Car dealer and auto parts franchising opportunities are some of the most up and coming business niches available today. According to a recent ADP report, auto parts and dealers were second only to restaurants as the top job creating franchises in the nation.
Here is a list of some of the top auto part franchise and car dealership franchise opportunities for entrepreneurs to consider.
If you’re interested in or already own an independent auto parts store or car dealership, linking up with a franchise could help boost sales, increase inventory and assist with your advertising and customer base.
A List of Car Dealer and Auto Parts Franchise Opportunities
Midas
Millions of motorists and car enthusiasts trust the Midas touch when it comes to working on their vehicles. And they’ve been doing so for generations.
Midas says that a new 8-bay garage franchise location could cost an entrepreneur up to $424,000 but existing garages wishing to convert to a Midas shop can do so for as little as about $75,000.
NAPA
NAPA touts its “no franchise fees” as a great reason to join its team and become a store owner.
The company says it has a 10-step process to approving a new NAPA auto parts franchise location and would-be investors should have about $75,000-$100,000 available at the time they’re beginning the application process.
A successful NAPA applicant can have their new store open in about three to six months after applying.
Mighty Auto Parts
Mighty Auto Parts says that franchise business opportunities exist under its brand for a variety of entrepreneurs in the automotive industry.
These include professionals like tire dealers, service shop specialists, oil distributors, traditional car dealerships and wholesale distributors.
The Mighty Auto Parts website includes a map that shows available franchise territories by state.
Big O Tires
Tires are a necessary recurring purchase for any automobile owner and Big O Tires has 400 franchise locations in 19 states.
But tires are just part of the business for a Big O Tires location owner. The company says that 40 percent of a store’s sales come from other car care needs, like basic repairs.
The company says that about 25 percent of Big O Tires locations generate more than $2 million in sales.
Meineke
This is one of the more recognizable names in the auto industry and its franchise locations offer a full range of services, including full repairs.
Meineke is looking for franchise business owners, even those with no automotive experience. And the company has announced incentives for owners who open multiple locations.
An initial franchise fee of $30,000 is required and owners must have liquid assets of at least $110,000.
AAMCO
AAMCO is one of the leading names in transmission sales and repair. It’s also got one of the most memorable jingles in advertising history:
“Double-A (beep-beep) M-C-O”
The company says a franchise owner will need to make up to $330,000 in investment in their location, including a $39,500 initial franchise fee.
J.D. Byrider
This company says it’s the largest used car and financing company in the country. J.D. Byrider combines sales and financing into the same operation and claims to empower the franchise owner with the ability to determine who is eligible to purchase a car.
The company says this gives the franchise owner full control over his or her business.
Franchises within the company cost $50,000 for the first location and $35,000 for additional spots. Owners must have a minimum of $1 million in liquid capital and pay $1,500 monthly to contribute to the company’s advertising fund.
Rimtyme
Some wheel rims cost more than a modest used car but that doesn’t stop a lot of vehicle enthusiasts.
Rimtyme locations are popular in the southern U.S. right now but have been expanding. There was about a 25 percent increase in store locations in the last year.
In addition to rims, Rimtyme locations sell custom tires. And the company attracts customers with a No Credit Check policy.
Snap-on Tools
Snap-on is a go-to name for auto mechanics looking for quality tools to help them get their jobs done.
The company offers financing for would-be qualified franchise owners and there’s a $20,000 discount available off initial franchise investment to U.S. military veterans.
There are more than 4,600 Snap-on franchise owners operating globally today.
Rent-A-Wreck
Rent-A-Wreck is a unique car rental business operating in the U.S. and in Scandanavian countries. The company says its unique selection of used rental vehicles allows it to offer very competitive rates on rentals.
Also, the company says that no franchise locations that opened in the last five years have closed.
Matco Tools
Matco is a direct competitor to Snap-On. The company sells tools to auto mechanics, and franchise owners drive a route.
Route drivers with Matco are guaranteed more than 300 potential customers within an exclusive geographic area.
The company says initial investments of up to $80,000 can get a successful franchise owner on the road. Matco offers financing options on the initial set-up and also on a delivery truck.
Thrifty Car Sales
There are new independent used car dealerships opening seemingly every day. However, there are opportunities to offer a product backed by a national company, like Thrifty Car Sales, too.
All Thrifty used cars are certified by the company before they’re put on a lot for sale. That should provide peace of mind for dealers who would rather not sell a lemon.
Grease Monkey
Grease Monkey provides preventive maintenance services and light mechanical repair services. The company also has Monkey Shine as part of the franchise which offers exterior vehicle maintenance services with in-bay automatic, express tunnel and self-serve car washes.
Franchising opportunities can be had with start-up cost ranging from $156,695 to $342,850.
Tire Display Photo via Shutterstock
Joel Libava
Great list of franchises in the automobile sector, Joshua!
Lots of good opportunities to make money.
The Franchise King®
Joshua Sophy
Thanks a lot, Joel! Yes, these businesses always seem to have a guaranteed customer base. Lots of fun putting this list together.
Aira Bongco
Great list you have here. It is fascinating to know that there are so many opportunities in this industry. So many services and products that you can provide. It is not just about the car. There are so many things you can offer as a small business owner.
Joshua Sophy
It’s great when these locations in your neighborhood can maintain a “local business” feel despite operating under a national brand. Thanks, Aira!
ron filian
The Auto franchise will always be local and not outsourced overseas. There is always a demand with a great brand. Many owners are now retiring and selling their locations as resales, we specialize in auto repair & tire shop owner succession plans at AmericanFranchiseSales
Joshua Sophy
Solid business potential in all these, based on the numbers. Until they manufacture cars that don’t break down, these businesses will always be some of the busiest from open to close in your neighborhood.
Audrey Kinley
I never knew that there were so many different popular auto shops around the country. It’s hard to find one close to me, especially because my cars broken down. I really need to get it fixed, but I don’t know where to take it yet.
Great list, we are a mobile mechanic service in Orlando that is looking for expand for border into other automotive type service that has a national presence.