Carsu vs LxCars

Carsu is cloud-based workshop management software for car garages, tyre shops, fast-fitters, and motorcycle workshops. Its agenda supports appointments, job assignment, workload balancing, and real-time job status; the Workboard helps teams allocate jobs to technicians and follow progress. Users can create reusable job templates and estimates. A website booking widget sends appointment requests to the agenda for confirmation. WhatsApp Business, Viber, SMS, and email support customer updates, confirmations, and reminders, including automatic MOT, service, and tyre-change reminders with booking links. The European-market tyre catalogue includes product images and EPREL label data, while full inventory management is described as coming soon. Reporting includes dashboards and exportable reports, with performance tracking by workshop, technician, or service type. Carsu is available on web, iOS, and Android and requires no installation or IT staff. Starter costs €29.90 a month, billed monthly, excluding VAT; Pro costs €59.90 a month, billed monthly, excluding VAT. Annual billing offers 17% savings. Carsu is headquartered in Ermelo, Netherlands.

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.