ARI (Auto Repair Software) Reviews

Summary: I have used this site so far for a few months now and I have no complaints. I have written a few estimates and labor guides have made this process cake work. I would recommend to anyone looking for a good software at a reasonable price.

Positive: Easy to use creating estimates and invoices. Gives a good general idea of what hours should be charged in general for each work item

Negative: The overall design/layout of the site could be a little better but overall a great software to use

Summary: Overall we as owners love the software and our clients love the convenience of it. We love that this system has everything in one package compared to other systems that had missing features. We’ll definitely keep using this system.

Positive: System is loved by our IT clientele.
Easy to use from the owners side using the computer app
Love the features for labor guides and how easy it is to look up needed information like different torque specs
Easy to track reports

Negative: Clients want an app for their profiles on a phone for apple phones not just a web link
Noticing a few main service items are needing to be added by customizing
Owners app on apple phones changed and got harder to use for some applications

Summary: Very good software. Very happy with the overall experience i have with the software. Will definitely recommend.

Positive: Im very pleased with the whole software and employees that has responded right away before. Very good software would recommend to anyone.

Negative: No cons for the price. Very happy with the overall experience.

Summary: ARI has streamlined my auto repair business operations by simplifying invoicing, tracking repairs, and managing customer records. The software is intuitive, and even staff with minimal technical skills can use it effectively. While there’s room for improvement in analytics and reporting, the core functionality is solid and dependable.

Positive: - Easy to create and manage invoices
- Customer database is well-organized
- Mobile-friendly interface for on-the-go use
- Affordable compared to similar tools

Negative: - Reporting features could be more customizable
- Occasional lag when handling large datasets

Summary: 8 out of 10 very happy with how ARI's interface is designed. A bit of a learning curve at first but once you get used to the interface it becomes a breeze

Positive: I just started my repair business in April of 2026 and I needed a reliable shop manager that had amenities similar to Mitchell 1 and AllData when I found ARI and reviewed their pricing platforms I was all in. Not only can you keep accounting records for tax time all in one widget, you also have almost all the tools needed to price out many jobs from big to small. When they updated the version to 16.1 you got another level of professional layouts such as wiring diagrams, OEM/Local/National pricing, more options on point of sales, and much more. You can use their .csv file to transfer your parts inventory, create repair bundles, create job cards for your team to make sure your shop is in lockstep with the job card, communication between customer and your shop couldn't be easier you can email/ text a estimate/invoice without jumping from one screen to another, take deposits or payments directly through ARI (if you use one of their POS systems or you can sign up with one of there options), you can now also order parts directly from ARI which is an added feature that will save you time waiting on the phone to speak with a parts representative. I would definitely recommend ARI to new shop owners who need a shop manager that has a ton of features at a fraction of the cost. Also, you can use a code reader within ARI to find codes and use the diagnostic function to guide you toward you diagnostic findings.

Negative: I have no complaints. My only recommended suggestion would be to add features for small engine repairs like mowers, trimmers, etc.

Summary: Overall coming from Mitchell1 manager pro and then garage plug I haven’t looked back since. Yes tech metric exists but why pay $400 a month when you can sacrifice some small things and pay 1/8 of the cost and have a mobile app that syncs! I honestly would recommend this to anyone from a mobile business to a full 10 bay garage.

Positive: Mobile friendly, quick and user friendly. Customer support is a solid 8/10 with good ai responses when an agent isn’t available. Constantly update the app and take into consideration what the users want to see added or improved.

Negative: The appointments section needs a visual and usability upgrade, it’s of good suggestions in the upvote Reddit like posts (forgot the name). Wish there was a way to add videos to an invoice for clients to see on the portal.

Summary: Has been the best option for the value, easy to use, versatile, great integrations, easy online paper free process.

Positive: Works great for small one or two man operation, running a mobile service with access on all devices is easy, great value compared to other software options

Negative: Occasional glitches, sometimes doesn’t save work if multiple people are in same job card

Summary: I like ARI, they are making changes so i see huge potential coming down the pipeline sooner then later.

Positive: ARI is making moves in the positive direction. They are always taking input and making changes and adjustments. I own a powersports shop and it works pretty good for what is needed.
They are adding more powersports units all the time. The system is pretty easy to use as well and self explanatory. Payment integrations work well. Inventory system works good.

Negative: A lot of shops run off desktop and while it works well on desktop some features are geared toward the mobile app. Such as scanning parts to add to inventory..
I use the SMS part to let customers know their order is done, but I would like to be able to customize what it says to the customer by using code to pull certain things out of the invoice. As of right now its all manual typing

Summary: Overall happy with the product. For the price point it offers great features. The employee section and job punches need some work.

Positive: Low cost compared to other shop management softwares. Good inventory tracking. Easy billing creation and monitoring, nice interface. Constantly updated with new features.

Negative: Needs a better employe/employer system for time punches on jobs.

Summary: It solves three huge issues-

1. it provides each customer with a clear and easily understandable estimate and invoice

2. it provides our staff with a clear picture of what each car needs

3. The information in ARI is transferable to similar estimates, saving us dozens of hours each week.

Positive: ARI allows me to give my customers and my staff a clear picture of what each car needs to be excellent. It has saved me countless hours with its easy to use inventory and estimating system. it also alleviates the pressure of communicating with each customer about details i can easily incorporate into each estimate.

Negative: Not much...referring to models without a superlative in their model subtype as "base" when you are working on a Mercedes S600 or similar expensive car would be nice.
I also wish the program was compliant with Florida's right to an estimate law. i have bene told it does not meet the state's criteria, so I have to get each customer to sign a form that the state of Florida requires.

Summary: Just basic shop management and service intervals. Also helps with invoice and revenue numbers. I definitely am a lot more productive. Business increased.

Positive: The software is user friendly. Easy to navigate. The clock in feature and vin decoder are amazing but what I really love is the online payment option and the fact that a client can electronically sign estimates is great.

Negative: To be honest. There isn’t anything I dislike about it. I’ve used other shop management systems in the past but I truly enjoy this platform and that’s why I stay a subscriber

Summary: Overall I’m pleased with it, but time will tell! The two hundred dollar cost for pro version is a bit steep but if it all works with Quick books and has reasonable customer support it’s worth the price.

Positive: So far I love the versatility . I am not using nearly all the functions! Invoicing off my phone is kind of a pain (iPhone SE iOS 12.3.1) . Tablet or desktop version is better... I also like the ease of emailing invoices!

Negative: I install a lot of used parts ( junk yard vehicles/ salvage auction stuff). Some of my customers own the vehicles I pull parts from so I just charge labor. So on the parts list I can’t just initially add a part without putting in a price. I have to add part, hit save then go to parts list and tap item and edit it to zero and then hit back. It’s really kind of a trite beef but a real pain some times. I also don’t like that if I give a discount it still shows up as income/profit.

Summary: Complicated

Positive: It all eventually makes sense however alot of steps to just make a estimate, send it to someone, get approval, order parts and get a job going is a taaaaask and doesnt always seem like I am making the right move. Other systems are much easier to navigate and have less issues just making an basic estimate. Mids most but cost is great.

Negative: The price