RANKED · STRONG & STEADY ONLY · 8 BRANDS
Best automotive franchises that can start 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.
Only the cheapest disclosed format is below this budget — the upper end of the range may be far above it. These are filing estimates, not a quote for your location.
- 1. Take 5Strong
$287K–$2.1M to open · Filed FDD
Net units: +42% · 2025 FDD
- 2. JIFFY LUBEStrong
$211K–$510K to open · Filed FDD
Net units: +1% · 2026 FDD
- 3. Fix AutoSteady
$55K–$3.1M to open · Filed FDD
Net units: +19% · 2025 FDD
$20K–$39K to open · Filed FDD
Net units: -0% · 2026 FDD
$38K–$113K to open · Filed FDD
Net units: -1% · 2026 FDD
$99K–$759K to open · Filed FDD
Net units: +1% · 2026 FDD
- 7. CarstarSteady
$24K–$165K to open · Filed FDD
Net units: +6% · 2025 FDD
- 8. 1-800-Radiator & A/CSteady
$464K–$1.3M to open · Filed FDD
Net units: 0% · 2025 FDD
| # | Units · latest run | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Take 5 $287K–$2.1M to open ✓ FROM FILED FDDOil change & quick lube2025 FDD | Strong | +42% | |
| 02 | JIFFY LUBE $211K–$510K to open ✓ FROM FILED FDDOil change & quick lube2026 FDD | Strong | +1% | |
| 03 | Fix Auto $55K–$3.1M to open ✓ FROM FILED FDDCollision & auto paint2025 FDD | Steady | +19% | |
| 04 | Aplus Area Representative $20K–$39K to open ✓ FROM FILED FDDFuel stations & convenience stores2026 FDD | Steady | -0% | |
| 05 | Superglass Windshield Repair $38K–$113K to open ✓ FROM FILED FDDAutomotive2026 FDD | Steady | -1% | |
| 06 | Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists $99K–$759K to open ✓ FROM FILED FDDAutomotive2026 FDD | Steady | +1% | |
| 07 | Carstar $24K–$165K to open ✓ FROM FILED FDDCollision & auto paint2025 FDD | Steady | +6% | |
| 08 | 1-800-Radiator & A/C $464K–$1.3M to open ✓ FROM FILED FDDAuto parts & batteries2025 FDD | Steady | 0% |
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.