RANKED · STRONG & STEADY ONLY · 3 BRANDS
Best automotive franchises under $500K
Only brands we rate Strong or Steady appear — from a current FDD (no more than two years old), with enough history to judge, and a loan record that doesn't cap the rating. Strong first. Verdicts are our opinion from the filed record, not investment advice.
The full disclosed Item 7 investment range is below this budget. These are filing estimates, not a quote for your location.
$20K–$39K to open · Filed FDD
Net units: -0% · 2026 FDD
$38K–$113K to open · Filed FDD
Net units: -1% · 2026 FDD
- 3. CarstarSteady
$24K–$165K to open · Filed FDD
Net units: +6% · 2025 FDD
| # | Units · latest run | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Aplus Area Representative $20K–$39K to open ✓ FROM FILED FDDFuel stations & convenience stores2026 FDD | Steady | -0% | |
| 02 | Superglass Windshield Repair $38K–$113K to open ✓ FROM FILED FDDAutomotive2026 FDD | Steady | -1% | |
| 03 | Carstar $24K–$165K to open ✓ FROM FILED FDDCollision & auto paint2025 FDD | Steady | +6% |
A broker is usually paid by the franchisor to place you. I'm paid only by you, never by a franchisor you're considering — and the job is pressure-testing the numbers, including talking you out of a bad deal.