CARSTAR vs Auto Lab
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both CARSTAR and Auto Lab are automotive franchises. CARSTAR requires an investment of $298K – $804K while Auto Lab requires $297K – $746K. In terms of revenue, CARSTAR reports higher average unit revenue at $3.2M. CARSTAR has SBA lending data on file with a 0.0% charge-off rate. FranchiseVerdict rates CARSTAR A (Strongest tier) and Auto Lab A (Strongest tier).
| Metric | CARSTAR | Auto Lab |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | AStrongest tierStrongest tier | AStrongest tierStrongest tier |
| Investment Range | $298K – $804K | $297K – $746K |
| Franchise Fee | $10K | $28K |
| Royalty Rate | 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) | 6.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $3.2M | $970K |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 0.0% (40 loans) | Limited data |
| Total Units | 471 | 19 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 1989 | 2012 |
| FDD Year | 2025 | 2025 |
Investment Range
$298K – $804K
$297K – $746K
Franchise Fee
$10K
$28K
Royalty Rate
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)
6.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$3.2M
$970K
SBA Charge-Off Rate
0.0% (40 loans)
Limited data
Total Units
471
19
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
1989
2012
FDD Year
2025
2025