Automotive business ideas you can start in Australia

179 ideas

This page collects 180 automotive business ideas, from low-overhead mobile services to fixed workshops with fitting bays. They suit people with a trade background, a love of vehicles, or the patience to build a local customer base.

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

Mobile outboard servicing and parts

Service outboards at boat ramps, marinas and driveways, and sell the parts and small engines owners need.

  • A$15k-60k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about

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.

Mobile car air con regas and repair

Drive to homes, workplaces and small fleets to regas, leak test and fix car air conditioning.

  • A$8k-35k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about

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
Set of silver car hub caps and wheel trims displayed on shelves in a parts store.

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
Technician applying tint film to a car side window with a squeegee.

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

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

Online electric scooter dealer, test rides by booking

Sell electric scooters online from a small base, with booked test rides, local delivery and a partner workshop for servicing.

  • A$8k-35k
  • Part-time
  • Online
Trailer hitches, couplings and accessories displayed on shop shelves.

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

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.

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

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
Car sales advisor shaking hands with a customer beside a vehicle.

Car buyer's agent

Find, check and negotiate the right car for busy buyers, for a flat fee or a commission.

  • A$500-2.5k
  • Side hustle
  • Out and about

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
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

Mobile exhaust repair van

Drive to homes, worksites and fleets to repair exhaust leaks and replace mufflers without a workshop.

  • A$10k-45k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about
Technician repairing a chip in a windscreen with resin.

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

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.

Mobile brake repair service

Replace brake pads, rotors and fluid at customers' homes or workplaces from a fitted-out van or ute.

  • A$15k-40k
  • Part-time
  • Out and about

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

About these ideas

Some, like local vehicle transfers for garages and dealers or mobile motorhome and caravan detailing, can start with a vehicle and basic equipment. Others, like a wheel shop with fitting bay or a small workshop for tune-ups and logbook servicing, need premises, tools and insurance. Before you choose, think about your qualifications, how much space and capital you have, and whether you want to travel to customers or have them come to you. Check licensing and council requirements for your state or territory early.

More ideas

Questions

Do I need a licence or qualification to start an automotive business in Australia?

It depends on the work and your state or territory. Mechanical repairs, inspections and some trade supply often involve licensing or recognised qualifications. Check with your state transport or fair trading authority, and ask your insurer what they expect before taking on customers.

Should I start mobile or with a workshop?

Mobile services, such as farm machinery repair or caravan detailing, usually need less upfront spending and no lease. A workshop can offer more services and steady local trade but brings rent, equipment and compliance costs. Compare your budget, skills and the work you want to do.

What should I check before leasing premises for a vehicle business?

Check the zoning allows automotive use, and ask the council about approvals for noise, waste oil, signage and customer parking. Confirm what the lease says about environmental responsibilities and fit-out. A solicitor or accountant can help you review the terms before you sign.