Automotive franchises: costs, fees and investment
Short answer: Across 124 brands in the SelectFranchiseList database (compiled October 2026), the median minimum initial investment is $235,400 and the median starting franchise fee is $30,000. The lowest starting investment in this group is Winzer at $5,950.
Automotive franchises cover repair, maintenance, parts and towing. Service-bay locations and equipment push investment up; mobile models cost less.
What do franchises in this group cost?
Franchises in this group have a median minimum investment of $235,400, a median starting franchise fee of $30,000 and a median liquid cash requirement of $70,000, calculated from 124 brands in the SelectFranchiseList database. Medians use the low end of each brand's reported range.
Which franchises are on the list?
The table sorts 124 franchises from the lowest to the highest starting investment, 100 per page. This page shows brands 101 to 124.
| Franchise | Franchise fee | Total investment | Min. cash | US units |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian Brothers Automotive Corp | $135,000 | $550,250 to $680,400 | $115,000 | 302 |
| ProColor Collision | $10,000 to $20,000 | $563,925 to $966,650 | $135,000 | 30 |
| Thrifty Car Rental | $25,000 to $100,000 | $564,300 to $12,539,000 | $710,000 | 202 |
| Avis Rent a Car | $50,000 | $625,500 to $1,588,400 | $175,000 | 1,900 |
| Budget Rent A Car | $50,000 | $625,500 to $1,588,400 | $175,000 | 1,371 |
| Payless Car Rental | $50,000 | $625,500 to $1,608,400 | $175,000 | 109 |
| RNR Tire Express | $45,000 | $711,561 to $1,712,275 | $190,000 | 200 |
| MAACO | $45,000 | $728,500 to $3,994,000 | $310,000 | 363 |
| Dollar Rent A Car | $25,000 to $100,000 | $879,300 to $15,874,000 | $925,000 | 249 |
| HERTZ | $25,000 to $125,000 | $879,300 to $15,874,000 | $925,000 | 3,485 |
| Take 5 | $45,000 | $912,248 to $2,053,642 | $240,000 | 1,142 |
| Byrider | $60,000 | $947,000 to $1,577,500 | $220,000 | 128 |
| Sixt Rent A Car | $25,000 to $400,000 | $1,116,275 to $4,977,600 | $415,000 | N/R |
| Grease Monkey | $20,000 to $39,900 | $1,213,153 to $1,972,033 | $280,000 | 371 |
| Speedee Oil Change & Auto Service | $20,000 to $39,900 | $1,213,153 to $1,972,033 | $280,000 | 75 |
| Brake Masters | $0 to $22,950 | $1,493,700 to $2,913,450 | $370,000 | 107 |
| Ezlane Auto Auctions | $75,000 | $1,500,000 to $6,580,000 | $555,000 | 1 |
| Prime Car Wash | $50,000 | $1,944,500 to $3,681,000 | $475,000 | 9 |
| Michelin Retread Shop | $2,500 | $2,315,000 to $12,391,000 | $965,000 | 44 |
| Express Oil Change | $50,000 | $2,564,000 to $3,815,000 | $575,000 | 354 |
| Tommy's Express Car Wash | $50,000 | $5,205,184 to $8,522,378 | $1,205,000 | 216 |
| Petro Stopping Centers | $80,000 to $130,000 | $11,395,000 to $52,177,000 | $4,320,000 | 77 |
| Dealer Specialties | $10,000 | $13,677,450 to $18,771,900 | $2,990,000 | 69 |
| Your Car Buying Advocate | $10,000 | $14,409,100 to $18,544,600 | $3,090,000 | 5 |
N/R = not reported.
How do you compare franchises from this list?
Compare franchises from this list by putting each brand's Item 5 fee, Item 6 ongoing fees and the high end of the Item 7 investment side by side, then checking Item 20 for closures and transfers. The guide to franchise costs explains each line, and the 8-step selection process shows the order of due diligence.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a automotive franchise cost?
Across 124 brands in the SelectFranchiseList database (compiled October 2026), the median minimum initial investment is $235,400 and the median starting franchise fee is $30,000. The lowest starting investment in this group is Winzer at $5,950.
How much cash do I need to buy a franchise in this group?
The median minimum liquid cash requirement in this group is $70,000. Franchisors set their own capital requirements, and lenders usually finance part of the total investment.
Are these figures guaranteed?
No. The figures come from franchise disclosure data and public listings and change with every annual FDD. Confirm fees in Items 5 and 6 and the investment in Item 7 of each brand's current FDD.
Other franchise industries
- Food & Restaurant franchises
- Home Services franchises
- Fitness franchises
- Education & Children franchises
- Retail franchises
- Business Services franchises
- Other Franchise Businesses franchises
- Hotels & Travel franchises
- Healthcare & Senior Care franchises
- Beauty & Personal Care franchises
- Real Estate franchises
- Pet franchises
Figures are compiled from franchise disclosure data and public listings as of October 2026 and may have changed. Brand names belong to their owners; listing does not imply endorsement. Not an offer to sell a franchise.