CDK Global vs Auto/Mate

AutoManager

Dealertrack DMS

Craigslist Posting

ERA-IGNITE

Connect CRM

ProMax Unlimited

Compare CDK Global and Auto/Mate based on features, pricing, verified reviews, integrations & more on GetApp. Find out which software is best for your business in 2026.

Carsforsale.com

Carsforsale.com is an automotive shopping and dealer management software that helps vehicle dealers in listing their cars for sale, and offers reporting and analytics, dealer training and support, inventory distribution and inventory leads and exposure.

AutoManager is a dealer management suite that includes DeskManager, WebManager, & AutomotiveCRM.

DealerCenter

DealerCenter is a dealer management system for independent car sales, with mobilized features for inventory tracking, desking, lending and document management

CDK delivers unified, secure dealership software solutions for automotive dealerships that need to manage Sales, Service, Parts, Inventory, Accounting and customer engagement in one place. 

Accounting

Contact Database

Contact Management

Document Management

Financing Management

For Automotive Dealerships

Forecasting

Interaction Tracking

Inventory Management

Lead Management

Lease Tracking

New Car Dealer

Reporting/Analytics

Sales Floor Management

Service Department

Used Car Dealer

CDK Global

Web-based

Windows

iPhone

iPad

Android

Assistant Parts Manager

Just the other day I tried to find where I could delete something out of the system, vendor codes/sources, and it took me almost an hour to figure it out even with the "launch code search" function.

Collections Manager

We switched from Dealertrack DMS for our Powersports department and it has been a game changer with our customers, part management, invoicing, accounting, etc.

Outside sales

Way to navigate around the stystem to get the result your looking for

HR Manager

They will create a case, assign someone to assist you, and they will not close the case until you are satisfied with the outcome.

Inventory control specialist

Great experience for the time I used CDK, it was a little difficult to learn the system at first, but once setup, it was a very smooth operation.

It gets the job done but with a disconnect on all sides.

There are not a lot of great comprehensive choices for dealer management systems.  

The desktop tool and trend reporting functions are efficient.

General Manager

We had an issue where certain leads from our own website would come in based out of a Wisconsin address.

General manager

Their business model feels borderline criminal and was probably easier to execute when Reynolds and CDK were pretty much the only options.

SALES MANAGER

Integration with inventory cost sometimes isn't the best

Sales Manager

I like that CDK has many important functions that add value to our daily operations.

Our company has been with them for nearly 30 years and every time the contract comes due they treat us like a new customer.

ELead is an essential tool for our dealership.

There has been a work-around implemented to work out the issue however.

Service manager

Ease of use and customizable options make this the obvious choice

There is a reason why the company net value is dropping like a rock.  

sales and leasing associate

Customer birthday calls since we can scan driver's licenses into the system.  

Parts Manager

About the only thing I like about this is creating credit memos but even this process needs some work.

Logistics

It also is buggy on computer and if you hit one wrong key it can make a bigger task than originally

President 

This software does not have a proper scheduler that functions for a service center.

It can work for making POs and other accounting managements

I was using it daily until a couple of months ago as of late I only use it to do inventories.

Internet Sales Manager

Being newer to the Auto Industry 2 years ago, and realizing how critical Eleads is for every level, whether sales, desking, inventory management, service, prospect searching, and navigation in general has been great.

The system alerts us when we get the car a customer is looking for!

We are not happy with what they promised us as far as for our service department and they don’t seem interested in solving their issues anytime soon.

Digital Marketing Coordinator

Missing some integrations and tools that other CRMs had built in from the beginning.

Admiration/ Reception  

Information about each vehicle such as the year, make, model, vin, color, warranty start date, etc.  

The financial and dealership side is the only value that we found in this program.

Also keeps information on the sale of each vehicle such as the customer who purchased it, their contact information and so much more.  

BDC MGR

ELEAD CRM integrates very well from CDK DMS.

Regional IT Director

All the while we can hold different departments accountable and achieve goals per department and store and platform under one tool.

Reports of all kinds are provided and are something used daily to track performance in a multitude of categories.

General Manager 

Some quoting features on buyers orders are hard to convert to the actual buyers order when the vehicle arrives.

Accounting clerk

Sales Associate

I feel the search capabilities for a salesperson to maximize their database and prospecting are not satisfactory.  

The development department has been working on it but we are not receiving any updates.  

I feel most dealerships use Eleads as it can integrate with other systems fairly easily compared to other CRM's.

The ability to create self reports - customizations

Email Marketing and OEM Manifest list uploads are difficult and could use some attention.

