I'm thinking about starting a business buying, rebuilding and selling
used cars.  I'm developing a business plan and need to estimate what
it will cost me to build (or buy) a facility that will be able to
service virtually all automotive needs, including a body shop and
paint shop.  I'm estimating I need 12 'bays'.  I also need to know how
much I should expect to spend on tools and equipment.

Think big, start small. Who are your target customers?  Have you done
this type of work before? Are you going to be ASE certified? Are you
fixing domestics, imports or both?  You can spend a million but never
draw the first customer.  Best of luck!

Clint

Your location may be helpful. Here in Jacksonville, Florida the
competion is feirce. Word of mouth is important, so the cars you sell
need to be reliable. Most of your customers will have neither good
credit nor more than $100 for a down payment. Many of the vehicals you
take in trade, will be costly to repair. To minimize your up front
costs you may want to be mostly a repair shop the first year. I think
start small is good advice, as you will likely make many judgement
errors the first year.  Neil

I don't know where you are geographically, but if you'd like to locate
your business in central New York, I have two excellent potential site
suggestions for you:

(1) www.palladiangroup.com/camillus-route5

(2) www.palladiangroup.com/canastota

I am in the auto business and I can tell you, you're gonna need some
"cushion" money until you get a steady number of customers in. If you
hava a good reputation and know your stuff, then you'll get customers
immediate. If not, then plan on slow moving days. Personally, I
started in a 1 bay, leased garage and working my way up. So, start
slow until you get your client base and learn the business. - Optimum
Motorworks