Automotive business ideas you can start for up to $20,000
43 ideas
These 43 automotive ideas suit people who like cars, trucks or bikes and want to start without a workshop lease. Some are mobile, such as a mobile pre-purchase car inspector or a mobile paintless dent repair service, where your van and tools are the main costs.
Local hub cap and wheel trim trade supplier
Keep popular hub caps and wheel trims in your garage and supply local garages and body shops fast.
- A$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- From home
Online hub cap and wheel trim store
Sell hub caps, centre caps and wheel trims online to trade and public buyers Australia-wide.
- A$1.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- Online
Mobile car window tinting
Fit tint film to cars at customers' homes or workplaces from a van or ute.
- A$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Online trailer parts and accessories store
Sell hitches, lights, jockey wheels and spare parts to trailer owners across Australia from a website.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Online used car parts seller
Sell tested second-hand parts for a few popular models through online marketplaces, posted or picked up.
- A$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- From home
Sell-my-car broker
Photograph, list and sell cars for private owners who want a good price without the hassle.
- A$1.5k-7.5k
- Side hustle
- From home
Mobile windscreen chip repair
Fix stone chips and small cracks at people's homes and workplaces before they spread.
- A$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile vehicle wrap installer
Fit vinyl wraps and graphics on vans, utes and cars for sign shops, tradies and car owners.
- A$2k-8k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Online towing and recovery gear supplier
Sell tow hooks, winches and straps online to tow operators, garages and 4WD owners from a small stockroom at home.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Buy-to-order used vehicle exporter
Find used utes, 4WDs and vans for overseas buyers, then arrange shipping from home.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- From home
Online alloy and steel wheel seller
Sell alloy and steel wheels online to motorists and garages, with stock from a small garage or supplier delivery.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Online
Mobile car valeting
Drive to homes and workplaces and give cars a full interior and exterior clean on the spot.
- A$1.5k-7k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Valeting for dealers and fleets
Prepare cars for car yards, rental firms and company fleets on a regular contract.
- A$3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile alternator and starter motor supplier
Deliver tested replacement alternators and starters to local garages and mobile mechanics, fast.
- A$3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Online alternator and starter motor shop
Sell replacement alternators and starters online to repairers and DIYers, shipped from a supplier or your spare room.
- A$1.5k-8k
- Side hustle
- Online
Part-time classic car restorer from your garage
Take on smaller restoration jobs like mechanical refreshes, trim and panel repairs for local classic car owners.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- From home
Used EV consignment seller
Sell used electric cars for private owners for a fee, without buying the stock yourself.
- A$2k-10k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Salvage parts seller from your shed
Buy a few damaged cars, pull the good parts and sell them online to repairers and DIY owners.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- From home
Online motorsport parts and gear store
Sell racing parts, accessories and apparel online to club racers, track day drivers and weekend enthusiasts.
- A$1.5k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
Trackside motorsport pop-up shop
Sell consumables, gear and apparel from a van or stall at race meets, track days and car shows.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Online tune-up kits and parts shop
Sell spark plugs, filters and service kits online to home mechanics and small workshops.
- A$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
Mobile car audio installer
Fit stereos, speakers and subwoofers at customers' homes or workplaces from a well-kitted van or ute.
- A$4k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Home-based car alarm trade supplier
Stock car alarms and immobilisers at home and post them to garages and auto electricians.
- A$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- From home
Online used and reconditioned diesel engine broker
Match 4WD, truck and machinery owners with used or rebuilt diesel engines from suppliers, without holding much stock.
- A$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Online
About these ideas
Others are online, like an online car care products store, which suits you if you prefer selling and marketing over hands-on work. Before you choose, think about your existing skills, whether you need formal trade qualifications, and how much you will spend on tools, stock and insurance. Check what licences, registrations or insurance your state or territory may require, then compare ideas by startup cost, how quickly you could earn, and how much time you can commit.
More ideas
- Classic engine rebuilds from a home garage
- Online truck parts supplier
- Used trailer reseller from home
- Number plate frames, home-based wholesale
- Home garage car trim repairs
- Used truck broker working from home
- Online car care products store
- Mobile motorhome pre-purchase inspector
- Mobile pre-purchase car inspector
- Mobile car battery testing and fitting
- Mobile radiator repair and garage pickup
- Mobile scooter mechanic
- Mobile motorhome and caravan detailing
- Mobile car alarm and tracker installer
- Online performance and racing parts store
- Mobile paintless dent repair
- Online caravan and motorhome parts shop
- Mobile sunroof repair service
- Online race and track car broker
Questions
Do I need a trade qualification to start an automotive business in Australia?
It depends on the work. Mechanical repairs, installations and some inspections may require specific qualifications or licences in your state or territory. Check with your local licensing authority before you start, and ask your insurer what they expect.
Is a mobile or online automotive business cheaper to start?
Both can keep costs lower than renting a workshop. Mobile services need a suitable vehicle, tools and insurance, while online shops need stock, a website and storage space. Compare your likely costs for each idea against your $20,000 budget.
What should I check before selling or exporting vehicles and parts?
Look into whether you need a motor dealer licence, how consumer law applies to your products, and what import or export rules cover them. Rules vary by state and product, so check with the relevant authorities or an adviser.