BDC Manager

I'm unable to customize the workflow myself - Elead must do it but elead rarely returns calls.

New Car Sales Manager

It becomes frustrating while working a deal when information is not consistent and stops work flow.

Customer service is on the higher side when you call in, but the reps for the stores have not been the best.

Service Writer

I have always like the way the system is produced from the Service personnel's prospective & The way  CDK tries to customize the product for each of the specific user's or Locations.

Mechanical Engineer

You got to pay for any kind of changes that you have to make to forms.

Also once in a while it will say that a new vehicle could not be entered because it already exists when it doesn't.

I like that I can have more than 1 customer record open at once.

It help monitor all dealership operations.

Marketing Manager

easy integration in the sense that had to pull lots of files from prior system, but it was easy I guess.

Dealership Management

Switching Providers

Reporting

Customer Support

Customization

Integrations

Search Functionality

Employee Management

Bugs and Issues

Frequent bugs and technical issues

89% of reviewers feel negative about Bugs and Issues, often mentioning recurring glitches, crashes, and error messages that disrupt daily operations. Some users say the system can be unreliable, with workflow settings changing unexpectedly or features not functioning as intended. Reviewers indicate that technical problems, such as server downtime and complicated processes, make tasks more time-consuming. They report that bugs affect multiple areas, including scheduling and reporting, and that issues with integrations and system stability are a common frustration. Some users find that resolving these problems can be slow and inconsistent.

Slow and unresponsive support

39% of reviewers feel negative about Customer Support, frequently describing long wait times and difficulty reaching knowledgeable representatives. Some users report that support cases often remain unresolved for extended periods, and follow-up communication is lacking. Reviewers indicate that support staff may not provide clear explanations or effective solutions, leading to repeated interactions without resolution. They say that customer service feels understaffed and unhelpful, with some users feeling like their concerns are not a priority. Some reviewers mention that the decline in support quality has impacted their overall satisfaction with the product.

Comprehensive employee management tools

92% of reviewers feel positive about Employee Management, noting that the software allows them to oversee multiple departments, manage payroll, and track staff roles efficiently. Some users say they value being able to hold departments accountable and set goals within a single platform. Reviewers appreciate the all-in-one nature of the tool, which helps streamline part management, invoicing, and accounting. Some users report that training new employees is straightforward, with most picking up the basics quickly. They also mention that upper management involvement and communication contribute to effective employee oversight.

Intuitive and simple interface

83% of reviewers feel positive about Ease of Use, highlighting that the software is user-friendly and easy to navigate for daily tasks. Some users report that the interface is straightforward, making it simple to find information and manage workflows. Reviewers indicate that even those new to the system can quickly learn how to use it, often requiring minimal training. They find that the tool’s simplicity helps them work more efficiently and reduces the learning curve for new team members. Some users say they appreciate the consistent ease of use over years of operation.

Large Enterprises

Mid-size Business

Small Business

Auto/Mate is a cloud-based dealer management system designed for independent used car dealerships which provides tools for vehicle evaluation, inventory management, deal structuring, collections management, task automation,accounting system integration, report customization, and more

Activity Dashboard

Automated Scheduling

Customizable Reports

Document Storage

Invoice Management

Real-Time Reporting

Sales Reports

Stock Management

Summary Reports

Third-Party Integrations

Website Integration

Auto/Mate

Linux

Basic

Finance Director

Everything, website feed integration is a nightmare, cannot print certain forms CDK can.

Office Manager

I don't like the university being separated from the program now either. And it is hard to find things there too.

Project Manager

The Android version contains predetermined elections for beginner users, since as a tool it has a potential to save work time and recoil.

Wish my company never signed the contract.

Service Manager

There are so many good things about this system, but the one thing as a service manager I like the most is they have the option for a service department to schedule by technician which is something that no one else does and I don't know why.

Finance Manager

The integration of past/current/future customer interactions gives me a realistic view of potential opportunities and pitfalls.

Photo id function on the drivers license add customer feature would not not work properly.

Scarboro Mazda

A lot of features, including a full suite of CRM, data mining, and more.

It's simple enough that non-users can jump right in and feel like they know what they're doing, but it's incredibly rich in features that it would take month to learn how to utilize all of them.

I have only been working within DealerSocket for a short time but it is clearly heads above what I have used in the past.

CDK Global vs Auto/Mate Comparison (2026)

CDK Global

Auto/Mate

Overview

Video & Screenshots

Pricing

User reviews

Key features

Integrations

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