ScorecardWorth It?HistoryDatabaseCompareDistress Signals
AutomotiveRevenue OnlyItem 19: ✓ DisclosedHigh Confidence · 98/100FDD data: 2025 · Fresh

CAR-X Franchise Cost and Profit

FDD-based startup cost, franchise fee, revenue, profit, SBA default rate, and investment risk signals for CAR-X.

Based on 2025 FDD · 2 filings in corpus

FranchiseIQ Score
52
C
Moderate Risk
Composite score from 3 risk dimensions. Click for breakdown ↓
Health Score
D
44/100
4/7 metrics · Medium confidence
Full analysis unlocks:
✓ Cash-on-Cash return
✓ Payback period
✓ SBA default rate
✓ Red flags assessment
✓ Comparable franchises
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Cost and profit at a glance

How much does a CAR-X franchise cost and make?

Based on FDDIQ's FDD corpus, a CAR-X franchise shows an estimated initial investment of $330K – $527K. Reported owner economics show $0. Use the links below to compare the cost, revenue, SBA loan history, and ROI against other franchises before you request the full FDD.

Startup Cost
$330K – $527K
Total initial investment
Profit / Revenue
$0
FDD Item 19 signal
Payback Signal
0.0% cash-on-cash
Modeled return metric
SBA Default Rate
No matched SBA history
Loan repayment history
Compare franchise costsEstimate franchise ROICheck SBA default ratesBrowse Automotive franchisesCompare similar franchises

Quick fee read: $35K franchise fee · 15% royalty/ad burden. These figures are directional screening data, not a substitute for reading the current FDD and speaking with existing operators.

Free decision snapshot

Before you talk to CAR-X, check the numbers buyers usually miss.

The unlocked report ties this brand's FDD disclosures to SBA outcomes, Item 20 movement, fee load, missing-data labels, and buyer assumptions — so you can decide whether this is worth deeper diligence.

FDD disclosure qualitySBA default outcomesItem 20 unit movementFee/cost stressComparable brands
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CAR-X Franchise Analysis

CAR-X requires a total initial investment of $330K to $527K (midpoint approximately $429K), with an initial franchise fee of $35K. The ongoing fee burden is 15% (5% royalty plus 10% advertising fund). This is in line with industry norms of approximately 15.5%.

According to Item 19 of the 2025 FDD, the median revenue for CAR-X locations is $703K. The implied franchisee EBITDA is approximately $0, based on the margin assumptions disclosed in the FDD.

CAR-X operates approximately 50 franchised units.

Prospective franchisees should verify all figures against the most recent FDD, conduct validation calls with multiple existing franchisees, and consult with a franchise attorney before signing any agreement.

Analysis based on 2025 FDD filing. FDDIQ Editorial Team · Methodology

Total Investment Range$330K$527K
MinMid: $429KMax

Key Metrics

Franchise Fee
$35K
Royalty Rate
5%
Ad Fund Rate
10%
Total Burden
15.0%
Royalty + ad fund
Units (2023)
50
Net Unit Growth
-
Year over year
Cash-on-Cash Return
0.0%
Annual estimated return
Payback Period
~5–12 yrs
Break-even timeline
SBA Default Rate
~3–8%
Fewer than 50 loans on record
Median Revenue
$703K
Item 19 disclosed
Red Flags Assessment
MEDIUM: Royalty burden above 10%
MED ×1
Premium Data

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CoC ReturnPayback PeriodSBA Default RateMedian RevenueEbitda MarginRisk Score
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Estimated using sector-average margins. Actual franchise economics vary by location, operator, and market conditions.

CAR-X vs. Automotive Average

MetricCAR-XAutomotive Avg
SBA Default Rate - 7.2%
Cash-on-Cash Return0.0%15.5%
Total Investment$429K$250K

Industry averages based on FranchiseIQ corpus benchmarks. ▲ = better than avg, ▼ = worse.

Compare

CAR-X vs A & E AUTO SOUND, INC.CAR-X vs American Tire DepotCAR-X vs ProntoWash

Similar Franchises · Automotive

A & E AUTO SOUND, INC.
$94K$434K
American Tire Depot
Limited Data
$335K$549K
ProntoWash
Limited Data
$37K$401K
A & E AUTO SOUND, INC.
$94K – $434K
American Tire Depot
$335K – $549K
ProntoWash
$37K – $401K
CREATIVE COLORS
$101K – $122K

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Questions to Ask Before You Sign

5 data-driven questions every CAR-X franchise buyer should ask.

  1. 1.What is CAR-X's SBA default rate compared to its competitors?Learn more →
  2. 2.Does CAR-X disclose Item 19 financial performance representations?Learn more →
  3. 3.What is the net unit growth trend over the past 3 years?Learn more →
  4. 4.What is the franchisee termination and transfer rate per Item 20?Learn more →
  5. 5.What do the FDD litigation disclosures (Item 3) reveal about franchisor legal history?Learn more →
Generate attorney questions for CAR-XValidation call guide →
Data sourced from publicly filed Franchise Disclosure Documents (FDDs) submitted to state franchise regulators. SBA loan data from public SBA 7(a) records. Information reflects the most recent FDD filing in our database and may not reflect current terms. Always verify with the franchisor's current FDD before making any investment decision. Not legal or financial advice.

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