Auto Repair & Automotive Franchises
Wondering how much an auto repair franchise costs? Automotive franchise investments span a wide range — from under $100K for mobile detailing, car-wash, and windshield-repair concepts to $500K or more for full-service repair shops, tire centers, and collision facilities that need a building, lifts, and equipment. Browse FDDs across oil-change, quick-lube, auto service, tire, and car-wash brands to compare car franchise opportunities side by side — from initial investment and franchise fees to royalty rates and Item 19 financial performance.
All Automotive Franchises
Search, filter, and compare every automotive franchise we've analyzed. Select up to four to compare side by side.
| Brand | Item 19 | Fee | Investment | Royalty | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-800-Radiator & A/C Automotive · Est. 2015 | Disclosed | $45K | $387K - $5.3M | 8% | 193 | |
| 4EVERCHARGE Automotive · Est. 2024 | None | $60K | $103K - $623K | 7% | 3 | |
| Abra Automotive · Est. 2019 | Disclosed | $35K | $264K - $4.6M | 5% | 55 | |
| Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists Automotive · Est. 2023 | Disclosed | $40K | $99K - $234K | 6% | 71 | |
| Tire Pros Automotive · Est. 2025 | None | $7K | $111K - $251K | — | 495 | |
| Auto Select Automotive · Est. 2000 | None | $3K | — | 5% | — | |
| Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Centers Automotive | Disclosed | $28K | $111K - $746K | 6% | 20 | |
| Black Optix Tint Automotive · Est. 2002 | Disclosed | $50K | $230K - $343K | 6% | 29 | |
| Bandag Automotive | None | $3K | $357K - $6.5M | — | 160 | |
| Budget Automotive · Est. 2002 | None | $45K | $626K - $1.6M | 7.5% | 173 | |
| Big O Tires Automotive · Est. 1962 | Disclosed | $18K | $512K - $1.9M | 2–5% | 461 | |
| Black Optix Tint Automotive · Est. 2021 | Disclosed | $50K | $154K - $260K | 6% | 22 | |
| Bosch Auto Service Automotive · Est. 2021 | None | $5K | $137K - $1.3M | 2% | 2 | |
| Brake Masters Automotive · Est. 1990 | None | $23K | $228K - $541K | 5% | 27 | |
| Bumper Man Automotive · Est. 2000 | None | $50K | $73K - $105K | 25% | 140 | |
| Car-X Automotive · Est. 2015 | Disclosed | $35K | — | 5% | 46 | |
| Carstar Automotive | Disclosed | $10K | $24K - $804K | 1.5–4% | 471 | |
| Christian Brothers Automotive Automotive · Est. 1982 | Disclosed | $85K | $515K - $650K | 50% | 326 | |
| Creative Colors International Automotive | Disclosed | $60K | $102K - $126K | 7.5% | 67 | |
| Dealer Specialties International Automotive · Est. 1995 | Disclosed | $10K | $17K - $45K | — | 21 | |
| Dentsmart Automotive · Est. 2022 | Disclosed | $25K | $79K - $111K | 8% | 13 |
Browse Automotive Franchises by State
State-by-state automotive franchise opportunities — regulatory framework, top brands, and investment ranges for buyers in each state.
Automotive Guides
Franchise Research Guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an auto repair franchise cost?
Auto repair and automotive franchise costs vary widely by format. Mobile and home-based concepts — detailing, mobile car wash, windshield repair — can start under $100K, while quick-lube, tire, and full-service repair shops typically run $250K to $500K+ once you factor in real estate, lifts, and equipment. Each FDD's Item 7 lists the exact initial investment range for that brand.
Are auto repair franchises profitable?
Auto repair benefits from steady, non-discretionary demand — vehicles need maintenance regardless of the economy — plus repeat customers and recurring service work. Profitability depends on location, labor costs, and car count. Franchises that disclose Item 19 Financial Performance Representations let you review actual revenue, and sometimes margins, before you invest; use our Item 19 filter to find them.
What are the top automotive franchises?
The top automotive franchises span several formats: oil-change and quick-lube, tire and general repair, transmission and brake specialists, collision and auto glass, and car-wash and detailing brands. Rather than rely on a single 'best' list, compare each brand's investment range, franchise fee, royalty rate, unit count, and Item 19 data in the table above to find the strongest fit for your budget and market.
Do I need mechanic experience to own an auto repair franchise?
Most automotive franchises don't require you to be a certified mechanic — they're built around an owner-operator or manager who runs the business while trained technicians handle the work. Franchisors provide operational and technical training, detailed in FDD Items 11 and 15. Hands-on formats like car wash and detailing need even less technical background.