ARI vs LxCars

ARI is auto repair shop software for managing appointments, diagnostics, quotes, digital inspections, invoices, payments, and promotion. It is aimed at mobile mechanics, independent technicians, repair shops, auto dealers, and other auto care professionals. Shop tools include client and vehicle records, inventory, job cards, estimates, accounting, reminders, time tracking, and reporting. Customers can use a portal to follow repair progress, review and approve recommended work, book visits, and pay invoices through a link without downloading an app or signing up. Vehicle tools include VIN decoding, license plate reading, service history, and OBD scanning. Listed integrations include payment processors such as Square, 360Payments, PayPal, Stripe, and Helcim, plus PartsTech, M1, CarFax, CarMD, QuickBooks, and Wisetack. The free trial permits up to five items in categories including invoices, estimates, inspections, clients, and vehicles. Paid accounts have no monthly invoice limit and no limit on added users or devices. ARI Pro costs $399.99 a year, billed yearly at 33.33 USD monthly; a monthly option costs $39.99 a month.

LxCars is a web-based ERP for motor-vehicle repair shops and dealerships, combining customer management, invoicing, vehicle records, mechanic time tracking, and work planning. Its vehicle database connects to KBA vehicle data, and an AI-assisted scanner can extract details from photographed or uploaded registration documents. Mechanics can use work instructions, record time, and request spare parts; the TÜV module handles defects and inspection reminders. Accounting covers quotes, orders, invoices, and delivery notes, with DATEV export and role-based access rights. The Community plan is free and includes the full software, self-hosted under the MIT license. LxCars can run locally or in Docker on customer infrastructure, using PostgreSQL on its own server without a cloud dependency. Installation documentation specifies Linux server components including PHP 8 and PostgreSQL 16, or Docker and Docker Compose. Optional AI tools include call transcription, vehicle chat, work-item suggestions, number-plate recognition, incoming-invoice analysis, and an office assistant. Text requests are sent encrypted to Anthropic or OpenAI APIs; number-plate recognition runs locally.