the largest DMS provider in North America with a market share of over 40%.
Pros: Key advantages of the Reynolds and Reynolds DMS and solutions include:
– Trusted provider with a large, loyal customer base and industry expertise
– Full-featured DMS that handles the entire dealership management process from inventory to F&I
– Powerful CRM and digital solutions like websites, apps, and chatbots for consumer engagement
– Advanced business intelligence dashboards and reporting on KPIs and dealer performance
Cons: A potential disadvantage is the high upfront and ongoing costs of the Reynolds system which can be prohibitive for smaller dealerships. However, for large-volume dealers the robust features often outweigh the expense.
Pricing: Pricing for Reynolds and Reynolds solutions depends on the modules selected, dealer size, and customization needs. Generally, customers can expect an initial implementation fee of $15,000-$50,000 and ongoing monthly fees averaging $1,200-$5,000 per month based on dealer size and features.
Some key stats about Reynolds and Reynolds:
– Serves over 24,000 automotive dealership customers globally
– Over 40% market share of DMS providers in North America
– Develops solutions for new car dealers, used car dealers, commercial fleet businesses, and independent repair shops
– Processes over $500 billion in annual vehicle sales through its systems
3. DealerFire
DealerFire is an all-in-one software solution for automotive dealerships to manage their CRM, websites and digital marketing. Founded in 2006, DealerFire has grown to serve over 10,000 dealerclients across the US and Canada. Their full suite of tools is focused on helping dealers drive more qualified traffic to their websites and convert more of those visitors into leads and sales.
Pros: Some key advantages of DealerFire include:
– Integrated CRM, website and reputation management tools in one place
– Intuitive scheduling, desking and texting solutions for sales teams
– Unique AI capabilities like profile-based routing and lead scoring
– Award-winning responsive websites designed specifically for dealers
– Affordable pricing that scales based on dealership size and needs
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that the all-in-one solution may not be the best fit for very large dealer groups with specialized needs. In those cases, a dealership may prefer to piece together individual CRM, website and marketing point solutions instead of using DealerFire’s bundled offering.
Pricing: DealerFire offers simple and transparent monthly pricing based on the dealer’s sales volume:
– Base plan starts at $99/month for sales up to 50 units/month
– Mid-tier plan is $199/month for 51-150 units/month
– Premier plan scales up to $399/month for over 150 units/month
Some key stats about DealerFire include:
– Over 10,000 dealer clients across North America
– Ranked #1 in the automotive industry for responsive websites
– Provides tools to manage CRM, websites, reputation and more
– Helps dealers improve marketing ROI with data-driven insights
4. DealerSocket
DealerSocket is a leading automotive dealer management software provider. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in San Diego, CA, DealerSocket offers a unified solution for franchise and independent auto dealers including CRM, DMS, inventory management, websites and digital retailing. Their all-in-one cloud-based platform helps over 6,500 dealerships streamline operations and marketing efforts.
Pros: Some key advantages of DealerSocket include:
– All-in-one cloud-based DMS, CRM and marketing platform that streamlines workflows
– Customizable forms and workflows to suit each dealer’s unique processes
– Advanced social media and web tools for digital marketing and client engagement
– Strong ROI through increased sales, higher customer satisfaction and operational efficiencies
Cons: One potential disadvantage is the upfront investment required to purchase and implement the DealerSocket platform. However, this is offset by the long-term cost savings and revenue gains.
Pricing: DealerSocket pricing is based on dealership size and starts at around $1,000 per month. Additional fees may apply for add-on modules like websites, digital retailing and consulting services. They offer flexible payment plans and free trials to help dealers evaluate the platform and ROI potential.
Some key stats about DealerSocket include:
– Over 6,500 dealer clients in North America
– Process over $80 billion in annual vehicle sales
– Manage inventory of over 1.5 million vehicles
– Available in the US, Canada and Latin America
5. vAuto
vAuto is cloud-based dealership management software (DMS) that offers car dealers powerful tools to manage inventory, pricing, and sales. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, vAuto claims over 9,000 dealer subscribers across North America who use their software daily. Their DMS platform seeks to give dealers a ‘live market view’ through real-time insights into vehicle values and trends locally.
