Softwr

Automotive · head to head

KBB vs CARFAX for Dealers

KBB logo

KBB

Automotive

Vehicle pricing and research from Kelley Blue Book

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
CARFAX for Dealers logo

CARFAX for Dealers

Automotive

Show them the CARFAX

From
On request
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only KBB has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: KBB kBB car-values tool is free to consumers with no subscription tier, per the 27 Dec 2022 archive capture; CARFAX for Dealers the App Store listing (publisher CARFAX, Inc.) states the app requires an existing CARFAX for Dealers business account login, so it cannot be evaluated or purchased as a standalone app without a separate commercial dealer contract already in place.
  • They diverge on capability: KBB covers Vehicle pricing, CARFAX for Dealers covers Vehicle history reports.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which KBB and CARFAX for Dealers actually diverge.

Attributes where KBB and CARFAX for Dealers differ
AttributeKBBCARFAX for Dealers
Starting priceFreeOn request
Pricing modelfreemiumsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWeb, Mobile, AppWeb, Mobile, Api
Founded19261984

Identical on both: 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 KBB

  • Vehicle pricing
  • Trade-in values
  • Depreciation estimates
  • Expert reviews
  • Comparisons
  • Research tools
  • Cost of ownership
  • Inventory search

Only in CARFAX for Dealers

  • Vehicle history reports
  • Service history
  • Accident history
  • 1-Owner finder
  • CARFAX listings
  • Service retention
  • Dealer website tools
  • Customer leads

What people use each for

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

KBB

  • Dealership Managementnot CARFAX for Dealers
  • Service Schedulingnot CARFAX for Dealers
  • Inventory Managementnot CARFAX for Dealers
  • Sales Operationsnot CARFAX for Dealers
  • Customer Relationshipnot CARFAX for Dealers

CARFAX for Dealers

  • Vehicle historynot KBB
  • Customer trustnot KBB
  • Inventory merchandisingnot KBB
  • Service retentionnot KBB
  • Lead generationnot KBB

Where each one falls short

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

KBB

  • KBB car-values tool is free to consumers with no subscription tier, per the 27 Dec 2022 archive capture

CARFAX for Dealers

  • The App Store listing (publisher CARFAX, Inc.) states the app requires an existing CARFAX for Dealers business account login, so it cannot be evaluated or purchased as a standalone app without a separate commercial dealer contract already in place.

Pricing, plan by plan

KBB

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Vehicle values
    • Pricing data
    • Expert reviews
  • Dealer Instant Offer$299/month
    • Instant offer capability
    • Lead generation
    • Customer tools

CARFAX for Dealers

On request
  • Basic$undefined/month
    • Vehicle history reports
    • Inventory listings
    • Dealer website badge
  • Advantage$undefined/month
    • Everything in Basic
    • CARFAX Hot Listings
    • Service retention tools
  • Advantage Plus$undefined/month
    • Everything in Advantage
    • Snap report
    • 1-owner leads

Which should you pick?

Choose KBB if

  • You need vehicle pricing.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Web, Mobile, App.
  • You also want trade-in values.
KBB review

Choose CARFAX for Dealers if

  • You need vehicle history reports.
  • You work on Web, Mobile, Api.
  • You also want service history.
CARFAX for Dealers review

Questions people ask

Is KBB or CARFAX for Dealers better?
Neither clearly leads. KBB starts at Free and CARFAX for Dealers at On request, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, KBB or CARFAX for Dealers?
KBB has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for KBB and On request for CARFAX for Dealers.
Does KBB or CARFAX for Dealers run on more platforms?
KBB runs on Web, Mobile, App. CARFAX for Dealers runs on Web, Mobile, Api.
Can I use KBB for free?
Yes. KBB has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. CARFAX for Dealers starts at On request.
What is KBB best used for?
KBB is most often used for dealership management, service scheduling, inventory management, sales operations. Of those, dealership management and service scheduling are not what CARFAX for Dealers is typically brought in for.
What can KBB do that CARFAX for Dealers cannot?
KBB covers Vehicle pricing, Trade-in values, Depreciation estimates, Expert reviews. CARFAX for Dealers covers Vehicle history reports, Service history, Accident history, 1-Owner finder.
ShareXLinkedInRedditWhatsAppEmail

Related pages

More on KBB

More on CARFAX for Dealers

Keep looking

Other head to heads