How to Start an Auto Shop: Equipment Checklist 2026
Bottom line: opening a viable two-bay shop in 2026 takes roughly $25,000 to $55,000 in equipment if you buy smart, plus rent, deposits, insurance, and working capital. The single biggest line item is your lift bay, with everything else, tire stack, diagnostics, air, and alignment, scaling from there. This guide walks through the actual equipment list, three sample bay budgets, and the layout and compliance details that make or break a shop in year one.