Automotive business ideas that run from your own premises

86 ideas

These 87 automotive ideas all need a workshop, shop, bay or yard of your own, rather than a mobile setup or a spare room. They suit people with a trade background, a strong interest in vehicles, or the funds to hire skilled staff.

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5k to 20kOver 20kFrom homeOut and aboutOnline
A mechanic servicing an outboard boat motor in a workshop beside the water.

Outboard motor shop and workshop

Run a small shop and workshop selling, servicing and repairing outboards for local boaters and anglers.

  • A$50k-250k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Mechanic recharging a vehicle air conditioning system with gauges in a garage.

Car air conditioning workshop

Run a small workshop that diagnoses, repairs and recharges car air con for drivers, fleets and garages.

  • A$25k-90k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Technician applying tint film to a car side window with a squeegee.

Window tinting workshop

Run a small dust-controlled bay or unit offering car and fleet tinting by appointment.

  • A$8k-35k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
A mechanic adjusting a car wheel on an alignment rig in a garage.

Wheel alignment workshop

Run a small workshop that aligns wheels for local drivers, tradies and small fleets.

  • A$40k-120k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises

Alignment service from a rented workshop bay

Rent a bay in a mechanic or tyre shop and offer alignments to its customers and yours.

  • A$15k-50k
  • Part-time
  • Own premises
Staff showing an electric scooter to a customer in a bright dealership showroom.

Electric scooter shop with servicing

Open a small shopfront selling electric scooters to commuters, with test rides, accessories and basic servicing.

  • A$40k-150k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Trailer hitches, couplings and accessories displayed on shop shelves.

Trailer parts shop with trade counter

Open a small shop or unit stocking trailer parts, hitches and accessories for locals, farmers and workshops.

  • A$25k-100k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Second-hand car parts stored on shelves in a parts warehouse.

Used car parts yard and counter

Dismantle scrapped cars and sell the parts from a small yard with a trade counter and online listings.

  • A$30k-120k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Mechanic fitting an exhaust silencer under a car in a garage.

Exhaust fitting and repair workshop

Run a small workshop fitting and repairing exhausts and mufflers for local car, ute and van owners.

  • A$30k-120k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Technician repairing a chip in a windscreen with resin.

Windscreen repair and replacement workshop

Run a small unit offering chip repairs, replacements and window glass, with mobile callouts.

  • A$15k-70k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Mechanic fitting new brake discs to a car wheel in a garage.

Brake repair workshop with fleet work

Run a small workshop focused on brake repairs for local motorists and businesses with work vehicles.

  • A$40k-150k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Technician applying printed vinyl graphics to the side of a van.

Vehicle wrap and graphics studio

Run a small workshop offering design, printing and wrapping for business fleets and private cars.

  • A$50k-150k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Tow hook and winch mounted on the back of a recovery truck.

Towing equipment trade counter and delivery

Run a small unit stocking winches, tow bars and recovery gear for local tow operators and garages, with a delivery run.

  • A$25k-80k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Mechanic replacing spark plugs in a car engine.

Small workshop for tune-ups and logbook servicing

Rent a small unit with a hoist and offer routine servicing to local drivers at fair prices.

  • A$25k-90k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Technician sanding and painting a damaged car panel in a body repair workshop.

Small panel and paint workshop

Run a leased workshop that straightens, fills and paints damaged panels for car owners and insurers.

  • A$30k-150k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Mechanic repairing a motorcycle engine in a small workshop.

Motorcycle repair workshop

Rent a small unit with a hoist and service and repair bikes for local riders.

  • A$20k-80k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Rows of shiny alloy car wheels displayed on racks in a wheel shop.

Wheel shop with fitting bay

Open a small shop selling alloy and steel wheels to walk-in motorists and local garages, with fitting on site.

  • A$40k-150k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
New motorcycles lined up on the floor of a dealership showroom.

Used motorcycle dealer with a small yard

Buy, prepare and sell quality second-hand bikes from a small yard or showroom to local riders.

  • A$30k-120k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises
Driver washing a car with a high pressure wand in an open wash bay.

Small self-service car wash site

Set up two to four wash bays on leased or owned land where drivers pay by time to wash their own cars.

  • A$250k-500k
  • Part-time
  • Own premises

Take over an existing self-service car wash

Buy a running wash site with approvals and regular customers already in place, then upgrade and look after it.

  • A$100k-450k
  • Part-time
  • Own premises
Secure lockup garages with a classic car stored inside.

Secure car storage yard or shed

Lease a small industrial shed or yard, secure it and rent out bays for long-term car storage.

  • A$8k-40k
  • Part-time
  • Own premises
Mechanic rebuilding a car gearbox on a workbench in a garage.

Gearbox and auto transmission repair workshop

Diagnose, repair and rebuild manual and automatic gearboxes for drivers and local garages from a small unit.

  • A$25k-100k
  • Full-time
  • Own premises

Gearbox rebuilds for local garages

Rebuild gearboxes and transmissions for independent mechanics who send the work out, using a modest workshop space.

  • A$10k-50k
  • Part-time
  • Own premises
White electric golf buggy parked on a green course beside a clubhouse.

Used and refurbished golf buggy sales yard

Buy ex-fleet golf buggies, refresh them and sell to clubs, resorts, farms and private owners.

  • A$15k-75k
  • Part-time
  • Own premises

About these ideas

Options range from a walk-in tyre repair and fitting workshop or a scooter shop with sales and servicing, to a small self-service car wash site or a motorhome inspection and pre-trip check bay. Before anything else, work out what space and equipment you need, and what the lease or purchase would cost each month. Check zoning, council approvals, environmental rules for waste such as oil and tyres, and what licences or qualifications your chosen work requires. Then see whether local demand can cover your fixed costs.

More ideas

Questions

Do I need a qualification to open an automotive workshop in Australia?

It depends on the work and the state or territory. Some repair and servicing activities may require a licence or recognised trade qualifications, while retail or supply ideas may not. Check with your state licensing body and your insurer before committing to premises.

What should I check before leasing a site for an automotive business?

Confirm the zoning allows your use, and ask the council whether development approval is needed. Check the lease terms, parking and access for vehicles, and how waste such as oil, coolant and tyres will be handled. Get advice before signing.

How can I keep startup costs down when I need my own premises?

Start with a smaller unit, buy second-hand equipment where it is safe to do so, and choose an idea that fits the space you can afford. Compare rent against realistic weekly income, and leave a buffer for slow months and insurance.