Top 10 Auto Repair Franchise Options to Consider in 2023

Auto repair services are considered recession-proof businesses. After all, most Americans own vehicles, and these would need regular maintenance and repair. Starting an auto repair business can be challenging, considering there are big names in the field. Thus, many resort to franchising them instead. But what is the best auto repair franchise to own? Here are our picks.

1. Midas

When it comes to auto repairs, Midas is a popular name in the field. And you can own one in five simple steps, starting with an inquiry to the company. The franchisor will ensure that you are well-trained in operations, marketing, and so much more before you open a Midas store in your area. Even though they’re well-known in the country, Midas is still available to franchise in most US states and Canadian territories.

Initial Investment: $199,000 to $740,000

2. Carstar

Carstar is an auto repair franchise alternative to Midas. Like Midas, Carstar is a big name in the industry and is growing at a fast rate. However, Carstar specializes in auto collisions. Aside from providing you with extensive training and support, you’ll have access to their network of partner brands. Plus, you’ll carry the prestige of having a Carstar facility. In addition, Carstar also gives back to several foundations and non-profits, such as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and DrivenBrands Charitable Foundation.

Initial Investment: $298,000 to $804,000 (figures from Entrepreneur)

3. AAMCO Transmissions and Total Car Care

You don’t need prior experience in being a mechanic to become an AAMCO Transmissions and Total Care franchisee. However, they prefer someone with a passion for cars and managing amazing teams. Plus, you can also rely on AAMCO for having a proven business model, considering they have been in business since 1957. If you’re ready, they encourage you to fill out the form so that you can start the process of being a franchisee.

Initial Investment: $223,600 to $330,500

4. Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Centers

Here’s another auto repair franchise with a reliable business model. With the Auto-Lab Complete Car Care Centers franchise, you will get support and training. Plus, it’s an affordable franchise to own as well! Even if that’s the case, you can expect the same quality from well-known franchises. One reason it’s affordable is you can rebrand an existing car repair center into their franchise, making it easy for you to own the franchise. Plus, if you need help with financing, they have financing options available from the Small Business Administration.

Initial Investment: $130,750 to $313,500

5. Meineke

Meineke is another big-name auto repair franchise you can own. Growth is at the heart of their franchise model, and they will help you reach your franchise goals. With Meineke, so long as you have business acumen, a 1M net worth, and $500,000 in liquid assets, you are qualified to become a franchisee. That’s not all, you have an opportunity to open more franchises with Meineke as well.

Initial Investment: $123,121 to $572,411.94

6. Tuffy Tire and Auto Service

If you want a still-growing auto repair franchise to own, Tuffy Tire and Auto Service is one company to put at the top of your list of franchise options. The franchise is seeking more territories in the Midwest and East Coast. Even if they’re not as big as their other competitors yet, you can be sure of their experience in the field. In fact, the franchise has existed for more than 50 years and received rave reviews from customers. You can start franchising a Tuffy Tire business once you fill out a form and their qualification sheet.

Initial Investment: $224,000 to $413,500

7. Christian Brothers Automotive

Christian values are at the heart of this auto repair franchise. The Christian Brothers Automotive makes sure they have integrity, respect, transparency, and care in everything they do. Aside from that, they help franchisees from start to finish and even invest in ongoing training and support. Plus, they make sure that franchisees get a work-life balance, meaning the weekends and holidays are off. In addition, they give back to the community.

The company considers these as valuable markets to open a franchise in:

• Illinois
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Wisconsin

If you want to know more about the franchise, you can read about it here.

8. Heart Certified Auto Care

Although the HEART Certified Auto Care franchise is new, it is slowly becoming a big name in the auto repair field. Even though the franchise is five years old, you can expect the same quality and experience from the ones in this list. They have a customer-first philosophy and ensure that you will receive support and training as a franchise owner. Plus, with their business model, the franchisors say that customers stay loyal to them and have a high approval rating for the auto repair service.

Initial Investment: $279,000 to $728,000 (figures from Entrepreneur)

9. Honest-1 Auto Care

If you’re looking for an eco-conscious franchise, Honest-1 Auto Care is your best option. But it’s the only thing that makes them attractive to franchisees. Their centers ensure that customers can be comfortable waiting for their car to be fixed, thanks to Wi-Fi and beverages. Plus, it has a children’s play area, too, for those with little ones. Similar to other franchises, you don’t need prior experience as a mechanic, and that you can start contacting them if you’re interested.

Initial Investment: $223,000 – $1,000,000 (figures from Entrepreneur)

10. Milex Complete Auto Care/Mr. Transmission

The Milex Complete Auto Care/Mr. Transmission franchise is different from the other franchises listed here. You can co-brand these franchises and get more growth opportunities. With these two brands, you can focus on car and transmission repairs at once. That said, more customers can come to you for specialized car repairs. They’re looking for opportunities in the following states:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Georgia
• Indiana
• Missouri
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Texas

Final Thoughts

Auto repair franchises are attractive investments to own because you don’t need prior mechanic experience, and they have an existing business model you can follow. Even if you’ll see auto repairs anywhere, you can still own one and target a large market. Luckily, you can choose among the ten franchises above to help you get started on your journey as an auto repair franchisee.