Quick Lube / Oil Change Shop
10 minutes, $80, repeat every 5,000 miles — forever
Bottom line
Worth studying, but do not buy without strong local proof.
Quick lube shops perform rapid oil changes and basic vehicle maintenance (filters, wipers, fluids) without appointments in 10–15 minutes. The model thrives on high volume, predictable recurrence (every 3–6 months per car), and upsells. Independent shops average $400K–$900K in revenue. Franchise options (Jiffy Lube, Valvoline Instant Oil Change, Take 5) provide brand, training, and supply chain in exchange for royalties.
How It Works
Customers drive in without an appointment. Technicians complete the oil change in one pit bay while the customer stays in the car or waits briefly. Average ticket is $70–$110 including oil and filter. Upsells (transmission fluid, air filters, cabin filters, wiper blades) can add $20–$40/visit. High-traffic locations see 50–100 cars/day. Multi-bay locations with strong throughput are the key to profitability.
BizBite verdict
Watch / verify
Quick Lube / Oil Change Shop has enough high-level data for a first look, but BizBite has not assigned a category-specific operating model yet. Treat the score as preliminary.
Why it may work
- +SBA dataset shows 13 recent comparable loans
Be careful
- !Source link status has not been verified yet
- !No last-checked date yet
- !No category operating model yet
SBA 7(a) data
Real acquisitions in this category
Change-of-ownership loans · NAICS 811191 · Automotive Oil Change and Lubrication Shops
Deal size distribution
Deal flow over time
Financing profile
Franchise vs independent
Franchised acquisitions finance at $900K median vs $582K for independents — a +55% franchise premium. Franchises make up 55% of deals tracked.
Recent comparable deals
| Closed | State | Loan | Implied deal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2025 | WA | $2.2M | $2.6M |
| Sep 2025 | AR | $2.3M | $2.8M |
| Aug 2025 | KY | $919K | $1.1M |
| Aug 2025 | CA | $1.3M | $1.6M |
| Jul 2025 | TX | $1.4M | $1.6M |
| May 2025 | CO | $137K | $161K |
| Apr 2025 | CA | $1.3M | $1.5M |
| Mar 2025 | CO | $250K | $294K |
| Feb 2025 | CA | $3.6M | $4.2M |
| Jan 2025 | TX | $300K | $353K |
Source: SBA 7(a) FOIA dataset, filtered to acquisitions (loans where business age is "Change of Ownership"). Implied deal size assumes an 85% loan-to-purchase ratio, a common SBA change-of-ownership structure. Charge-off rate shown only when 10+ loans have resolved (paid in full or charged off). Interest rates reflect last 24 months only. Actual deal values vary with equity injections, seller financing, and working capital terms.
Deal Calculator
Priced off $154K SDE — can this deal service its own debt?
SDE = revenue × margin estimate for this niche; it includes owner compensation, so budget your salary out of cash flow. Excludes working-capital injection, capex reserves, and taxes. Actual SBA terms vary by lender and borrower.
Pros
- +Extremely predictable demand — cars always need oil changes
- +No appointment model maximizes daily throughput
- +Strong upsell opportunities at each service visit
- +Franchise options de-risk operations and marketing
Cons
- -Labor-intensive — staffing quality drives everything
- -Real estate and visibility are critical (high-traffic corner locations)
- -Competition from dealerships and franchise chains
Best For
Owner-operators who want a physical business with reliable recurring demand and manageable operations
Operating Costs
Main costs: oil and parts COGS (35–40% of revenue), labor (25–30%), rent ($5K–$20K/month depending on market), and equipment maintenance. Franchise royalties add 5–8% if applicable.
Where to Buy
Search oil change and quick lube businesses for sale
Browse Jiffy Lube, Valvoline, and Take 5 franchise opportunities
Buyer's Toolkit
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Largest business-for-sale marketplace in the US
SBA loans and business acquisition financing — get funded fast
ROBS financing — use retirement funds to buy a business tax-free
Bookkeeping for small business owners — hands-off financials
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