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Buying Car Washes: a buyer's guide

Typical price range

Varies enormously by format (self-serve, in-bay automatic, express tunnel) and whether real estate is included. Illustrative range: a few hundred thousand dollars to multiple millions.

Numbers on this page are illustrative only, not market data. Get a professional valuation.

What to verify during due diligence

• Format and equipment condition
• Membership/subscription counts and churn, if any
• Water, sewer and environmental compliance records
• Traffic counts and site access
• Real estate ownership vs. lease

Red flags

• Declining membership base
• Environmental or water-reclaim issues
• New competitor wash under construction nearby
• Deferred maintenance on tunnel equipment

Financing options

• SBA 7(a) and SBA 504 (for real estate)
• Conventional commercial real estate loans
• Equipment financing

Talk to a qualified broker, lender, accountant and attorney before buying. Sponsor listings for this category: coming soon.