LxCars vs Shop Boss
LxCars
lxcars.deShop Boss
shopboss.netSide by side
| Figure | LxCars | Shop Boss |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $199/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 3 | 7 |
| Spec score · Automotive Repair Software | 7.8 (#19) | 8.6 (#7) |
| Headquarters | Rehfelde, Germany | 2035 Lakeside Center Way, Suite 100, Knoxville, TN 37922, United States |
| Integrations | WhatsApp customer messaging uses the Meta Business API and requires a Meta Business account and verified phone number. | The product advertises parts and labor-guide integrations, DVI connections to guides/parts/inventory, tire ordering, CARFAX, Kukui, and EService Intelligence connections. |
| Product | LxCars is a web-based ERP for motor-vehicle repair shops and dealerships that combines customer management, invoicing, vehicle management, mechanic time tracking and work planning. | Shop Boss is auto shop management software for repair businesses, with tools for running shop operations in one place. |
| Support | The kivitendo migration package includes two to four weeks of extended support after the transition. | TrustRadius lists chat, knowledgebase/FAQ, forum/community, email, and phone support for both free and paid support categories. |
Plans
Shop Boss
- Gold$199 a month
- CRM + Online Service Scheduler$224 a month
- Platinum$349 a month
- Customer & Vehicle Data Transfer$399, paid once
- Premier$449 a month
- Premier Plus$649 a month
- Customer, Vehicle, Repair History & Inventory Data Transfer$899, paid once
In their own words
LxCars
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.