What software do small car dealers in the UK use?
Most small dealers run on a mix: AutoTrader's own portal for adverts, a spreadsheet or an accounts package for invoices, and a website from a web agency. A dealer management system replaces the spreadsheet and the agency and feeds AutoTrader from one stock list. In October 2026 the UK systems small dealers compare are DealerSoftware, MotorDesk, Cardealer5, Click Dealer and Dragon2000; only DealerSoftware, Cardealer5 and MotorDesk publish prices, and only DealerSoftware shows them with VAT included. Our comparison pages set them side by side.
Do I need a DMS if I sell 20 cars a month?
At 20 cars a month you are handling roughly 60 to 100 enquiries, 20 invoices, 20 VAT margin calculations and a stock list that changes daily. A DMS pays for itself the first time it stops a missed lead or a wrong VAT figure. Below about five cars a month a spreadsheet and AutoTrader's portal are workable; above ten, the time saved on listing and paperwork is usually several hours a week.
How much should I pay for dealer software?
Between about £53 and £300 a month including VAT for a small or medium dealer where prices are published (October 2026), depending on stock size, users and what is bundled. DealerSoftware is £99, £199 or £299 a month by stock capacity, Workshop £99. Our guide to what dealer software costs covers what is usually extra.
Can dealer software do VAT margin scheme invoices automatically?
DealerSoftware does. Set the car's VAT status to margin, enter the purchase price, and the sales invoice shows no VAT line while the VAT page works out one sixth of the margin for the return. VAT-qualifying cars are invoiced with VAT shown. The rules are in our margin scheme guide; your accountant still signs off the return.
Is there a free trial, and do you take a card?
Every plan starts with a 14-day free trial. Your card is taken at signup and the first charge is on day 15; cancel before then and you pay nothing.
Does it work with AutoTrader, and do I still pay AutoTrader?
Yes and yes. Stock goes to AutoTrader through AutoTrader Connect in real time, and leads come back. The AutoTrader advertising package is a separate AutoTrader contract on any software; DealerSoftware never replaces it. Feeds also go to AutoTrader, CarGurus (including PistonHeads), AA Cars, Carwow and Cazoo (including Motors, eBay Motors and Gumtree). See integrations.
Do I get a website, and can I use my own domain?
Every plan includes a website generated from your stock, with a choice of templates, your own domain and SSL, enquiry and reservation forms, and built to a professional grade for search engines and AI searches. Point your domain at it from your registrar; the site verifies the domain and issues the certificate itself.
How many users are included?
Website: 1. Professional: 3. Premium: 5. Workshop: 2. Extra users are £20 a month each and can be added or removed at any time from the billing page.
I also run a workshop. Is that a separate system?
No. Add the Workshop module to any dealer plan for £99 a month, or take the standalone Workshop plan at £99 if you do not sell cars. Jobs, parts, bookings and the workshop website run on the same login. More on the garage software page.
Who owns my data, and can I export it?
You do. Stock, customers, leads, invoices and reports export as spreadsheets at any time from the app, and we will provide a full export on request when you leave. Data is held on encrypted servers in the UK and EU and is never sold or shared with marketplaces beyond the feeds you switch on.
What happens if I stop paying or cancel?
Cancel from the billing page and the plan ends at the end of the paid month. If a payment fails, you get an email and the account goes read-only for up to 7 days while you update the card; your public website stays live throughout. Nothing is deleted at that point, and your export is available.
How do I get support?
Email support@dealersoftware.co.uk or use the contact page. Replies come within one working day, usually faster; Premium includes priority support. There is no premium-rate phone line and no ticket queue you cannot see.
What is DealerPricing and do I need it?
DealerPricing is a separate UK valuation service (from £70 a month) that DealerSoftware connects to for trade and retail values, comparables and history checks. You do not need it to use DealerSoftware; dealers who buy more than a few cars a month usually find it pays for itself. Details on our DealerPricing page.