Mobile Mechanic Makes Moves on Market

Dr. Auto Mobile
Mechanic Service Inc.
Owner: Carter Malloy
Address: 309 N. Fletcher, Fayetteville, 72701
Phone/Fax: (479) 521-7500
Hours: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, or by appointment
Startup date: Nov. 15
Web site: www.calldrauto.com

Carter Malloy thinks everyone should have his number on their cell phone’s auto dial just in case they get stranded on the side of the road. Malloy launched Dr. Auto in November, offering mobile automotive repair service from a van.

Malloy actually operates the business end of Dr. Auto and leases out the Dr. Auto vans to mechanics, charging them a referral fee for customers he sends their way.

Dr. Auto mechanics can do all sorts of automotive repairs, except transmission and major engine repairs. There’s a $50 diagnostic fee, which covers the mechanic’s travel expense and initial check of the vehicle. If it’s something simple, the mechanic will fix it at no additional cost. The cost for more extensive repairs depends on the price of parts and the mechanic’s time, Malloy said.

“Our prices are cheaper than most mechanics,” he said. “We don’t have the overhead, the expensive shop, the secretaries.”

Malloy started with one Dr. Auto mechanic’s van and is in the process of launching two more, one within weeks.

Malloy said Dr. Auto started when he met a friend in Little Rock who was thinking about launching a mobile mechanic service. The two got together, with Malloy helping with logo design and finances to launch the business. Now they both operate Dr. Auto businesses — in Little Rock and Northwest Arkansas.

Malloy invested $10,000 to get the first van on the road. He hopes to “hit the break even point” sometime within the first year of business.