Sign-In
Cart
The Happy Mechanic: Making Money and Starting Your Own Business as a Self-Employed Car Mechanic
Paperback
Technology & EngineeringAuto Repair
Publisher: Steve Sorensen
Published: Nov 18 2025
Pages: 164
Weight: 0.43
Height: 0.35 Width: 5.50 Depth: 8.50
Language: English
Make $100 here, $500 there, fixing cars in your spare time.
November 2025 update: Completely Uodated and More Than Doubled in Word Count.
People are too busy to take their car to a dealership for service. They want convenience, and they are willing to pay a premium for it. Being a self-employed mobile mechanic fills that need and can provide you with substantial additional income-if you know how to navigate the modern automotive landscape.
You already know how to fix cars. You're 95% of the way there. The Happy Mechanic provides the crucial last 5%: the business intelligence.
Originally published in 2010, this guide has been completely rewritten and greatly expanded to address the massive changes in the auto industry. The old school methods of cash payments and basic hand tools don't cut it anymore. To succeed today, you need to be a high-tech mobile concierge.
In this comprehensive resource, you will learn:
- The Stealth Wealth Strategy: How to bypass HOA rules and work in upscale neighborhoods using the right work vehicle.
- The Orange Cable Economy: How to safely profit from high-margin maintenance on Hybrids and EVs (including the Tesla 12-volt rescue and Prius battery cleaning).
- The Digital Storefront: How to rank on Google Maps without revealing your home address and risking code enforcement trouble.
- Modern Diagnostics: Why a bi-directional scanner is your most profitable tool and how to charge for electronic resets.
- Getting Paid: Mastering the Hierarchy of Payment Finality (Zelle, Square, and Lightning) to prevent chargebacks and keep your money. Achieve financial independence by fixing cars part-time. Set your own hours. Set your own rates. No boss breathing down your neck. Just you, the cars, and the dollars.
1 different editions
Also available
The Happy Mechanic: Making Money and Starting Your Own Business as a Self-Employed Car Mechanic
Sorensen, Steve
Paperback
Also from
Sorensen, Steve
Mercedes R107: The Essential Guide to Buying, Owning, and Restoring the Classic SL (350SL 450SL 380SL 560SL)
Sorensen, Steve
Paperback
Mercedes R129: Buy, Maintain, Repair, and Love the 1989 to 2001 Mercedes SL Class
Sorensen, Steve
Paperback
The Happy Mechanic: Making Money and Starting Your Own Business as a Self-Employed Car Mechanic
Sorensen, Steve
Paperback
Mercedes W140: Buy, Maintain, Repair, and Love the 1991 to 1999 Mercedes S Class
Sorensen, Steve
Paperback
Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX470: Buying, Owning, Maintaining, and Loving the Legend
Sorensen, Steve
Paperback
A Branch of The Sky: Fifty Years of Adventure, Tragedy, and Restoration in the Sierra Nevada
Sorensen, Steve
Paperback
Mercedes W126: Buy, Maintain, Repair, and Love the 1980 to 1991 Mercedes S Class
Sorensen, Steve
Paperback
Surviving L322 Ownership: A Technical Dossier, Service Manual, and Enchiridion for the 2002-2012 Range Rover
Sorensen, Steve
Paperback
Mercedes R230 (SL350 SL500 SL600 SL55 SL63 SL65): Buy, Drive, and Maintain the Flagship 2002-2011 Mercedes SL
Sorensen, Steve
Paperback
Also in
Auto Repair
Small Engines and Outdoor Power Equipment, Updated 2nd Edition: A Care & Repair Guide For: Lawn Mowers, Snowblowers & Small Gas-Powered Imple
Editors of Cool Springs Press
Paperback
Mechanic Shop Femme's Guide to Car Ownership: Uncomplicating Cars for All of Us
Milchtein, Chaya M.
