OpenAuto

Overview

OpenAuto brings job administration, parts ordering, technician time tracking, and reporting together in a Windows desktop application for independent automotive shops. It suits shops that want a free core system and prefer to keep its main features running locally. The trade-off is that optional integrations carry a per-card-transaction charge, and their availability may vary.

Key features

The workflow covers estimates, repair orders, invoices, customer and vehicle records, and scheduling. Parts ordering, technician hours, and labor rates extend it from recordkeeping into day-to-day job coordination. That breadth makes OpenAuto a credible core system for an independent shop; shops that depend on a particular supplier, accounting package, or payment connection should confirm the integration is available before relying on it.

Reporting includes profit and loss, cost of goods sold, and technician hours. These measures help owners review financial performance and labor activity alongside work orders, though the stated scope does not establish how reports can be customized.

The desktop app uses Python and PyQt6 with a local MySQL database. The maker says core features run locally; an optional FastAPI backend supports integrations and callbacks, with secure callbacks handled through Cloudflare Tunnel. This local-first arrangement may suit shops that want core operations on their own machine, while shops seeking a web-based system should consider alternatives.

Named optional integrations include PartsTech, QuickBooks, Odoo, Plate2vin, SMS notifications, and Square payment processing. The connections can broaden the workflow, but availability may vary and the payment-based charge means integration use has an ongoing cost tied to card transactions.

Pricing

The Core application costs nothing. It is the right starting point for shops that need the core shop workflow without a software fee. OpenAuto is described as free and open source.

Optional integrations & services cost $0.50, paid once, billed per card transaction. This option includes unlimited users, techs, and workstations, so the stated terms do not impose a seat or workstation cap. The maker says there are no monthly fees, long-term contracts, or vendor lock-in for this pay-per-transaction model. Shops should weigh that flexibility against transaction charges, especially if they process many card payments.

Platforms

OpenAuto is available for Windows. Its desktop architecture and local MySQL database make it a fit for shops choosing a Windows-based setup; it is not presented for other desktop or mobile platforms.

Who it's for

OpenAuto is best for independent automotive shops that want estimates, repair orders, invoicing, scheduling, parts ordering, technician time tracking, and reporting in one free core application. It is less suitable for shops that require a guaranteed integration, need another platform, or want to avoid transaction-based charges for optional services.

Pros and cons

• Pros: The free core application covers a broad shop workflow, from estimates and scheduling to invoices, with parts ordering and labor tracking included.
• Pros: Local core operation and a local MySQL database suit shops that prefer a desktop system with core features running locally.
• Pros: Unlimited users, techs, and workstations under the optional integration model avoid per-seat limits.
• Cons: Optional integrations cost $0.50, paid once for each card transaction, which can add up with payment volume.
• Cons: Integration availability may vary, making OpenAuto a weaker fit when a particular connection is essential.
• Cons: Windows is the only stated platform, limiting its fit for shops using other systems.

Alternatives

Compare automotive repair software if you want to survey more options across the category.

LxCars is a better fit for Linux users or shops that want self-hosted or web access; its Community plan is free, self-hosted, and MIT-licensed, while Enterprise offers dedicated-server deployment and individual configuration at custom pricing.

Carstio suits shops preferring a self-hosted web setup: its free plan is €0/ month, forever, with unlimited users, clients, and cars and all features included.

Shop OS is an option for web-based shops with fewer than 10 jobs per month, which can use its free plan.

ARI may suit shops looking across Android, iOS, web, and Windows, with a free plan and a free trial; its ARI Pro monthly plan costs $39.99 a month and includes invoicing, inspections, inventory, accounting, appointments, reminders, and time tracking.

Bay-Master is a paid option spanning Android, iOS, web, and Windows.

CCC ONE Repair Workflow is a paid option available on Android, iOS, web, and Windows.

Mitchell RepairCenter is a paid option for Android, API, iOS, and Windows.

Repair360 is a paid option for Android, iOS, and web.

Verdict

Choose OpenAuto if your independent shop runs Windows and wants a free, locally operating core system for jobs, scheduling, parts, technician time, and reporting. Its main advantage is the breadth of that free workflow; look elsewhere if you need a confirmed integration, another platform, or a payment model without per-card-transaction charges.