Do you need a garage to work on your car? Whether you live in an apartment, lack space, or just need a better-equipped workshop, trying to rent a garage to work on your car is a neat workaround. In this guide, we’ll be looking at some of the best rental options for you, from DIY auto shops to storage units and private garage rentals.
This may help you if you like to tinker around with your car, but you live in an apartment complex that prohibits you from working on your car in the parking lot. Or, maybe your house has either no garage or a small garage. Personally, I can resonate with that, as we’ll compare pricing, availability, and upsides for each rental option.
Quick Comparison – Rent A Garage To Work On A Car
While we’ll be discussing each of the 12 options where you could rent a garage to work on your car in more detail further below, for now, here’s a quick comparison table we’ve prepared to know where each rental option stands, at a glance:
| Rental Option | Estimated Cost | Availability | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY Auto Shops & Garages | $30/hour – $600/month | Available in select cities | Full tools, lifts, and expert guidance |
| Private Garage Rental | $10/hour – $1,000/month | Listed on peer-to-peer platforms | Flexible terms, variety of equipment |
| Storage Units | $100 – $300/month | Available nationwide | Secure space for long-term projects |
| Parking Garages | Usually free (case-by-case) | Public & business parking lots | Short-term access for quick fixes |
| Friends’ Garage | Free or negotiable | Based on personal connections | Cost-effective, familiar environment |
| Self-Service Auto Shops | Pricing varies | Limited availability | Professional tools in a structured space |
| Community Centers/Clubs | Usually free for members | Local car clubs and workshops | Great for networking and sharing knowledge |
| Vocational Schools | Often low-cost | Auto programs at schools | Professional tools, hands-on learning |
| Mobile Garage Units | Varies by provider | Available in select cities | Fully equipped service that comes to you |
| Barns & Farms | $50 – $500/month | Rural areas | Spacious, ideal for long-term projects |
| Pop-Up Tents | $50–$300 (one-time purchase) | Set up anywhere | Affordable and portable DIY solution |
| Driveway Rental | Varies, usually low-cost | Homeowners renting out driveways | Simple and budget-friendly option |
Car Garage For Rent
The term “car garage for rent” refers to services that rent out garage space to you, so you can bring in a car and work on it, much like how musicians might reserve a recording studio, or vanlifers can rent out camping space. If you don’t have a garage space at home, you can easily search around to rent a garage space to work on a car, just by going onto Google.
Some of these car garage for rent services even have full-sized lifts, so you may raise your car off the ground without needing to use a jack or jack stand. Meanwhile, others come equipped with all the tools and machines you’d possibly need to work on your car, available at the rental garage.
In some cases, there are mechanics among the staff at the rental location in addition to the machinery. This way, you can ask them for help if you have any urgent questions or need any direction. However, they might charge more for their time if you require a mechanic to guide you through the procedure.
Can I Rent A Garage To Work On My Car?
There are plenty of options where you can rent a garage to work on your car, and here are some of the best car garages for rent services and alternatives you could consider:
Option 1: DIY Auto Mechanic Shops And Garages
A DIY auto shop or garage is one of the safest and most equipped solutions for self-servicing your vehicle. These businesses provide hourly or daily vehicle bay rentals. Some of them provide you with specialized equipment, lift assistance, and even hourly access to on-staff mechanics.
The main drawback is that there aren’t many huge franchises or central locations. In practice, these locations are more akin to an Airbnb, rented out by individuals (and sometimes businesses). Searching for “DIY vehicle repair [city name]” will help you identify a local garage in your neighborhood. This should show all if there are any garages in your city or nearby.
The cost will vary depending on the length of time you rent a garage to work on a car and the facilities the garage offers. The standard fees in the rented DIY garages and auto shops are approximately $30 per hour, $125 per day, $360 per week, or $600 per month. Make sure you ask for a quote beforehand, so you know how much you’re paying.
Option 2: Private Garage Rental
Consider renting a space directly from the garage owner if there isn’t a local DIY auto shop. For instance, there are services and sites that provide a network of public and private garages where users can browse around and rent out space and equipment. Filtering any specific options includes things like workbenches, painting supplies, mechanic assistance, and car lifts.
The cost varies since it’s set by individual garage owners, but here’s a rough quote to give you an idea:
- Per hour: between $10 and $60
- Every day: $50 to $150
- Every week: About $300
- Monthly: between $150 and $1,000
Additionally, peer-to-peer marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist are good places to explore bay rentals. If you’re refurbishing a car, peer-to-peer rentals frequently include long-term rental choices as well as flexible payment schedules. You could also ask around your neighbors and friends to see if they’d be willing to rent out their garage space.
Be aware that when renting space directly from an owner, you might choose to or be required to sign a liability waiver or formal leasing agreement. If you hurt yourself while working in the rental space, damage your car, or harm the garage, this will shield both you and the owner from a lawsuit. Make sure you make this part clear before agreeing to the rental or lease.