Pros: Some of the key advantages of vAuto’s dealership management software include:
– Industry leading inventory management and pricing tool that analyzes over 150 vehicle attributes to determine the true market value of vehicles
– Powerful insights into historical vehicle value trends and current market values across local markets to help dealers price competitively
– Integrations with auction platforms like Manheim allow dealers to tap into their marketplace liquidity
– Useful vehicle sourcing marketplace that helps dealers source hard-to-find inventory easily
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that vAuto’s robust feature set may be overkill for smaller car dealerships with fewer than 50 vehicles in inventory. The platform is best suited for mid-sized and larger dealers looking for advanced inventory and market analytics.
Pricing: vAuto offers flexible monthly pricing plans starting at $99/month for their basic Essentials plan. Their most popular Premier plan is priced at $199/month. Additional fees apply for transactional services like VIN decoding. The platform can be accessed via desktop, mobile app, or tablet.
Some key stats about vAuto include:
– Over 9,000 car dealerships currently use vAuto’s DMS platform across the US and Canada
– Integrations with 30+ data providers like Black Book, NADA Guides, and J.D. Power
– Supports inventory management of both new and used vehicles
– Live market view shows true market value of vehicles based on 150+ attributes
6. Tekmetric
Tekmetric is car dealer software developed by Tekmetric that helps automotive shops and dealerships manage their workflow. In business since 2002, Tekmetric provides a comprehensive dealership management solution to streamline operations.
Pros: Key advantages of Tekmetric include:
– Focus on F&I technology and processes
– Robust reporting and dashboard tools
– Tools for operational efficiency
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that the upfront costs and implementation time of an entirely new dealership management system may not be practical for some smaller shops.
Pricing: Tekmetric offers flexible pricing plans starting at $99 per month for their basic Shop Edition. Additional features and support are available in their standard and premium tiers that are priced based on shop size and custom configuration.
Some key stats about Tekmetric include:
– Used by over 5,000 shops in North America
– Integrates with over 50 add-on solutions
– Manages over $10 billion in annual revenue for customers
7. Dominion
Dominion is a leading provider of automobile dealership software. Their intuitive platform offers dealership management tools designed to streamline operations and enhance the customer experience. With over 30 years of experience partnering with dealers, Dominion understands the unique challenges facing today’s automotive retailers.
Pros: Some key advantages of Dominion’s dealership software include:
– Vehicle desking and reconditioning tools to improve efficiency
– Advanced F&I workflows to simplify financing and insurance processes
– Customer retention strategies like service scheduling and loyalty programs
Cons: Integration with third-party systems can sometimes be challenging due to the large ecosystem of auto dealerships.
Pricing: Dominion offers flexible pricing plans starting at $199 per user per month. Additional fees apply for integrated features like CRM, website tools, and text/email marketing capabilities. Dominion provides a free 14-day trial so dealers can test the full platform capabilities.
Some key facts about Dominion’s dealership software include:
– Over 6,500 dealership locations rely on Dominion’s solutions globally
– Support for all major OEM brands on a single platform
– 24/7 phone and online support for dealership staff
Dominion Enterprisesdominionenterprises.com
8. auto/alert
Auto/Alert is customer experience and dealership management software designed specifically for automotive retailers. Founded in 1999, Auto/Alert provides an affordable and customizable DMS solution for smaller dealerships. Their software helps dealerships maximize profits, streamline operations and retain more customers for life.
Pros: Some key advantages of Auto/Alert include:
– Affordable DMS option for smaller dealerships looking to upgrade their systems
– Tight integrations with CRM, F&I, and service modules to get a full view of the customer
– Highly customizable interface and workflows to match any dealership’s processes
Cons: A potential disadvantage is that the interface may not be as polished as more expensive enterprise DMS solutions. Customization also requires working with implementation specialists.
Pricing: Auto/Alert offers affordable monthly pricing starting at $99 per user per month. They also offer various implementation packages, training, and optional add-ons for CRM, F&I, service, and other functions.
Some key stats about Auto/Alert include:
– Used by over 2,500 dealerships worldwide
– Integrates CRM, F&I, service and other functions into one platform
– Customizable workflows allow dealerships to match their own unique processes
9. Auto/Mate
Auto/Mate is a leading automotive dealership management system (DMS) provider. Founded in 1993, Auto/Mate offers an end-to-end DMS solution that handles key dealership functions such as sales, finance & insurance (F&I), service and accounting. As one of the pioneers in dealer software, Auto/Mate powers over 6,000 dealerships across the US and Canada.
