Auto dealership mobile apps connect car shoppers and service customers with the dealership through their phone. From browsing inventory to scheduling oil changes, the app bridges the gap between digital and showroom.
Essential Features
Inventory Browsing
- Vehicle search — filter by make, model, year, price, features
- Photo galleries — 360-degree photos and walkaround videos
- Vehicle details — specs, equipment, Carfax, window sticker
- Compare — side-by-side vehicle comparison
- Save favorites — bookmark vehicles of interest
- New inventory alerts — push notifications when matching vehicles arrive
Shopping Tools
- Payment calculator — monthly payment estimates by term and rate
- Trade-in valuator — instant trade-in estimate with photo submission
- Credit application — submit finance application from the app
- Incentives — current manufacturer rebates and dealer specials
- Test drive scheduling — book test drives from vehicle listing
- Deal builder — start structuring your deal before visiting
Service Department
- Service scheduling — book appointments by service type and advisor
- Service status — real-time update on vehicle service progress
- Maintenance reminders — automated reminders based on mileage and time
- Service history — complete record of work performed at the dealership
- Service offers — coupons and seasonal service promotions
- Recall checker — check for open recalls on your vehicle
Communication
- Chat with sales — message sales team about specific vehicles
- Chat with service — communicate with service advisor
- Push notifications — new inventory, service ready, special offers
- Video walkaround — request personalized vehicle video tours
- Appointment reminders — test drive and service appointment alerts
- Social sharing — share vehicle listings with family and friends
Owner Experience
- My vehicle — stored vehicle details, documents, and service records
- Owner benefits — loyalty perks, referral bonuses, exclusive events
- Parts & accessories — browse and order genuine parts
- Roadside assistance — one-tap roadside help for customers
- Loyalty program — earn points on service and refer friends
- Trade-up alerts — equity notifications when favorable to trade
Technical Considerations
- Platform: React Native for iOS and Android
- Backend: Node.js integrating with DMS and CRM systems
- Database: PostgreSQL for customer and vehicle data
- VIN: NHTSA VIN decoder for vehicle identification
- Push: Firebase Cloud Messaging for inventory and service alerts
- Integration: DMS APIs for inventory feed and service scheduling
Development Timeline & Cost
- MVP: 10-16 weeks, $30,000-$75,000
- Full app: 20-36 weeks, $80,000-$220,000
Conclusion
An auto dealership mobile app keeps the dealership in customers' pockets from shopping through ownership. Custom apps drive service retention, enable digital retailing, and create the connected experience modern car buyers expect.
Ready to build a dealership app? Contact RCB Software for a free consultation, or learn more about our mobile app development services.