The automotive industry has seen a surge in the development and use of advanced tools for vehicle appraisal. With options ranging from specialised evaluation apps and DMS add-ons to traditional handwritten appraisals, choosing the right one for your dealership can be challenging.
TLDR: For dealerships looking for the optimal balance of comprehensive features, performance, and return on investment, EvalExpert is the clear choice for most. If you have a limited budget and are willing to compromise on features, data quality, and help & support, a potentially cheaper option will likely cover the basics.
EvalExpert
EvalExpert stands out with an advanced, comprehensive feature set. Standout capabilities include:
- Efficient 3-step user interface for fast, accurate evaluations
- Remote evaluation links for off-site appraisals
- Complete VIN-specific vehicle data including factory-fitted options
- Dealer website plug-in syncing evaluations into your EvalExpert account
- In-app messaging to share evaluations with other users
- PPSR & CarHistory (AU), Advanced Search, and messaging
- Flexible image capture: new photos, uploads, and 360° spins
- Comparative pricing analysis across previous evals, stock, sales and market data
- Open API for CRM/third-party integrations
- Authorised DMS integrations including Pentana EraPower, AutoIT UNITS & PMDS, Gateway, Titan DMS, DealerCell and more
- Automated reporting and a full audit trail
- Cross-device support (iOS, Android, web, desktop)
- Operations in 14 countries with in-house engineering and data science
Option 1: Other specialist digital evaluation apps
These can be cheaper for smaller dealerships, but often come with higher risk of incorrect vehicle matches, limited website integrations, basic reporting, slower updates, and weaker support.
Option 2: Your existing DMS appraisal module
Usually free or low-cost with strong DMS fit, but often slow UI, limited vehicle data, weak sharing/CRM options, and lower staff engagement.
Option 3: Handwritten appraisals
Simple but weakest on data quality, visibility, security, reporting and collaboration — and costly in time over the long run.
Conclusion
EvalExpert emerges as the best option for most dealership operations due to its extensive features and industry-leading technology. While a cheaper option may still suit smaller dealerships with tight budgets, comprehensively assessing your requirements will help you make an informed decision.