Option 3: Storage Units
Your car can be kept in a storage unit, some of which allow you to repair it there or work on your car at will. These facilities are perfect for large or long-term projects because you may store the car and any necessary parts or tools for a weekly or monthly rental cost. The prices vary, but for a storage unit that’s big enough to fit a car, $100 to $300 is a safe bet.
If you need to use any power equipment, make sure to verify the amenities of the unit before you rent a garage to work on a car, because some storage facilities lack electrical outlets. Additionally, lacking lifts, storage units are unable to address all repairs. Public Storage and CubeSmart are two national storage corporations that provide vehicle storage.
Before doing any maintenance on your car, be careful to ask permission from the storage facility; not all places will let you work on a car. For instance, Life Storage forbids it because of the insufficient power, the loudness, and the potential for spillage, smoke, and odors, among other reasons.
Option 4: Parking Garages
You might be able to work on your car in a public parking lot, too, for a quick maintenance task like replacing your oil, spark plugs, or air filters. Always inquire if the property management or business owner will permit you to do minor repairs in their parking lots. Not all of them are keen on letting you work on your car at their property.
Public parking lots, such as those at auto parts stores, might not care as long as you aren’t engaged in any labor-intensive activities and don’t create a mess or bother others. You might even be able to use the parking lot at your place of employment with your employer’s permission. It is up to the individual manager to decide whether to allow consumers to do this.
This is because none of the businesses, including AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and Walmart, have an internal policy that strictly permits or disallows this. If a store does let you park there, be mindful not to spill anything or leave anything behind out of consideration for the property manager and other customers. So, don’t be afraid to ask!
Option 5: Contact A Friend
This could be a fantastic alternative for you to employ to fix your car if you have a friend who owns a garage. Using a friend’s garage, you can be confident you won’t be bothering anyone or breaking any laws. You might offer to work on their cars if they need it, if they seem a little apprehensive, or offer payment or something nice in return.
Option 6: Auto Shops With Self-Service
You could be surprised to find a self-service car shop nearby if you do a little research. It might not be as well known or convenient as some of the other possibilities. It’s a special service that lets you rent a garage to work on your car to fix your car on your own, with assistance, or have it fixed by the company.
Your needs will vary depending on the service you choose, so doing your homework will be helpful. Make sure you have a few key tools on hand if you intend to fix your car, whether you have a garage or not. The job you’ll perform probably won’t be suitable for a typical toolbox. Some of these self-service car garages for rent services also rent out tools and machines, too.
Option 7: Local Community Centers or Clubs
Local car enthusiast clubs or community centers often have resources or spaces available for members to work on their vehicles. Joining such groups not only offers a place to work but also connects you with knowledgeable individuals. You can usually get connected with these groups and clubs via online forums or social media (like Facebook, for example).
They might also give valuable insights, tips, or even lend a helping hand. Inquire within your community or look online for any local car clubs that may have a dedicated space for members. Never underestimate just how helpful fellow car enthusiasts can be in helping out other gearheads.
Option 8: Vocational Schools
Many vocational schools or community colleges offer automotive programs, like teaching folks how to repair or work on a car. Occasionally, these institutions might rent out their labs and garage spaces during off-hours or weekends. This provides an excellent space, often equipped with tools and lifts, to work on your vehicle.
Plus, students or instructors may be available for guidance. However, always check with the institution first regarding their policies and rental fees. Not all organizations and institutions let you do this, so give them a call or simply email beforehand.
Option 9: Mobile Garage Units
With the rise of the gig economy, some have started mobile garage services. These are large vans or trucks, fully equipped with tools, that come to your location. While they’re meant for professionals to offer services, some might rent out their units for DIY mechanics. This option is especially useful if you lack a good space to work but have all the necessary skills.
Option 10: Farm or Barn Rentals
In more rural areas, farmers or landowners might have large barns or sheds they’re willing to rent out. These spaces can be ideal for car projects, especially if you’re restoring a vintage model and need long-term storage. The rates are typically more affordable than urban alternatives, but ensure these barns are secure and suitable for your needs.
Option 11: Temporary Pop-Up Tents
If your project is short-term and the weather’s on your side, consider using a pop-up tent or canopy. While this isn’t exactly a “rental” in traditional terms, buying a sturdy tent or canopy gives you a shaded, somewhat protected area to work on your car in any open space available to you.
It’s essential to ensure you’re permitted to work in your chosen location, and always be aware of the environment: clean up any spills promptly and avoid leaving any waste behind. The best thing about this option is that it gives you a lot of flexibility, and you could even work in your backyard if you want to.
Option 12: Driveway Rental
Some people with long driveways or extra parking spaces offer them for rent. These websites and services allow individuals to list their available driveways for others to rent, typically for parking. However, with permission, you might find someone willing to let you use the space for car repairs, especially if the project or repair job is quick and simple.
