Got a need for speed or a love for all things cars? Becoming an MOT or repair garage owner could be the career you’ve always dreamed of. Find a business below or contact us to learn more.
Buying an MOT garage or auto workshop could prove to be a lucrative decision. The United Kingdom’s motor vehicle maintenance and repair industry is estimated to make a revenue of almost £35 billion in 2025, meaning there are many chances to turn a healthy profit.
Automotive businesses tend to be fairly future-proof too, with the number of registered cars on UK roads rising annually. Each is bound to need fixes eventually, and MOT tests are required every year after a vehicle turns three years old.
As you can see, owning an auto repair shop could be an opportunity you don’t want to miss. If you are ready to enter this sector and offer an essential service to a local community, please browse the businesses below or get in touch for support.
You can expect a variety of benefits when you buy an auto repair shop, including:
- Growing and consistent demand – More cars on the road potentially means more repairs are needed. The average vehicle age is also rising, and older models tend to break down more.
- Repeat business and customer loyalty – The recurring use of your services is essential to your success. By providing a top-notch service, you can build loyalty with clients to ensure they come back whenever they need automotive assistance.
- Diverse service offering – You can help motorists in a range of ways, from services to MOTs and repairs, giving you several revenue streams to utilise.
- Contribute to safer roads – By making sure vehicles are roadworthy, you can enhance the safety of road users and pedestrians.
“The MOT and auto repair sector presents a robust opportunity for aspiring business owners. With consistent demand for vehicle maintenance and a chance to build lasting customer relationships, acquiring a well-established garage offers a strong foundation for growth.”
Primarily focusing on Ministry of Transport (MOT) tests. These are usually conducted annually to ensure each vehicle meets legal safety standards. You may offer minor repairs for some issues to help cars pass.
Offering a broad range of services, such as carrying out basic maintenance, completing complex fixes and addressing mechanical faults, an auto repair shop will assist customers following a breakdown or collision.
Most manufacturers advise servicing a vehicle once a year or every 12,000 miles (whichever comes first). A car service typically covers oil changes, fluid checks and general upkeep, helping to enhance longevity and performance.
While we’ll be here to take you through the buying process step by step, you can expect it to look something like this:
- Browse and find your ideal mechanic garage for sale
- Request further information from our advisors and visit the business
- Perform your own due diligence
- Negotiate the deal and finalise legal documents
- Transfer the funds and collect the keys
- Register the business
Benefit from our 75 years’ experience when you choose us to support your acquisition. We have sold over 40,000 businesses and receive top-rated reviews from past clients. What’s more, we can help finance your purchase, and you won’t have any upfront fees to worry about.
Our team of specialists are spread across 25 UK offices, so you can depend on us to deliver a local service backed by our nationwide reach.
Use our advanced search tool now to find a great MOT station or auto repair shop to buy. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you need further information.
We can also help you sell an MOT garage or auto repair shop if you are retiring or relocating. Please read our selling a business guide to learn more.
Prices to open an MOT garage vary depending on factors like location, staffing and premises. The businesses we sell start from under £100,000 and go to £450,000 or more, but you may need to pay additional rental fees, staff wages and equipment costs. It’s important to do your research before committing to a purchase.
Mechanic businesses are required to have a selection of licences before they start repairing motors. This includes:
- First trade licence
- Level 3 NVQ in Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair
- Level 2 MOT Testing Award
We believe the fundamental details to consider when buying an automotive business are financial performance, reputation, customer base, equipment and assets, location, premises, and staff members.
As of April 2024, you can charge a maximum of £54.85 for cars and £29.65 for standard motorcycles. Be sure to read the government guidance for MOT test prices for larger automobiles like heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).
Buying a business is the start of a new, exciting journey. At Ernest Wilson, we’re here to help you.
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