Vehicle lifts
Two-post, four-post, scissor and mobile column lifts, plus eligible accessories and installation.
Garages, MOT centres and workshops
Garage equipment finance
Spread the cost of vehicle lifts, MOT bays, diagnostics, tyre equipment and complete workshop upgrades while keeping cash available for the day-to-day business.
The short answer
Finance durable workshop equipment through hire purchase or leasing
Garage equipment finance can help an established workshop, MOT centre or new garage fund identifiable equipment over an agreed term. The lender will assess the business, supplier, equipment and affordability before making a decision.
- Assets
- Lifts, MOT bays, diagnostics and tyre equipment
- Projects
- Single replacements or itemised workshop packages
- Routes
- Hire purchase, leasing or asset refinance
Equipment we can discuss
What garage equipment can be financed?
Durable equipment with a clear description, price and supplier is usually easier for a lender to assess. A complete package should be broken down line by line.
MOT test equipment
Test lanes, brake testers, emissions equipment, headlamp testers and connected systems.
Tyre and alignment systems
Tyre changers, wheel balancers, wheel alignment equipment and related workshop tools.
Diagnostics and calibration
Diagnostic platforms, ADAS calibration equipment and specialist electronic testing systems.
Air, extraction and power
Compressors, exhaust extraction, battery support and workshop power equipment.
Workshop fit-outs
Tool storage, benches, inspection equipment and multiple assets on one itemised schedule.
Complete workshop upgrades
Turn the supplier quote into a finance-ready equipment schedule
A fit-out quote often mixes long-life equipment with installation, software, services and building work. Separating those costs gives the lender a clearer view of the assets being financed.
- Make, model, quantity and price for each asset
- Delivery, installation and commissioning shown separately
- Software licences, support and maintenance clearly identified
- Electrical, floor and other building works split from equipment
- Deposit dates, lead times and expected opening date
MOT bays and specialist systems
Plan the equipment, installation and approval path separately
An MOT bay can involve test equipment, civil works, calibration, connectivity and regulatory approval. Finance approval for the equipment does not replace any DVSA authorisation or technical certification your site requires.
EquipmentTest lane, brake tester, emissions and headlamp equipment
Site worksPits, floors, power, data and structural preparation
ComplianceCalibration, installation records and relevant approvals
Go-live planDelivery, commissioning, training and opening date
Ask the supplier to identify which costs relate directly to durable equipment. Eligibility varies by lender.
Prepare the application
What to gather before applying
- 1
Send the itemised quote
Include the equipment specification, supplier, price, delivery date and installation plan.
- 2
Explain the workshop
Describe whether the project replaces equipment, adds capacity, opens a new site or introduces a new service.
- 3
Provide business information
Accounts, management information and bank statements help the lender assess affordability and trading performance.
- 4
Review the complete terms
Compare the deposit, payments, fees, security, ownership position and end-of-term conditions before signing.
Common questions
Garage equipment finance FAQs
What garage equipment can be financed?
Eligible assets can include vehicle lifts, MOT test lanes, brake testers, diagnostic systems, tyre changers, wheel balancers, alignment equipment, compressors and workshop furniture, subject to lender assessment.
Can a complete garage or MOT bay fit-out be financed?
Potentially. A clearly itemised supplier schedule helps the lender separate durable equipment from installation, software, building works and other project costs that may need different treatment.
Can used garage equipment be financed?
Potentially. Lenders assess the supplier, equipment age, condition, value, service history and remaining working life before deciding whether used or refurbished equipment is suitable.
Is hire purchase or leasing better for garage equipment?
Hire purchase can suit garages that want to own the equipment, while leasing can suit businesses that prefer regular rentals and different end-of-term options. The right route depends on cash flow, tax treatment and the ownership plan.
Can a new garage business apply for equipment finance?
Yes, subject to lender criteria. A new business may need a stronger deposit, director guarantee, business plan, relevant experience and evidence that the proposed payments are affordable.
How much deposit is needed for garage equipment finance?
The required deposit depends on the lender, the equipment, the amount financed and the strength of the garage business. Start-ups, specialist installations or used equipment may require a larger contribution. Compare the deposit, VAT, fees, regular payments and any final payment together.
How long can garage equipment be financed over?
Garage equipment finance is commonly structured over two to seven years, depending on the asset's age, expected working life and the lender's criteria. The term for a vehicle lift or MOT lane may differ from the term available for diagnostics or smaller workshop equipment.
How is VAT treated on garage equipment finance?
VAT treatment depends on the agreement. With hire purchase, VAT is generally charged on the equipment at the outset, while leasing normally applies VAT to each rental. Whether VAT can be included in the funding varies, so confirm the cash requirement and obtain tax advice before proceeding.
Should I arrange MOT bay finance before DVSA approval?
You can explore finance and obtain indicative terms while planning the site, but do not commit to alterations or equipment until DVSA has given approval in principle. The equipment and premises must suit the vehicle classes you intend to test, and the finance agreement does not replace DVSA authorisation.
Discuss your garage equipment
Send the itemised supplier quote and tell us whether you are replacing equipment, upgrading the workshop or opening a new site. We’ll explain the available routes.