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.

Startup costA$2k to A$10k
Monthly revenueA$3k to A$15k
Time needed10+ h/week
First incomeMonths
  • A$2k-10k
  • Side hustle
  • Online

Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.

What it is

You source used, reconditioned or new diesel engines from wreckers, rebuilders and importers, then sell them online to owners, workshops and small fleets. Stock is mostly held by suppliers and freighted or collected when an order comes in.

Your first three steps

  1. Pick a niche, such as popular 4WD and ute diesels, and phone wreckers and rebuilders to compare prices and warranty terms
  2. Set up a simple website and listings on online classifieds with clear photos, engine numbers and warranty details
  3. Register an ABN, arrange insurance and write simple terms covering deposits, returns and warranty claims
Who pays

4WD and ute owners, mechanics and workshops, small fleet operators, farmers and contractors with older machinery.

How it makes money

You earn the margin between the supplier's price and your selling price, plus freight and sometimes fitting referrals. Each sale is typically a high-value single item.

Skills that help
  • Knowledge of common diesel engines (e.g. 4WD, ute and truck models)
  • Sales and clear communication
  • Organised record keeping
  • Comfortable negotiating with suppliers
Watch out for
  • Australian Consumer Law guarantees apply to the goods you sell, so check what you must offer on faults and refunds
  • Check your state rules on second-hand dealers and motor vehicle recyclers, and whether brokering parts needs a licence
  • Always record engine numbers and seller details to reduce the risk of handling stolen or mis-described engines
  • Fitting a replacement engine may need approval or inspection under your state's vehicle rules, so tell buyers to check
  • Public liability and product liability insurance, and a plan for freight damage on heavy items
  • If you run it from home, check whether your council requires approval for a home-based business

Deep research report · Australia

Everything you need to start: online used and reconditioned diesel engine broker

Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.

  • Startup costs with real prices
  • Licences, registration and rules
  • Pricing: what others charge
  • Break-even example
  • Finding your first customers
  • 30-day launch plan
  • Risks and how to reduce them
Ready in about 2 minutes · one-off payment, tax included

See a full sample report

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a diesel engine broker business online?

Startup costs are typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your website, supplier setup, insurance and any working capital for freight. These are estimates, and stock is mostly held by suppliers rather than by you.

What rules should I check before selling used diesel engines in Australia?

Check what Australian Consumer Law guarantees require on faults and refunds. Check your state rules on second-hand dealers and motor vehicle recyclers, and whether brokering parts needs a licence. Also tell buyers to check their state's rules on fitting a replacement engine.

How much can an online diesel engine broker earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around $3,000 to $15,000, depending on how many engines you sell and the supplier relationships you build. You may start with at least about 10 hours a week. Revenue is not profit.

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