Mobile Mechanic
Fix cars where they are — skip the shop overhead
Mobile mechanics bring auto repair services directly to customers at their home, office, or wherever the vehicle is located. By eliminating the need for a physical shop, this model dramatically reduces overhead while charging similar rates. It is perfect for common repairs like brakes, oil changes, and diagnostics.
Avg Revenue
$130K
Profit Margin
30%
Acquisition Multiple
1.5x - 2x
Startup Cost
$15K - $40K
Difficulty
3/5
How It Works
Customers book appointments online or by phone for common repairs. You arrive at their location with a fully equipped van or truck and perform the work on-site. Revenue comes from labor charges and parts markup. Most jobs are brakes, batteries, oil changes, starters, and diagnostics.
Revenue Range
Real Acquisitions in This Category
SBA 7(a) change-of-ownership loans · NAICS 811111 · General Automotive Repair
Deal Size Distribution
Deal Flow Over Time
Financing Profile
Recent Comparable Deals
| Closed | State | Loan | Implied deal | Jobs | Franchise |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | FL | $1.4M | $1.6M | 14 | — |
| Dec 2025 | AL | $986K | $1.2M | 6 | Mr. Transmission |
| Dec 2025 | MA | $150K | $177K | 2 | — |
| Dec 2025 | GA | $2.9M | $3.4M | — | — |
| Dec 2025 | MN | $675K | $794K | 2 | — |
| Dec 2025 | NC | $963K | $1.1M | 4 | — |
| Dec 2025 | ME | $100K | $118K | 8 | — |
| Dec 2025 | WA | $416K | $489K | 6 | — |
| Dec 2025 | TX | $556K | $654K | 11 | — |
| Dec 2025 | NY | $585K | $688K | 7 | — |
Source: SBA 7(a) FOIA dataset, filtered to acquisitions (loans where business age is "Change of Ownership"). Implied deal size assumes an 85% loan-to-purchase ratio, a common SBA change-of-ownership structure. Charge-off rate shown only when 10+ loans have resolved (paid in full or charged off). Interest rates reflect last 24 months only. Actual deal values vary with equity injections, seller financing, and working capital terms.
Pros
- +No shop rent — dramatically lower overhead than traditional
- +Customers love the convenience of at-location service
- +High margins due to low fixed costs
- +Growing demand as people avoid dealership pricing
Cons
- -Limited to repairs that can be done on-site (no lifts)
- -Requires strong mechanical skills and diagnosis ability
- -Weather and working conditions can be challenging
Best For
Skilled mechanics who want to work for themselves without shop overhead
Operating Costs
Primary costs are parts, tools, van payment/maintenance, fuel, insurance, and marketing — no shop rent is the key advantage.
SBA Financing Estimator
Adjust the deal — see if it cash flows after debt service
Estimates only. Excludes owner compensation, capex, working capital draws, and taxes. Margin assumes average occupancy and volume. Actual SBA terms vary by lender and borrower profile.
Where to Buy
Find mobile and traditional auto repair businesses for sale
Browse automotive service business opportunities
Acquisition Score
Scores margin (30), entry multiple (25), SBA market depth (20), category risk (15), and deal momentum (10). Higher = better acquisition candidate.
Quick Facts
- Category
- service
- Difficulty
- 3/5
- Buy price
- $195K–$260K
Buyer's Toolkit
Essential tools to get started
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Largest business-for-sale marketplace in the US
SBA loans and business acquisition financing — get funded fast
ROBS financing — use retirement funds to buy a business tax-free
Bookkeeping for small business owners — hands-off financials
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