Paperback
Van Conversion Bible: The Ultimate Guide to Converting a Campervan
Comley, Dale
Low, Charlie
Hardcover
Harley-Davidson Evo, Hop-Up & Rebuild Manual: Learn how to build an engine like the pros
Maida, Chris
Cycles, R&r
Paperback
How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive: A Manual of Step-By-Step Procedures for the Compleat Idiot
Gregg, Tosh
Muir, John
Paperback
Chassis Engineering: Chassis Design, Building & Tuning for High Performance Cars
Adams, Herb
Paperback
GM Automatic Overdrive Transmission Builder's and Swapper's Guide: Covers 700-R4, 4l60 and 4l60e Transmissions
Ruggles, Cliff
Paperback
Diesel Engines Test T2: Medium/Heavy Duty Truck Technician Certification
Delmar Cengage Learning
Paperback
Porsche Boxster, Boxster S Service Manual: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004: 2.5 Liter, 2.7 Liter, 3.2 Liter Engines
Bentley Publishers
Hardcover
Jeep, Dana & Chrysler Differentials: How to Rebuild the 8-1/4, 8-3/4, Dana 44 & 60 & AMC 20
Shepard, Larry
Paperback
Chevy Big-Block Engine Parts Interchange: The Ultimate Guide to Sourcing and Selecting Compatible Factory Parts
Baechtel, John
Paperback
Harley-Davidson Evo, Hop-Up & Rebuild Manual: Learn how to build an engine like the pros
Maida, Chris
Cycles, R&r
Hardcover
How to Use an Oscilloscope 2026: Master Measurement Skills for Electronics Beginners and Pros
Grant, Nathaniel Cole
Paperback
BMW Z3 Service Manual: 1996-2002: 1.9, 2.3, 2.5i, 2.8, 3.0i, 3.2 - Z3 Roadster, Z3 Coupe, M Roadster, M Coupe
Bentley Publishers
Hardcover
How to Fabricate Automotive Fiberglass & Carbon Fiber Parts
Burrill, Dan
Zurschmeide, Jeffrey
Paperback
Volkswagen Super Beetle, Beetle & Karmann Ghia Official Service Manual: 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977,
Robert Bentley Inc
Hardcover
How to Build and Modify Chevrolet Small-Block V-8 Camshafts & Valvetrains
Vizard, David
Vizard, D.
Paperback
Advanced Engine Electronics & Diagnostics: ECUs, Sensors, Predictive Maintenance, and the Future of Automotive Tuning
Soliman, Mohammed Hamed Ahmed
Paperback
David Vizard's How to Build Horsepower: Proven Methods for Increasing Horsepower in Any Engine
Vizard, David
Paperback
Porsche 911 (Type 996) Service Manual 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005: Carrera, Carrera 4, Carrera 4s
Bentley Publishers
Hardcover
Volkswagen Vanagon Repair Manual: 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991
Volkswagen Of America
Hardcover
Motorcycle Journeys Through North America: A Guide for Choosing and Planning Unforgettable Motorcycle Journeys
Coyner, Dale
Paperback
How to Tune and Modify Automotive Engine Management Systems - All New Edition: Upgrade Your Engine to Increase Horsepowe
Hartman, Jeffery
Paperback
VW Jetta and Golf Haynes Repair Manual: Jetta 2011 Thru 2018 * Golf 215 Thru 2019 * Includes Gli, Gti, Jetta Sportwagen, Golf Sportwagen, Golf R 4moti
Editors of Haynes Manuals
Paperback
Porsche 911 Carrera Service Manual: 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989: Coupe, Targa and Cabriolet
Bentley Publishers
Hardcover
DIY Camper and RV Reno: Restoring and Designing Vintage, Retro, and Classic Trailers and RVs with Nailgun Nelly
Payne, Janelle
Paperback
Chevrolet 8.1l Vortec/496 Performance Manual: How to Modify 8100 Vortec Truck and 496 Cid Marine Engines
Hofer, Larry
Taylor, Don
Paperback
How to Restore Ford Tractors: The Ultimate Guide to Rebuilding and Restoring N-Series and Later Tractors 1939-1962
Gaines, Tharran E.
Paperback
Ford Pick-Ups F-100, F-150 & Bronco (80-96) & F-250 HD & F-350 (97) Haynes Repair Manual: 1980 Thru 1996 2wd & 4WD Full-Size F-100 Thru F-350 Gasoline
Editors of Haynes Manuals
Paperback
Modified Car Magazine The JDM Magazine: The World Wide Modified JDM Car Magazine
Doherty, Paul
Paperback
Toyota Camry, Avalon, Lexus Es 300 & 330 2002 Thru 2006 & Toyota Solara 2002 Thru 2008 Haynes Repair Manual: 2002 Thru 2006 - Avalon & Lexus Es 300/33
Editors of Haynes Manuals
Paperback
BMW 3-Series 1999-05 & Z4 2003-05 Includes 325ci/330ci Coupe and Convertible 2006
Haynes, J. H.
Paperback
OBD-2 Automotive Code Encyclopedia and Cross-Reference Guide: Includes Volume/Voltage/Current/Pressure Reference and OBD-2 Codes
Concepcion, Mandy
Paperback
The Simplified Rules of the Road Illinois Book 2026: Complete Guide to Driving Laws, Safe Practices, and Road Signs for New Drivers
Brandon L Whitaker
Paperback