CARSTAR vs Meineke
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both CARSTAR and Meineke are automotive franchises. CARSTAR requires an investment of $298K – $804K while Meineke requires $225K – $1.2M. 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 Meineke (27.1%). FranchiseVerdict rates CARSTAR A (Strongest tier) and Meineke C (Average).
| Metric | CARSTAR | Meineke |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | AStrongest tierStrongest tier | CAverageAverage |
| Investment Range | $298K – $804K | $225K – $1.2M |
| Franchise Fee | $10K | $45K |
| 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) | 7.0% |
| Average Revenue (Item 19) | $3.2M | $971KOutlet subset |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 0.0% (40 loans) | 27.1% (572 loans) |
| Total Units | 471 | 716 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 1989 | 1972 |
| FDD Year | 2025 | 2025 |
Investment Range
$298K – $804K
$225K – $1.2M
Franchise Fee
$10K
$45K
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)
7.0%
Average Revenue (Item 19)
$3.2M
$971KOutlet subset
SBA Charge-Off Rate
0.0% (40 loans)
27.1% (572 loans)
Total Units
471
716
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
1989
1972
FDD Year
2025
2025