Automotive business ideas you can run from your own premises

92 ideas

These 93 automotive ideas all work from a space you rent or own, such as a workshop, service bay, yard or shop. They suit people with a trade background, or those ready to hire skilled technicians, who want a fixed base customers can find.

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5k to 20k Over 20k From home Out and about Online

Trailer hitches, couplings and accessories displayed on shop shelves.

Local trailer parts and hitch shop

Open a small shop selling hitches, lights, axles and accessories to trailer owners and local workshops.

C$40k-150k
Full-time
Own premises

Mechanic fitting an exhaust silencer under a car in a garage.

Exhaust and muffler shop

Fit and repair exhausts, mufflers and pipes for car and truck owners from a small rented bay unit.

C$40k-120k
Full-time
Own premises

Rows of shiny alloy car wheels displayed on racks in a wheel shop.

Wheel shop with showroom and fitting bay

Open a small unit selling alloy and steel wheels to drivers and garages, with in-store advice and fitting.

C$30k-150k
Full-time
Own premises

Secure lockup garages with a classic car stored inside.

Seasonal car storage in your barn or yard

Rent spare barn, shed or fenced yard space to owners who store cars over winter or while away.

C$2k-10k
Side hustle
Own premises

Row of used electric cars parked on a dealership forecourt with a salesperson nearby.

Used EV dealership with a small lot and service bay

Run a small lot selling used electric cars, with basic servicing and charging on site.

C$60k-300k
Full-time
Own premises

A mechanic adjusting a car wheel on an alignment rig in a garage.

Wheel alignment shop with your own bay

Set up a small shop with an alignment rack and serve drivers, tire shops and local fleets.

C$25k-90k
Full-time
Own premises

Alignment service from a rented garage bay

Use second-hand alignment gear in a rented bay and take alignment jobs from garages and tire shops.

C$10k-30k
Part-time
Own premises

Several jet skis displayed for sale at a waterside dealership on a sunny day.

Jet ski dealership with service shop

Run a small showroom and workshop selling new and used jet skis, with servicing and winter storage.

C$60k-250k
Full-time
Own premises

Second-hand car parts stored on shelves in a parts warehouse.

Used car parts shop with a small yard

Run a small unit or yard selling tested second-hand parts to local drivers and garages.

C$25k-100k
Full-time
Own premises

Mechanic repairing a motorcycle engine in a small workshop.

Small motorcycle repair workshop

Rent a small unit and repair and service bikes for riders in your area.

C$20k-80k
Full-time
Own premises

Driver washing a car with a high pressure wand in an open wash bay.

Self-service car wash bays

Take over a small existing coin or card-operated wash and keep it clean, running and busy.

C$100k-400k
Part-time
Own premises

Mechanic recharging a vehicle air conditioning system with gauges in a garage.

Car A/C specialist workshop

Rent a small garage bay and focus on car and light truck A/C diagnosis, repair and recharge.

C$20k-60k
Full-time
Own premises

Mechanic replacing spark plugs in a car engine.

Tune-up bay in a rented unit

Rent a small garage bay or unit and focus on quick, affordable routine tune-ups.

C$10k-50k
Full-time
Own premises

Staff showing an electric scooter to a customer in a bright dealership showroom.

Electric scooter shop with servicing

Sell and service electric scooters from a small shop for commuters, students and city riders.

C$30k-120k
Full-time
Own premises

Mechanic repairing a dented car panel in a body repair workshop.

Independent collision repair shop

Run a small body shop repairing collision damage for insurers and private owners.

C$50k-250k
Full-time
Own premises

Technician applying printed vinyl graphics to the side of a van.

Colour-change car wrap studio

Rent a small heated bay and wrap cars in colour-change vinyl for private owners and enthusiasts.

C$8k-30k
Full-time
Own premises

Valeter vacuuming and cleaning a car interior.

Car detailing studio in a rented bay

Run an indoor detailing bay for year-round interior, paint correction and protective coating work.

C$12k-45k
Part-time
Own premises

Technician spray painting a car panel in a paint booth.

Small car paint and refinishing shop

Rent a small unit with a spray booth and repaint panels, bumpers and whole vehicles.

C$20k-90k
Full-time
Own premises

Stripped vehicles and car parts stacked in a dismantling yard for recycling.

Small car dismantling yard

Buy end-of-life cars, dismantle them and sell parts to garages, with the leftover metal going to a recycler.

C$25k-120k
Full-time
Own premises

Part-time car parts dismantler

Strip a few cars at a time from a rented bay or rural lot and sell the parts online and to local garages.

C$3k-12k
Side hustle
Own premises

Written-off damaged cars parked in rows at an outdoor salvage yard.

Small auto salvage yard

Run a small yard that buys damaged vehicles and sells used parts to local repair shops and walk-in customers.

C$30k-150k
Full-time
Own premises

Restorer working on a classic car body in a workshop.

Car restoration workshop

Rent a small unit and run full restoration projects for collectors and enthusiasts, with room to add staff.

C$15k-70k
Full-time
Own premises

A mechanic servicing an outboard boat motor in a workshop beside the water.

Outboard motor shop with service bay

Open a small shop selling parts and used outboards, with a service bay for repairs and winter storage prep.

C$40k-150k
Full-time
Own premises

New motorcycles lined up on the floor of a dealership showroom.

Used motorcycle dealership

Buy, prepare and sell used motorcycles from a small lot or showroom, with simple servicing and accessories on the side.

C$30k-150k
Full-time
Own premises

About these ideas

Options range from a diesel engine repair workshop or a car electrical specialist workshop to a powersports sales and service shop. Before you choose, think about the location and the lease. Check zoning for your type of work, and whether you need environmental rules for fluids, waste or scrap, insurance, and any trade certification. Compare start-up costs for lifts, tools and stock against the revenue each bay or counter could realistically bring in. Browse the list, then shortlist two or three that match your skills and budget.

More ideas

Questions

Do I need a trade certification to open an automotive business in Canada?

It depends on the work and the province. Some repair trades are regulated or compulsory, while others are not. Check with your provincial apprenticeship or trades authority, and confirm whether you or your technicians need to hold specific certification.

What should I check before leasing a workshop or yard?

Confirm the zoning allows automotive use with your municipality. Ask the landlord about environmental history, fluid and waste handling, ventilation, power supply and insurance requirements. Have a lawyer read the lease, especially renewal terms and any clean-up responsibilities.

How do I decide between a repair shop and a retail or parts business?

Repair work relies on skilled labour, equipment and steady bookings, while retail or parts depends more on stock, suppliers and foot traffic. Compare your skills, start-up budget and local competition, then test demand by talking to nearby garages and customers.