To a point, I can agree with specializing in electronics. The theory is good, however, many problems with drivability are combinations of electronics and mechanical issues. If the person's car does not run right, they just want it fixed, weather it is a mechanical or electronic issue. I believe that there is a real future for a person to work in a shop for someone else when they have amassed an electronic expertise above most other techs. Then they become diagnostic experts. The trend in shops today is to charge for diagnostic time (or they should be... a doctor charges for X-rays, and reading them.) Therefore, this person should be more than earning his money. They do not waste their time changing parts, and farm that work out within the shop.

The problem is, if you have a shop specializing in electronic repair of cars, you still need to fix the issue, weather it is mechanical or electronic. You can't diagnose it, and ship it out to another shop.

Repairing electronic modules is done by some, but requires more computer knowledge than automotive knowledge.

One form of specialty that seems to be taking hold is transmission shops. You can actually set up as a franchise with some national companies for this. Transmissions are the ultimate marriage between mechanical and electronics, and are now difficult to repair for the average technician.

Some business outlooks for the automotive repair business...

There continue to be more cars on the road each year. People are keeping their cars longer. The number of shops are actually decreasing, whereas the number of technicians are increasing. The demand for automotive technicians will continue to rise, as will the pay for said technicans, and hourly rates for the shops.

Here is an interesting one... 80 percent of all automotive maintenence decisions are made by women.

Here are two types of shops that I would look into starting...

First, a quick lube shop. Specialize in a ten minute oil change and service. Offer vacuuming, glass cleaning, and quick, personal, professional service. Add on sales, such a tire rotation, air filters, bulbs, transmission flush, coolant exchange, power steering flush, and the like will bring good margins. Service work is some of the best profit margins that you will find. The investment in equipment is much lower than a conventional shop. Your techs will not require the same skill (although clean, professional, quality people will be important).

Another, would be a full service shop, catering to that 80 percent women figure. Clean waiting rooms, clean restrooms, perhaps female service writers who are good at comunicating the technical to those who may be non-technical. Courtesy transportation to a local day spa (and a special rate, negotiated with said spa), and other things that will go well with the womens audience.

Food for thought...