AAMCO vs CARSTAR
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both AAMCO and CARSTAR are automotive franchises. AAMCO requires an investment of $235K – $353K while CARSTAR requires $298K – $804K. In terms of revenue, CARSTAR reports higher average unit revenue at $3.2M. On SBA loan performance, CARSTAR has a lower charge-off rate (0.0%) compared to AAMCO (28.5%). FranchiseVerdict rates AAMCO C (Average) and CARSTAR A (Strongest tier).
| Metric | AAMCO | CARSTAR |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | CAverageAverage | AStrongest tierStrongest tier |
| Investment Range | $235K – $353K | $298K – $804K |
| Franchise Fee | $40K | $10K |
| Royalty Rate | 7.5% | Monthly Base Franchise Fee (greater of $1,000 or 1.5% of Monthly Base Volume) plus Monthly Growth Franchise Fee (4% of Gross Sales exceeding Monthly Base Volume) |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $937K | $3.2M |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 28.5% (586 loans) | 0.0% (40 loans) |
| Total Units | 560 | 471 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 1963 | 1989 |
| FDD Year | 2023 | 2025 |
Investment Range
$235K – $353K
$298K – $804K
Franchise Fee
$40K
$10K
Royalty Rate
7.5%
Monthly Base Franchise Fee (greater of $1,000 or 1.5% of Monthly Base Volume) plus Monthly Growth Franchise Fee (4% of Gross Sales exceeding Monthly Base Volume)
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$937K
$3.2M
SBA Charge-Off Rate
28.5% (586 loans)
0.0% (40 loans)
Total Units
560
471
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
1963
1989
FDD Year
2023
2025