Where Does an Auto Mechanic Find a Cheap Repair Shop to Rent?

An auto mechanic looking for an auto repair shop to lease can check out available commercial space listings at Loopnet.com. LoopNet has listings for automotive properties available for lease in several states. Rental costs for leased properties vary, depending on location, square footage and other factors.

Location is an important factor when considering an automotive property to lease, and shops located in busy urban areas, or near highways are good for attracting customers. An auto mechanic can expect to pay $1,500 to $15,000 per month to lease a shop, and lower rents usually mean less space for repair work.

Another thing to consider is whether or not the rental property includes automotive repair equipment. Purchasing a new diagnostic machine costs $5,000 to $10,000, as of 2015, and specialty repair tools cost $15,000 on average. Installing a car lift is over $3,000, and expenses must also include the cost of purchasing business insurance, which averages around $4,000 per year.

Automotive properties for lease include stand-alone buildings or commercial spaces located in a multiple unit building. Some properties have one or more garage areas for repairs, and many provide an area where customers can wait while their cars are being serviced. Doing simple auto repairs is one way to keep costs down while building a new business.