Automotive business ideas you can start in Canada

180 ideas

This page collects 181 automotive business ideas, from low-overhead online models to hands-on workshops. Some suit people who like dealing and sourcing, such as a car buying service for busy shoppers or online used motorcycle sales and consignment.

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5k to 20k Over 20k From home Out and about Own premises 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

Online trailer parts and accessories shop

Sell trailer parts and hitches across Canada through your own website, shipped from a garage or from your supplier.

C$3k-15k
Side hustle
Online

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

Mobile exhaust repair service

Repair exhaust leaks, broken hangers and damaged pipes at customers' homes and yards from a equipped van.

C$15k-45k
Part-time
Out and about

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

Online wheel and winter wheel package seller

Sell alloy and steel wheels online to drivers and garages, shipped from your supplier or a small home stock.

C$1.5k-8k
Side hustle
Online

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.

Used jet ski reseller

Buy, tidy up and resell used jet skis from home or a small yard, mostly for the summer season.

C$6k-30k
Side hustle
From home

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.

Online used car parts seller

Pull, test and sell second-hand car parts online from a home garage or small storage space.

C$2k-10k
Side hustle
From home

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.

Mobile motorcycle mechanic

Service and fix motorcycles in riders' driveways and garages with a van full of tools.

C$5k-25k
Side hustle
Out and about

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.

Mobile car A/C repair and recharge

Fix and recharge car air conditioning at drivers' homes, workplaces and small fleet yards.

C$8k-25k
Part-time
Out and about

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.

Mobile car tune-up service

Drive to customers' driveways to do spark plugs, filters and fluid changes on routine servicing.

C$3k-15k
Part-time
Out and about

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

Online electric scooter dealer with demo rides

Sell electric scooters online from home, with demo rides and local delivery, and no shop rent.

C$3k-15k
Side hustle
Online

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

Mobile dent and bumper repair

Fix dents, scuffs and bumper damage at customers' homes and workplaces from a van.

C$8k-35k
Part-time
Out and about

About these ideas

Others suit those with mechanical skills and access to space, like a suspension spring workshop or a small auto salvage yard. Before you choose, think about how much capital you would need for stock or equipment, whether you need a rented bay or yard, and which skills or trade certifications your province may expect. Check licensing, insurance and consumer protection rules for selling vehicles or parts where you live. Start with the idea that matches what you already know, then test demand locally before you commit money.

More ideas

Questions

Do I need a licence to sell vehicles in Canada?

Often, yes. Vehicle sales rules are usually set provincially, and many provinces expect dealers or regular sellers to be registered. Check your provincial regulator, and confirm whether selling a few vehicles differs from selling as a business.

Can I start an automotive business from home?

Some ideas can work from home, such as brokering, online parts sales or consignment listings. Workshop or salvage ideas usually need suitable premises. Check local zoning, environmental rules for fluids and waste, and your insurance before you begin.

What should I check before buying stock or equipment?

Work out your total startup costs in CAD, including inventory, tools, storage and insurance. Check whether you need trade certification, how you will verify vehicle or part history, and what warranty or return duties may apply when you sell.