Beyond the bundled WebManager template
AutoManager has served independent dealers for decades, and DeskManager remains a workhorse DMS. But a website bundled with a DMS is built to exist, not to win. DealerForge builds the site that out-loads, outranks, and out-converts — and still syncs with the tools you keep.
Credit where due
What AutoManager does well
AutoManager is one of the longest-tenured names in independent dealer software, and plenty of lots run their whole operation on DeskManager. That experience counts. The comparison below isn't about the DMS — it's about whether a bundled website template can compete with a platform whose entire job is turning shoppers into your leads.
Why dealers switch
AutoManager vs. DealerForge, line by line
The line items dealers actually ask about, side by side.
Why stores switch
Three numbers that decide it
What changes the day a dealership moves to DealerForge.
Keep managing inventory the way you do today — DealerForge syncs from your existing feed and sends leads wherever you work them.
Template sites share their structure with every other dealer on the platform. A custom build gives Google a reason to put your lot first in your town.
With the AI CRM, the lead that lands after close gets a real answer in seconds — not a reply when the doors open.
See it in action
A real dealer site, live today
Good Miles Auto — an independent store in Nine Mile Falls, WA — runs on DealerForge. Live inventory, payment-based search, and lead capture on every screen, mobile-first.
FAQ
Switching from AutoManager, answered
Can I keep AutoManager as my DMS?
Yes — most stores should. DealerForge syncs inventory from the feed you already export and pushes leads to whatever you work them in. You're upgrading the storefront, not ripping out the back office.
What makes the website worth a separate bill?
The website is the only part of your operation every shopper touches. A flat $799/month buys a custom, sub-second, SEO-first storefront — the kind of site the big franchise stores pay $3,500+ for, priced for an independent lot.
Will I lose my Google rankings?
No — every existing URL is mapped and 301-redirected, and structured data is rebuilt and verified before launch. Rankings typically improve within weeks on the faster pages.
How long until I'm live?
Two to three weeks for most lots — design, feed integration, migration, and training included, with your current site up until launch.
Comparison reflects publicly available information as of June 2026 and may change. AutoManager is a trademark of its respective owner and is not affiliated with DealerForge. Found something outdated? Email us and we'll correct it.
See your store on DealerForge
We'll mock up your dealership so you can compare with your current site side by side — no commitment.