Big Al's Mufflers–Brakes & More vs CARSTAR
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both Big Al's Mufflers–Brakes & More and CARSTAR are automotive franchises. Big Al's Mufflers–Brakes & More requires an investment of $100K – $1.1M while CARSTAR requires $298K – $804K. CARSTAR discloses average revenue of $3.2M; Big Al's Mufflers–Brakes & More does not report Item 19 data. CARSTAR has SBA lending data on file with a 0.0% charge-off rate. FranchiseVerdict rates Big Al's Mufflers–Brakes & More B (Above average) and CARSTAR A (Strongest tier).
| Metric | Big Al's Mufflers–Brakes & More | CARSTAR |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | BAbove averageAbove average | AStrongest tierStrongest tier |
| Investment Range | $100K – $1.1M | $298K – $804K |
| Franchise Fee | $15K | $10K |
| Royalty Rate | 5.5% | 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) | N/A | $3.2M |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | N/A | 0.0% (40 loans) |
| Total Units | 14 | 471 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 1989 | 1989 |
| FDD Year | 2025 | 2025 |
Investment Range
$100K – $1.1M
$298K – $804K
Franchise Fee
$15K
$10K
Royalty Rate
5.5%
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)
N/A
$3.2M
SBA Charge-Off Rate
N/A
0.0% (40 loans)
Total Units
14
471
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
1989
1989
FDD Year
2025
2025