LasCars Self-Service founders plan to expand into new cities

Drivers Turn to DIY Garages to Cut Rising Repair Bills

Two entrepreneurs in Iași launched a self-service automobile workshop where drivers rent lifts and professional tools to fix their own cars. Now, that customer base has nearly doubled, and the founders are examining plans to expand into new cities, according to Economedia.

The business passed its break-even threshold after three years of operation, though profitability has not yet reached the founders’ ultimate targets. Lucian noted that rising vehicle maintenance costs and broader economic pressures are pushing more motorists toward self-repair options to optimize household budgets. This shift comes as personal automobiles become essential daily transport rather than mere convenience. Beyond financial savings, Andrei explained that some clients choose the self-service model simply due to a lack of trust in traditional mechanics who occasionally compromise on quality when consumers lack alternatives.

Weighing Regional Expansion Across Moldavian Hubs

The founders of LasCars Self-Service—lawyer Andrei and mechanic Lucian—are considering markets in Vaslui, Bacău, Botoșani, and Suceava for potential new units. However, they have not yet set a specific location or timeline for the investment.

Andrei told Economedia that expansion is much easier discussed than executed. The founders are primarily analyzing local purchasing power, competitor pricing at traditional service centers, and the size of the regional vehicle fleet in each targeted city.

Weighing Company-Owned Units Versus Franchise Growth

Opening a new unit will require an initial investment of roughly 50,000 euros, though the final cost depends heavily on the secured space. While franchise models were evaluated to accelerate growth, the founders lean toward opening company-owned units to maintain direct control over service quality. Andrei noted that franchising brings distinct challenges regarding the consistency of the customer experience. Initial interest for a similar concept also emerged in Cluj-Napoca, though those talks remain at an early stage.

Hourly Bay Rates Versus Conventional Shop Fees

The business model allows drivers to bypass standard labor charges by paying for workshop time instead of mechanic fees. According to Economedia, the standard rate at the Iași garage is up to 70 lei per hour, dropping to 50 lei per hour on weekdays. The facility offers discounted daytime hours specifically to attract students.

An ordinary oil change typically costs between 200 lei and 300 lei at independent garages, while authorized brand dealerships charge between 700 lei and 800 lei for the same service. Beyond the hourly bay rental, clients pay separately for spare parts and consumables.

Steady Demand and Peak Hours at the Iași Garage

Since opening in September 2023, the Iași workshop has seen steady demand. Lucian told Economedia that the garage’s vehicle lifts operate at roughly 50 percent capacity on average, with peak traffic occurring during morning hours, after standard work shifts, and on Saturdays. High customer retention rates continue to drive the founders’ expansion strategy.