CARSTAR vs Valvoline Instant Oil Change
Franchise Comparison 2026
Both CARSTAR and Valvoline Instant Oil Change are automotive franchises. CARSTAR requires an investment of $298K – $804K while Valvoline Instant Oil Change requires $192K – $640K. 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 Valvoline Instant Oil Change (5.4%). FranchiseVerdict rates CARSTAR A (Strongest tier) and Valvoline Instant Oil Change A (Strongest tier).
| Metric | CARSTAR | Valvoline Instant Oil Change |
|---|---|---|
| Verdict Grade | AStrongest tierStrongest tier | AStrongest tierStrongest tier |
| Investment Range | $298K – $804K | $192K – $640K |
| Franchise Fee | $10K | $30K |
| 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 | $1.8M |
| SBA Charge-Off Rate | 0.0% (40 loans) | 5.4% (61 loans) |
| Total Units | 471 | 2,039 |
| Unit Growth (YoY) | N/A | N/A |
| Year Began Franchising | 1989 | 1988 |
| FDD Year | 2025 | 2026 |
Investment Range
$298K – $804K
$192K – $640K
Franchise Fee
$10K
$30K
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
$1.8M
SBA Charge-Off Rate
0.0% (40 loans)
5.4% (61 loans)
Total Units
471
2,039
Unit Growth (YoY)
N/A
N/A
Year Began Franchising
1989
1988
FDD Year
2025
2026