Frequently asked questions
About AutoReader
What is AutoReader?
AutoReader is Windows software for professional vehicle buying. It monitors the major German car marketplaces and reports newly published vehicle listings within seconds: by sound, by balloon message or by e-mail. AutoReader is a product of CarObserver GmbH in Hamm, Germany.
Which car marketplaces does AutoReader support?
mobile.de and AutoScout24.de are supported, with Carbon also Kleinanzeigen.de. Carbon Lite searches only the first two. All the search options of the respective marketplace are available. The search is marketplace-precise and not merely a full-text search across the result list.
What does AutoReader cost, and is there a free trial version?
Prices are not published; they are agreed in conversation. The trial version runs for seven days and is free of charge. You do not receive any login details by e-mail. The installation is carried out together over the phone.
Can private individuals use AutoReader as well?
No. The trial version is available to commercial car dealers only, and both purchase and trial requests from private individuals are declined. A trade licence for vehicle dealing is asked for with the request.
Which operating system do I need for AutoReader?
AutoReader is a Windows desktop application. There is no macOS or Linux version and no pure web version. According to the provider, the use of proxy server solutions generally prevents the software from working.
How am I notified about new vehicle listings?
In three ways: by sound, by a balloon message on the desktop and by e-mail. The notification is sent promptly as soon as a new vehicle is offered on one of the monitored marketplaces.
Is AutoReader also available as an app for iPhone and Android?
Yes, two apps: AutoReader ToGo brings the vehicle search to mobile devices. AutoReader Communicator connects the smartphone with the desktop software. If you call a seller, the listing appears in the app and the seller can be dialled from there.
Does AutoReader also assess the vehicles it finds?
No. AutoReader finds newly published listings and reports them to you within seconds; the assessment remains your own. Anyone who also wants an assessment uses the Sourcing Tool: it searches domestic and foreign vehicle marketplaces, calculates the margin before the purchase and forecasts the likely days in stock. Both solutions can be used side by side.
What support do I get with AutoReader?
Phone support, e-mail support, support in other languages and installation help. Under the terms and conditions, free support covers five requests concerning installation and use; support beyond that may be charged.
About the Sourcing Tool
What is the Sourcing Tool?
The Sourcing Tool is a purchasing solution for buying on the open market. It runs in the browser, brings domestic and foreign vehicle marketplaces as well as auction sources together in one place, and assesses every listing with a recommended price, a margin calculation and a forecast of the likely days in stock.
What is the difference between AutoReader and the Sourcing Tool?
AutoReader is built for speed in finding: Windows software that reports newly published listings on mobile.de, AutoScout24 and, with Carbon, Kleinanzeigen within seconds. The Sourcing Tool runs in the browser, additionally covers many European marketplaces and auction sources, and assesses the vehicles found. Many dealerships use both side by side.
Do I have to install anything for the Sourcing Tool?
No, the Sourcing Tool runs in the browser. AutoReader, by contrast, is a Windows application and is installed on a computer at the dealership.
Which countries can I buy vehicles from with the Sourcing Tool?
Which country a vehicle comes from follows from the source in question. The complete list is in the feature comparison on the solutions page: the rows "Further European marketplaces" and "Auctions" can be expanded there, and the auction sources carry a country code. Work on adding further countries is under way.
Which marketplaces and auction sources are connected?
Alongside mobile.de, AutoScout24 and Kleinanzeigen, further European portals including sauto.cz, otomoto.pl, lacentrale.fr, blocket.se and willhaben.at, plus auction and ex-lease sources such as ALD, Arval, Athlon, Autorola, Auto1 and AUTOBID. The complete list is in the feature comparison on the solutions page, where the two rows can be expanded.
How do I know before buying whether a vehicle is worthwhile?
Every vehicle is analysed with AI support. You see whether the price is in line with the market, where the potential lies and where the risks are, along with the margin from the recommended selling price less purchase and estimated costs, and the likely days in stock. In addition, demand and supply per vehicle specification, a figure for the equipment level and a price map show where the vehicle stands in the market.
Can I source the vehicles myself, or is the purchasing handled for me?
Both are possible, including in combination. You can use the tool to source vehicles yourself, or have vehicles imported turnkey on request. Logistics and handling are optional.
Can the Sourcing Tool be connected to our DMS?
Yes. The vehicle sourcing module and all the other modules are accessible through an open API and can therefore be integrated into your own systems.
Is there a trial version of the Sourcing Tool?
No. The free trial version exists only for AutoReader. We show the Sourcing Tool in a personal appointment using real vehicles. The start includes an accompanying coaching phase with trained staff from the automotive sector.