ARI (Auto Repair Software)

Overview

ARI (Auto Repair Software) is a low-cost shop app from Utility Mobile Apps; the ari.app copyright names uMob.ltd. The site says it is “built for mobile mechanics, independent technicians, auto repair shops of every size” and claims more than 4,000 shops in 50+ countries. It runs in a browser and as Android, iOS and Windows apps.

On a phone, ARI covers VIN decoding, a license plate reader, OBD scanner support and CARFAX history. Inspections use checklists, photos, written notes and AI. Labor guides come with the subscription and are built from ARI’s own database, manufacturer information and AI; the vendor recommends checking specs against the manufacturer’s manual. Estimates, invoices, online booking, inventory, reminders and payment tracking round it out.

A second ARI page on utilitymobileapps.com targets truck work: “Suitable for any mechanic and shop that deals with trucks, heavy-duty vehicles, or road trains!” The product has no fleet customer features such as fleet accounts or combined billing.

Pricing

The ari.app pricing page lists ARI Pro at $39.99 month to month or $399.99 a year ($33.33/mo), and Pro Plus at $59.99 monthly or $599.99 a year ($49.99/mo). Pro Plus adds 3,000 one-time credits, an unbranded client portal and booking page, AI damage detection and vehicle diagnostics. A free version is capped at five invoices, estimates, inspections, clients and vehicles.

There are no contracts, plans can be cancelled from the app settings, and paid accounts have no limit on users or devices. The truck repair page on utilitymobileapps.com still advertises $19.99/month, and the App Store lists older $19.99 and $29.99 subscriptions. We use the ari.app pricing page.

Strengths and weaknesses

ARI is cheap and quick to start with. The iOS app rates 4.7 out of 5 from 287 ratings on the App Store, and it works across phone, tablet and Windows desktop. Integrations include PartsTech and Nexpart for parts, M1 labor guides, CARFAX, CarMD, QuickBooks, and Square, Stripe and PayPal for payments.

It is narrow for fleet work. There is nothing for billing fleet customers or tracking PM by unit, the AI labor guides need checking, and published prices disagree across the vendor’s own sites. Support is by email and a contact form, with a 24/7 claim and a video library.

When to pick ARI (and when not to)

Pick ARI if you are a solo mobile mechanic or a small shop, including light truck work, and want estimates, inspections and invoices on your phone for about $40 a month.

Skip it if you service fleet accounts that need combined statements, approvals or unit-level PM history, or if you want labor times from an established data provider without double-checking them.