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Automotive · head to head

CDK Global vs IDENTIFIX

CDK Global logo

CDK Global

Automotive

Drive your dealership forward

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
IDENTIFIX logo

IDENTIFIX

Automotive

Fix it the first time

From
$99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: CDK Global no pricing information is published on the website; IDENTIFIX promotional monthly pricing reverts after 2 months: Pro Academy rises from $278/mo to $298/mo and Pro rises from $268/mo to $288/mo
  • They diverge on capability: CDK Global covers Dealer Management System, IDENTIFIX covers Direct-Hit database.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

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

Attributes where CDK Global and IDENTIFIX differ
AttributeCDK GlobalIDENTIFIX
Starting priceOn request$99/month
Pricing modelquotesubscription
PlatformsWeb, Desktop, ApiWeb, Desktop, Mobile
Founded20141987

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 CDK Global

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

Only in IDENTIFIX

  • Direct-Hit database
  • Confirmed fixes
  • OEM repair info
  • Wiring diagrams
  • TSB access
  • Component locators
  • Hotline support
  • Training videos

Both cover

  • Data encryption

What people use each for

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

CDK Global

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

IDENTIFIX

  • Automotive repair shops looking up verified repair fixes and diagnostic data for specific vehiclesnot CDK Global

Where each one falls short

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

CDK Global

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

IDENTIFIX

  • Promotional monthly pricing reverts after 2 months: Pro Academy rises from $278/mo to $298/mo and Pro rises from $268/mo to $288/mo
  • DIY plan at $29.99/mo limits database access to a single vehicle only, versus full vehicle database on Academy and Pro plans
  • Technician training and certification prep are excluded from the Pro plan and included only on the pricier Academy plan

Pricing, plan by plan

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

IDENTIFIX

$99/month
  • Direct-Hit$99/month
    • Confirmed fixes
    • OEM information
    • Wiring diagrams
  • Direct-Hit Pro$159/month
    • Everything in Direct-Hit
    • Hotline calls
    • Expert assistance
  • Shop Plus$249/month
    • Everything in Pro
    • Multiple users
    • Shop management

Which should you pick?

Choose CDK Global if

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

Choose IDENTIFIX if

  • You need direct-hit database.
  • You work on Web, Desktop, Mobile.
  • You also want confirmed fixes.
IDENTIFIX review

Questions people ask

Is CDK Global or IDENTIFIX better?
Neither clearly leads. CDK Global starts at On request and IDENTIFIX at $99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, CDK Global or IDENTIFIX?
CDK Global starts at On request and IDENTIFIX at $99/month.
Does CDK Global or IDENTIFIX run on more platforms?
CDK Global runs on Web, Desktop, Api. IDENTIFIX runs on Web, Desktop, Mobile.
What is CDK Global best used for?
CDK Global is most often used for dealership operations, sales management, service department, parts management. Of those, dealership operations and sales management are not what IDENTIFIX is typically brought in for.
What can CDK Global do that IDENTIFIX cannot?
CDK Global covers Dealer Management System, Sales desking, F&I management, Service scheduling. IDENTIFIX covers Direct-Hit database, Confirmed fixes, OEM repair info, Wiring diagrams. Both handle Data encryption.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

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
IDENTIFIX: What Identifix products are available?

Identifix offers Direct-Hit Pro Academy (professional diagnostic tool with training), Direct-Hit Pro (professional software with 3M+ confirmed fixes), Direct-Hit DIY (described as monthly, low-cost option), Direct-Hit Mobile (mobile access), ShopCentral (cloud shop management), Direct-Help (1-on-1 support), and marketing services.

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
IDENTIFIX: Does Identifix have a budget-friendly option?

Yes, Direct-Hit DIY is described as a monthly, low-cost option for individual vehicle owners. Exact pricing requires visiting the store or contacting their sales team.

Source
CDK Global: Is there a free trial available?

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

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
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