WheelsAI and AutoTrader do different jobs
Use AutoTrader for its marketplace audience; use WheelsAI for the dealer workflow and supported distribution.
Published · Last updated
AutoTrader is an established UK automotive marketplace with retailer advertising, valuation and stock products. WheelsAI is a dealer management workspace with its own hosted storefront. Treating them as identical products leads to a misleading price comparison.
WheelsAI does not promise to remove your AutoTrader cost. Enterprise dealers can feed supported stock to AutoTrader while retaining their account and paying AutoTrader directly.
Feature-by-feature comparison
| Feature | WheelsAI | AutoTrader |
|---|---|---|
| Primary role | Built-in DMS for stock, customers, deals, invoices and VAT reporting, plus a WheelsAI-hosted storefront. | Automotive marketplace and retailer product suite. |
| AutoTrader presence | Enterprise supports distribution to the dealer’s AutoTrader account. | The destination marketplace and retailer account. |
| Lead reply | 60-second SMS auto-reply for WheelsAI-storefront enquiries on every plan. The WheelsAI reply does not cover AutoTrader enquiries. | Evaluate the response tools included in your current retailer package. |
| Pricing | £250 Forecourt, £500 Growing, Enterprise from £1,000 per month. | Obtain a current quote for the retailer package and products you use. |
When WheelsAI wins
Dealers wanting one operational record for stock, customers, deals and paperwork, with a hosted storefront.
When AutoTrader wins
Dealers buying access to AutoTrader’s marketplace audience and retailer products.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Does WheelsAI require me to cancel AutoTrader?
No. Decide separately which advertising, website or finance services remain useful. WheelsAI replaces the back-office workflow; it does not claim that every AutoTrader service is unnecessary.
Does WheelsAI arrange motor finance?
No. WheelsAI shows illustrative finance-calculator figures only. It does not submit a credit application, connect the buyer to a lender or approve finance.
How should I compare the cost?
Compare the actual products, channel fees and staff workflow you use today with the WheelsAI plan that fits your active stock. Do not count AutoTrader spend as a saving because that account remains a separate channel.
See WheelsAI on your stock
Request a manually approved 30-day trial of the Forecourt workspace. A card is required, the trial is capped at 10 active listings, and there is no charge during the trial. Cancel before day 30 to avoid the first subscription charge.
Other comparisons
- WheelsAI vs MOTORSStart with the job you need done, then compare a current MOTORS proposal with the WheelsAI plan.
- WheelsAI vs Click DealerBoth cover dealer operations; the useful comparison is your required modules, website plan and migration path.
- WheelsAI vs GForces / Keyloop NetDirectorCompare the specific modules and integrations your dealership needs; do not assume a legacy product name defines the current package.
- WheelsAI vs CodeweaversWheelsAI runs the dealer record and storefront; Codeweavers focuses on connected digital-retail and finance journeys.
- WheelsAI vs iVendiChoose WheelsAI for the dealer record and storefront; assess iVendi when the requirement is a connected finance journey.