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Automotive · head to head

AutoFluent vs CDK Global

AutoFluent logo

AutoFluent

Automotive

Next-generation repair shop software

From
$109/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
CDK Global logo

CDK Global

Automotive

Drive your dealership forward

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: AutoFluent no native mobile app; mobile access limited to web browser on smartphones; CDK Global no pricing information is published on the website
  • They diverge on capability: AutoFluent covers Smart scheduling, CDK Global covers Dealer Management System.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which AutoFluent and CDK Global actually diverge.

Attributes where AutoFluent and CDK Global differ
AttributeAutoFluentCDK Global
Starting price$109/monthOn request
Pricing modelUnknownquote
PlatformsWindows 10+Web, Desktop, Api
Founded20012014

Identical on both: free tier (No), user rating (Not yet rated), category (Automotive).

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 AutoFluent

  • Smart scheduling
  • Workflow automation
  • Digital inspections
  • Customer texting
  • Predictive reminders
  • Repair tracking
  • Payment processing
  • Analytics dashboard

Only in CDK Global

  • Dealer Management System
  • Sales desking
  • F&I management
  • Service scheduling
  • Parts inventory
  • Accounting
  • CRM integration
  • Digital retailing

Both cover

  • Data encryption

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

AutoFluent

  • Dealership Managementnot CDK Global
  • Service Schedulingnot CDK Global
  • Inventory Managementnot CDK Global
  • Sales Operationsnot CDK Global
  • Customer Relationshipnot CDK Global

CDK Global

  • Dealership operationsnot AutoFluent
  • Sales managementnot AutoFluent
  • Service departmentnot AutoFluent
  • Parts managementnot AutoFluent
  • Financial reportingnot AutoFluent

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

AutoFluent

  • No native mobile app; mobile access limited to web browser on smartphones
  • Primarily designed for repair shops; less suitable for large dealership operations
  • Setup and data migration can take up to 3 weeks for existing customer data conversion

CDK Global

  • No pricing information is published on the website
  • Pricing model is not disclosed; buyers must contact sales directly

Pricing, plan by plan

AutoFluent

$109/month
  • Basic$109/month
    • Customer tracking
    • Integrated accounting
    • Inventory management

CDK Global

On request
  • Drive$undefined/month
    • Core DMS functionality
    • Sales & F&I
    • Service & parts
  • Drive+$undefined/month
    • Everything in Drive
    • Advanced CRM
    • Digital retailing
  • Enterprise$undefined/month
    • Everything in Drive+
    • Custom integrations
    • Dedicated support

Which should you pick?

Choose AutoFluent if

  • You need smart scheduling.
  • You work on Windows 10+.
  • You also want workflow automation.
AutoFluent review

Choose CDK Global if

  • You need dealer management system.
  • You work on Web, Desktop, Api.
  • You also want sales desking.
CDK Global review

Questions people ask

Is AutoFluent or CDK Global better?
Neither clearly leads. AutoFluent starts at $109/month and CDK Global at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, AutoFluent or CDK Global?
AutoFluent starts at $109/month and CDK Global at On request.
Does AutoFluent or CDK Global run on more platforms?
AutoFluent runs on Windows 10+. CDK Global runs on Web, Desktop, Api.
What is AutoFluent best used for?
AutoFluent is most often used for dealership management, service scheduling, inventory management, sales operations. Of those, dealership management and service scheduling are not what CDK Global is typically brought in for.
What can AutoFluent do that CDK Global cannot?
AutoFluent covers Smart scheduling, Workflow automation, Digital inspections, Customer texting. CDK Global covers Dealer Management System, Sales desking, F&I management, Service scheduling. Both handle Data encryption.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

AutoFluent: Is AutoFluent cloud-based or on-premise?

AutoFluent offers both options. Cloud hosting is available with automatic nightly backups and remote accessibility from anywhere with internet. Local server installation is also available for shops that prefer on-premise deployment.

Source
CDK Global: How much does CDK Global cost?

CDK Global does not publish pricing on its website. The vendor requires customers to contact their sales team directly at 833.620.2129 or through their contact form to obtain quotes.

Source
AutoFluent: Does AutoFluent work with QuickBooks?

Yes. AutoFluent integrates with QuickBooks Pro, Premier, Enterprise, and QuickBooks Online, allowing you to export sales and purchase totals and manage accounts receivable directly.

Source
CDK Global: What is CDK Global's pricing model?

The pricing model is not disclosed. CDK Global directs all pricing inquiries to their sales team, suggesting a custom quote or negotiated pricing structure.

Source
AutoFluent: What is the minimum starting price and what does it include?

AutoFluent starts at $109/month for the Basic plan, which includes customer tracking, integrated accounting, inventory and sales management, website hosting, workforce management, and single-user access. Pricing is customized based on shop needs.

Source
CDK Global: Is there a free trial available?

No information about free trials is provided on CDK Global's website.

Source
AutoFluent: Can I use AutoFluent across multiple locations?

Yes. AutoFluent supports multi-location shops with consolidated reporting, shared customer and inventory data, and the ability to transfer inventory between locations. Cloud hosting is required for multi-location access.

Source
CDK Global: Who should I contact for pricing information?

Contact CDK Global's sales team at 833.620.2129 or 847.397.1700, or visit their Contact Us page to request pricing information.

Source
AutoFluent: How long does installation take?

Remote installation by an AutoFluent technician takes between 5 to 25 minutes. The software supports multiple remote access options including cloud hosting, VPN, or static IP setup.

Source
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