Final answer:
Tom's car repair shop's situation presents an opportunity for expansion due to increased customer demand as well as a weakness in terms of the financial difficulty to replace a lift machine.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the scenario involving Tom’s car repair shop and the need to replace a lift machine, the SWOT analysis element that applies to Tom's situation could be considered both an opportunity and a weakness. An opportunity arises from the increase in customers and the potential for business growth. These circumstances provide Tom with the chance to expand and improve his services, potentially leading to greater market share against other repair shops in the neighborhood.
On the other hand, the struggle to finance the new lift machine represents a weakness in Tom's business. This financial limitation can prevent him from adequately capitalizing on the chance to scale his operations and could lead to potential operational inefficiencies, risking customer satisfaction and competitive position if not addressed effectively.