Software · head to head
AutoTrader vs TrueCar
The short version
- Only TrueCar has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
- They diverge on capability: AutoTrader covers Vehicle listing, TrueCar covers Price transparency.
Where they differ
Only the attributes on which AutoTrader and TrueCar actually diverge.
| Attribute | AutoTrader | TrueCar |
|---|---|---|
| Starting price | $199/month | Free |
| Free tier | No | Yes |
| Founded | 1997 | 2005 |
Identical on both: pricing model (subscription), platforms (Web, Mobile, App), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Unknown).
What each one covers
Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.
Only in AutoTrader
- Vehicle listing
- Marketplace visibility
- Dealer profile
- Performance metrics
- Mobile optimization
- Photo gallery
- Video integration
- Lead scoring
Only in TrueCar
- Price transparency
- Inventory search
- Dealer ratings
- Consumer reviews
- Pricing reports
- Market analysis
- Mobile app
- Email marketing
Both cover
- Lead generation
- CRM systems
- DMS platforms
- Mobile apps
- Payment processors
- SSL encryption
- Data protection
- Secure authentication
What people use each for
The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.
AutoTrader
- Dealership Management
- Service Scheduling
- Inventory Management
- Sales Operations
- Customer Relationship
TrueCar
- Dealership Management
- Service Scheduling
- Inventory Management
- Sales Operations
- Customer Relationship
Both are used for dealership management, service scheduling, inventory management, sales operations, customer relationship, on those jobs the choice comes down to price and fit rather than capability.
Where each one falls short
Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.
AutoTrader
Nothing recorded yet. See the AutoTrader review.
TrueCar
- TrueCar's consumer car-shopping and pricing tools are free to use; the company is monetized through dealer partnerships rather than a consumer subscription
Pricing, plan by plan
AutoTrader
$199/month- Starter$199/month
- Vehicle listings
- Basic lead management
- Dealer profile
- Professional$499/month
- Everything in Starter
- Advanced lead tools
- CRM integration
- Premium$899/month
- Everything in Professional
- Top placement
- Priority support
TrueCar
Free- FreeFree
- Vehicle search
- Price estimates
- Dealer ratings
- Dealer Plus$299/month
- Lead generation
- Dealer profile
- Performance metrics
- Enterprise$799/month
- Everything in Dealer Plus
- Custom integration
- API access
Which should you pick?
Choose AutoTrader if
- You need vehicle listing.
- You work on Web, Mobile, App.
- You also want marketplace visibility.
Choose TrueCar if
- You need price transparency.
- You want to start without paying.
- You work on Web, Mobile, App.
- You also want inventory search.
Questions people ask
- Is AutoTrader or TrueCar better?
- Neither clearly leads. AutoTrader starts at $199/month and TrueCar at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
- Which is cheaper, AutoTrader or TrueCar?
- TrueCar has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at $199/month for AutoTrader and Free for TrueCar.
- Does AutoTrader or TrueCar run on more platforms?
- Both run on Web, Mobile, App, so platform support will not decide this one for you.
- Can I use TrueCar for free?
- Yes. TrueCar has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. AutoTrader starts at $199/month.
- What is AutoTrader best used for?
- AutoTrader is most often used for dealership management, service scheduling, inventory management, sales operations.
- What can AutoTrader do that TrueCar cannot?
- AutoTrader covers Vehicle listing, Marketplace visibility, Dealer profile, Performance metrics. TrueCar covers Price transparency, Inventory search, Dealer ratings, Consumer reviews. Both handle Lead generation, CRM systems, DMS platforms, Mobile apps.