Pros: Key advantages of the Auto/Mate DMS solution include:
– Leader in the dealer software space with a proven track record of success
– Full end-to-end solution covering the entire car dealership workflow
– Strong CRM and customer relationship tools to help boost sales
– Robust reporting and business intelligence capabilities
Cons: One potential disadvantage is the upfront cost of implementing and onboarding the full Auto/Mate DMS suite which can be substantial for smaller dealerships.
Pricing: Auto/Mate offers flexible pricing plans tailored for dealerships of all sizes. Pricing starts at $2,295/month for entry-level packages and scales up based on dealership size, number of users and additional integrated modules.
Some key stats about Auto/Mate include:
– Over 30 years of experience in car dealer software
– Currently used by over 6,000 dealerships across North America
– Integrated solutions for CRM, inventory management, digital marketing and more
10. AutoVision
AutoVision is an all-in-one dealer management software developed to help automotive dealers and companies manage their businesses. In business since 1999, AutoVision has grown to serve over 10,000 customers worldwide. Their fully integrated platform provides dealership solutions for new car sales, used car sales, F&I, accounting, vehicle inventory management, and more.
Pros: Some key advantages of AutoVision include:
– Robust dealership management system (DMS) that streamlines operations
– Feature rich modules that cover all key dealership functions from sales to accounting
– Advanced reporting and business intelligence tools for data-driven decision making
– Expert implementation support and long term customer service
Cons: Potential disadvantages could include the upfront investment and learning curve to implement a fully integrated dealer management platform. However, AutoVision aims to minimize this through their implementation services.
Pricing: AutoVision offers flexible pricing plans tailored to dealership size and needs. It is touted as being very cost effective compared to competitors once factoring in total cost of ownership over time. Pricing ranges usually start around $1,500 per user per month for basic DMS functionality.
Some key stats about AutoVision include:
– Serves over 10,000 dealer customers globally
– Processes over $50 billion in vehicle transactions annually
– Offers modules for accounting, sales, CRM, inventory, F&I and more
– Over 20 years of experience developing dealer management software
11. AutoSoft DMS
AutoSoft DMS is a leading dealer management system (DMS) designed specifically for independent auto dealerships. In business since 1999, AutoSoft DMS helps over 1,500 dealers streamline operations, increase profits and provide superior customer service.
Pros: Key advantages of AutoSoft DMS include:
– Customizable workflows that can be tailored to each dealer’s unique processes
– Advanced reporting and analytics tools to track sales, profits, inventory and more
– Robust CRM tools to improve customer retention and service
– Flexible pricing plans starting at just $99/month
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that as a smaller DMS provider, AutoSoft may lack some of the advanced AI/ML capabilities of the larger enterprise DMS vendors.
Pricing: AutoSoft DMS pricing starts at just $99/month for their basic SmartStart plan. This includes the core DMS features along with limited customization and support. Most dealers opt for the $199/month Pro or $299/month Premier plans which unlock more advanced functionality, customization, training and priority support.
Some key stats about AutoSoft DMS include:
– Used by over 1,500 independent auto dealerships across North America
– Robust yet affordable DMS solution ideal for small to mid-sized dealers
– Customizable workflows to optimize sales, finance & insurance (F&I), and service department operations
– Real-time reporting and analytics to track key performance metrics
12. DealerBuilt
DealerBuilt is a leading dealer management system (DMS) provider for automotive dealerships. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, DealerBuilt provides cloud-based DMS software and digital solutions to automotive dealers in North America.
Pros: Some key advantages of the DealerBuilt DMS include:
– Highly customizable interface that can be tailored to each dealer’s unique workflow needs
– Integrated CRM and F&I modules provide a single view of the customer
– Focus on helping dealers streamline operations and drive greater productivity and efficiency
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that heavy customization could require more implementation time and support compared to some off-the-shelf DMS solutions.
Pricing: DealerBuilt offers flexible subscription-based pricing plans tailored to different dealership sizes and needs. Basic plans start at $99 per user per month. Additional modules and functionality are priced separately or available via upgraded plan tiers.
Some key facts about DealerBuilt include:
– Used by over 1,200 dealerships across the US and Canada
– Processes over $50 billion in vehicle sales annually
– Rated #1 in customer satisfaction by a leading industry survey
– Integrated modules for CRM, F&I and other key dealership functions
Conclusion
While every dealership has unique needs, hopefully this analysis provides a good starting point for finding the right dealership management software partner. Consider trialing top solutions that align with your budgets and goals before making a long-term commitment. With the right tool, you can take your operations, sales and profits to the next level in 2023 and beyond.