Just make sure you consider the nature of your project, budget, and location when selecting the best fit. Always communicate clearly with any rental provider, ensure you have the required permissions, and respect all rules and guidelines. Your car project should be an exciting endeavor; with the right space, you’ll be on the road in no time!
Where To Find A Garage For Rent To Work On A Car?
Now that we’ve looked at the many options out there where you could rent a garage to work on your car, where can you find them? Well, it turns out that finding a rental garage for doing work on your car doesn’t have to be difficult! There are a few ways we’ve found to locate one near you, whether you need a DIY auto shop, a private garage, or a storage unit:
1. Use Google Maps & Yelp
Google Maps and Yelp are excellent tools for locating places where you could rent a garage to work on your car. Simply search for generic keywords and terms like:
- “DIY auto repair shop near me“
- “Garage rental for car repairs“
- “Self-service auto shop near me“
To make your search even more effective, remember to use filters to check business hours, customer reviews, and available amenities before visiting.
2. Explore Specialized Garage Rental Websites
Aside from that, several unique websites connect car owners with available garage spaces, including:
- GarageTime – This is a peer-to-peer rental service offering hourly garage rentals with tools included.
- DIY Auto Repair Shops Directory – Use these to find extensive lists of self-service garages nationwide.
- SpareFoot – It could help you find storage units suitable for doing vehicle repairs.
Your options will differ based on where you live because no national chains or large franchises provide rental garage space.
3. Check Local Classifieds & Facebook Groups
Best of all, car enthusiast groups are abundant out there, with passionate local communities that often list garage spaces for rent on platforms like:
- Facebook Marketplace – Search for “garage for rent” in your area to find possible garage rentals.
- Craigslist – See if you can find something by browsing the “Parking & Storage” or “For Rent” sections.
- Nextdoor – This is a neighborhood-focused app where residents can post and share rental spaces.
4. Ask Local Mechanics & Auto Clubs
Now, if you’re still having trouble finding a garage, consider reaching out to:
- Independent auto mechanics – Some mechanics often rent out unused shop space during off-hours.
- Car enthusiast clubs – Members of car clubs sometimes share garage spaces or know of available rentals.
- Vocational schools – Some vocational schools even offer low-cost rental options for DIY repairs.
By combining these search methods, you can quickly find the best rental garage space that suits your needs and budget.
How Much To Rent A Garage To Work On My Car?
There’s another thing we’ve yet to break down in detail, too – the price. We briefly touched on the estimated costs of trying to rent a garage space to work on your car earlier, but there’s more that you need to know. Namely, the pricing varies wildly depending on the location, type of rental, included amenities, and additional fees.
Here’s a rough breakdown of the estimated costs to help you budget accordingly:
| Type of Rental | Estimated Cost (Per Hour/Day/Month) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| DIY Auto Repair Shops | $20 – $50 per hour | Lift, tools, workbenches |
| Private Garage Rental | $150 – $500 per month | Secured space, sometimes with power |
| Storage Units (Car Work Permitted) | $100 – $400 per month | Covered space, power in some cases |
| Commercial Shop Bay Rental | $50 – $150 per hour | Professional-grade lifts, equipment |
| Co-Op Auto Clubs | $100 – $300 per month | 24/7 access, community tools |
Remember too that rates vary by city and location. Moreover, you could typically expect higher prices in urban areas and lower costs in rural locations.
Rent A Garage To Work On A Car – Hidden Fees To Watch Out For
Before you commit to a garage rental, there are some hidden fees and potential extra charges that you need to look out for:
1. SECURITY DEPOSITS & LIABILITY WAIVERS
- Many rental garages require a security deposit ($50–$500) to cover damages.
- Liability waivers may also be required, limiting the owner’s responsibility for injuries.
2. EQUIPMENT & TOOL FEES
- Some DIY auto shops provide tools for free, while others charge $5–$20 per tool rental.
- Specialized tools (engine hoists, diagnostic scanners, and more) may cost extra ($20–$50 per use).
3. INSURANCE & DAMAGE FEES
- Some rental garage spaces require additional insurance coverage ($10–$30 per day).
- If any damage occurs to the property, then you might be liable for repair costs.
4. ACCESS & TIME RESTRICTIONS
- Many shops charge extra for after-hours access ($10–$30 per extended hour).
- Plus, exceeding your booked time can result in late fees ($10–$50 per extra hour).
Thankfully, there are some techniques that we’ve learned that could help you get the best deal possible for a garage rental:
- Book in advance – Last-minute rentals often cost more, so book in advance if and when possible.
- Compare multiple locations – Prices can vary widely within the same city, so compare rates between them.
- Ask about package deals – Some garages offer bulk hour discounts, so consider package deals if available.
- Join a car club – Monthly memberships often come with free tool access and lower rental rates.