LxCars

LxCars is a self-hosted, web-based ERP for vehicle repair shops and dealerships that brings workshop and accounting workflows into one system. It suits operators who can manage a Linux server or Docker deployment and want control over their infrastructure. Its breadth is compelling, but the technical setup and reliance on external services for some features make it a poor fit for buyers seeking a turnkey cloud app.

Overview

LxCars combines customer and vehicle records with work planning, mechanic time tracking, invoicing and related dealership workflows. Its vehicle database connects to KBA data, and an AI-assisted scanner can extract details from uploaded or photographed registration documents. For a shop that wants operational records and billing in one ERP, that combination is more useful than a tool focused only on repair orders.

Hosting is a central choice, not a minor deployment detail: LxCars can run on the customer's infrastructure, locally or with Docker, using PostgreSQL on its own server. That avoids a cloud dependency, but puts server setup and ongoing responsibility on the customer. Documented installation calls for Linux server components including PHP 8 and PostgreSQL 16, or Docker and Docker Compose.

Key features

Workshop tools cover work instructions, mechanic time tracking and spare-part requests. A TÜV module adds defect management and inspection reminders. Together, these support day-to-day job execution and follow-up, while parts inventory, work-order management and vehicle history extend the system beyond basic customer records.

Quotes, orders, invoices and delivery notes cover core transaction paperwork, and DATEV export gives the accounting workflow a route into that ecosystem. Role-based access rights are useful where staff need different permissions. WhatsApp messaging uses the Meta Business API, so it requires a Meta Business account and verified phone number; shops without those prerequisites should not count on it as a ready-to-use channel.

Six optional AI functions include call transcription, vehicle chat, suggested work items, number-plate recognition, incoming-invoice analysis and the Weroni office assistant. Text requests are sent encrypted to Anthropic or OpenAI APIs, while number-plate recognition runs locally and camera image and video data remain on the server. This is a meaningful distinction for operators weighing automation against data handling, though the text tools still involve external AI services.

Pricing

The free Community plan gives access to the full software rather than a reduced feature tier, but it is self-hosted: server provisioning and administration remain part of the cost in time and expertise. Professional shifts hosting, setup, updates and backups to the provider. Enterprise targets multi-branch operators with dedicated infrastructure and individual configuration. Neither paid plan has a published price, so buyers should compare a quote with the effort of operating Community themselves.

The provider also offers a kivitendo migration service for workshops and smaller dealerships. Its complete price depends on data volume, workstation count and training scope. Migration does not carry over custom Perl extensions, non-standard custom reports or archived email correspondence, and the package includes two to four weeks of extended support after transition. That makes it a potential route off kivitendo, but not a frictionless transfer for heavily customized installations.

Platforms

LxCars is available for Linux, self-hosted deployment and the web. The combination suits a shop that wants browser-based access while keeping the system on its own infrastructure; it does not provide the plug-and-play convenience of a hosted-only service unless the Professional plan is chosen.

Who it's for

LxCars is best for independent repair shops and smaller dealerships that want workshop, vehicle and accounting workflows together and have the capacity to manage a Linux or Docker environment. Multi-branch businesses may prefer the Enterprise configuration. Shops that lack server expertise, or that need WhatsApp, telephony and AI features to work immediately without external-service setup, should look elsewhere.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Full-featured free tier: Community includes the full MIT-licensed software, making self-hosting a viable way to avoid a reduced trial or feature-limited edition.
• Workshop and back-office breadth: Work instructions, time tracking, parts requests, TÜV follow-up, invoices and DATEV export connect practical shop work with paperwork.
• Infrastructure control: Local or Docker hosting with a PostgreSQL database on the customer's server avoids cloud dependency.
• Specific data-handling choices: Number-plate recognition runs locally, while text requests to external AI APIs are encrypted.

Cons

• Technical ownership comes with the free plan: Linux, PHP and PostgreSQL requirements or a Docker setup make Community a poor match for shops seeking an effortless installation.
• External-service features need setup: WhatsApp requires Meta credentials and a verified phone number, and demo access to WhatsApp, telephony and AI is limited.
• Migration has gaps: Custom Perl extensions, non-standard reports and archived email are not transferred automatically from kivitendo.
• Paid tiers require a quote: Professional and Enterprise have custom pricing, so their cost cannot be compared directly without contacting the provider.

Alternatives

Browse Automotive Repair Software for the broader category. Choose Bay-Master instead if you want a paid option spanning Android, iOS, web and Windows, with scheduling, inventory, reporting, digital inspections and QuickBooks integration among its listed features. ARI is a better fit for buyers who want a paid cross-platform product with a free plan and trial; its ARI Pro monthly plan is $39.99 a month and includes invoicing, inspections, inventory, accounting, appointments, reminders and time tracking.

Carstio is worth comparing if you want free self-hosted software with unlimited users, clients and cars, and all features included. For alternatives without further feature or pricing detail, consider CCC ONE Repair Workflow, Mitchell RepairCenter, GEM-CAR, OpenAuto or Shop OS.

Verdict

Choose LxCars if you run a repair shop or smaller dealership that wants a full workshop ERP, values control over its data and can take responsibility for self-hosting. Its strongest case is the full-featured free Community edition paired with broad workshop and accounting tools. Look elsewhere if you need turnkey hosting without a custom quote, or depend on external-service features that require setup beyond the core deployment.