DealerCenter is a cloud-based dealer management system for independent dealers, accessed through the web and sold by subscription. Dealer Garage is installed on your own computer, keeps data there, works offline and is bought once. They differ in where data lives, pricing model, offline use and the breadth of integrations.
Differences at a glance
| DealerCenter | Dealer Garage | |
|---|---|---|
| How it is delivered | Cloud service used through the web | Installed on Mac and Windows computers |
| Pricing model | Subscription (check current plans) | Free plan; Basic $99 once; Pro $149 once |
| Where data lives | Vendor's servers | Your computer, with backups you control |
| Works offline | Needs an internet connection | Yes, except online services such as VIN lookup |
| Access from anywhere | Yes, through the web | Pro shares data across computers in your office network |
| Integrations | Broad ecosystem (check current list) | Listing-site lead emails, VIN lookup, Marketplace posting, email campaigns |
Features and plans change. Check both products' sites for current details.
What is similar
Both cover inventory, customers, deals and reports for independent used-car dealers. Both help with paperwork, though forms differ by product and region.
What differs most
- Where it runs. Web access from any device versus software on your own computers.
- Cost shape. Recurring versus one-time.
- Offline. Local software keeps working during an outage.
- Maintenance. A cloud vendor handles servers and updates; with installed software you handle backups and the computer.
- Integrations. Larger cloud products often connect to more outside services such as credit, accounting and marketplaces.
Questions to ask yourself
- Do I need to work from several locations?
- Do I want to pay monthly or once?
- How reliable is my internet?
- Which integrations are essential?
- Who will manage backups?
See also desktop versus cloud dealer software.
A three-year cost check
- Collect the monthly price of the cloud product for your team, with every add-on you need.
- Multiply by thirty-six months and add any set-up fees.
- For Dealer Garage, add Basic ($99) or Pro ($149) once, plus the cost of a backup drive.
- Compare, and value your time and any integrations you would lose.
See pricing.
Information about DealerCenter is general and as of writing; check its own website for current features and pricing. DealerCenter is a trademark of its owner. Dealer Garage is not affiliated with DealerCenter.
Try Dealer Garage
Dealer Garage is installable dealer management software for independent used-car dealers in the US and Canada: inventory, leads, deals, dealer paperwork, Facebook Marketplace posting and email campaigns, with records stored on the dealership's own computer..