Auto shop for sale with car count and SDE
An auto repair shop is a people business that happens to have lifts and scan tools. Its value rests on certified technicians who stay, a steady car count, a healthy average repair order and a customer base that trusts the shop rather than just the owner. CompanyBrokers listings show revenue, SDE, asking price, multiple and reason for sale in a structured format, while shop management reports, payroll and equipment lists sit in a data room that opens after NDA and proof of funds.
- NDA signed
- Proof of funds
- Data room
Auto repair shops for sale near me
Create a deal alert for auto shops by state, price range and minimum SDE, and new listings arrive by email once a broker or owner publishes them. Every inquiry goes through an NDA e-sign and a proof of funds step, which matters because technicians and fleet customers can leave quickly if news of a sale spreads early. Browse every business for sale near me or read how to buy a business.
No matching businesses yet
Nothing matches these filters right now. Create a deal alert and we email you when a matching company is listed.
What buyers look for in an auto repair business
- Car count per week and average repair order, with trends over two or three years
- ASE certified technicians, their tenure and how they are paid (flat rate or hourly)
- Parts and labor gross margins, and the split between them
- Fleet, dealership overflow or insurance work that adds steady volume
- Number of bays, lifts, alignment rack and diagnostic equipment, including EV and ADAS capability
- A shop that runs on a service manager, not only on the owner at the counter
How much is an auto shop worth
Auto repair shops are commonly valued on a multiple of SDE, and as general market guidance owner operated general repair shops often trade around 2 to 3.5 times SDE. Shops with a manager, several bays, strong fleet accounts and documented processes can reach higher multiples, and multi location groups attract EBITDA based offers from consolidators. Heavy reliance on the owner as the lead technician or service writer lowers value, because buyers fear customers and staff will follow the seller out. Equipment and real estate, if owned, are often listed separately. Start with the business valuation calculator.
Auto shop due diligence checklist
- Shop management system reports: car count, average repair order, labor hours sold and comeback rate
- Technician roster with certifications, tenure, pay plans and any non compete or retention agreements
- Parts supplier statements and rebates, plus parts markup policy
- Environmental records: used oil, coolant and solvent disposal, and storage tank history where present
- Equipment list with age and condition: lifts, compressors, scan tools and alignment equipment
- Online reviews, warranty claim history and any open customer complaints
- Lease, zoning for automotive use and any landlord restrictions on hazardous materials
Financing an auto repair shop purchase
Auto repair shops are a familiar category for SBA lenders, and an SBA 7(a) loan is a common way to finance goodwill, equipment and working capital; see how an SBA loan to buy a business is structured. Lenders often want the buyer to have industry or management experience, or a plan to retain the lead technician. Seller financing and a transition period, where the seller stays on to introduce customers and fleet contacts, are common and strengthen the loan application.
Selling your auto shop
To sell my business well, show that the shop runs without you: a service writer who handles customers, technicians who stay and clean shop management data. Our selling a business checklist explains the preparation. List confidentially with NDA protection or get matched with business brokers who sell automotive businesses in your state, or find business brokers near me. See pricing.
Do I need to be a mechanic to buy an auto shop
No, but you need a strong service manager and experienced technicians. Many successful owners focus on customer service, marketing and hiring rather than working in the bays.
What is a good average repair order for an auto shop
It varies by market and shop type, so compare the shop's trend over time and against similar shops locally rather than relying on a single number.
How do I keep technicians after buying an auto shop
Meet them early in the transition, keep pay plans stable, consider retention bonuses and plan a transition where the seller stays for several weeks.