How much does a Quick Lube / Oil Change Shop cost to buy?

A typical Quick Lube / Oil Change Shop sells for 2x to 3.5x annual revenue. With average revenue of $700K, expect to pay $1.4M to $2.5M.

How much does it cost to start a Quick Lube / Oil Change Shop?

Startup costs range from $150K to $500K depending on location, equipment, and scale.

Physical

Quick Lube / Oil Change Shop

Q: What are the profit margins for a Quick Lube / Oil Change Shop?

The average profit margin for a Quick Lube / Oil Change Shop is around 22%. 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.

10 minutes, $80, repeat every 5,000 miles — forever

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.

Share on X Share on LinkedIn

Avg Revenue

$700K

Profit Margin

22%

Acquisition Multiple

2x - 3.5x

Startup Cost

$150K - $500K

Difficulty

3/5

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.

Revenue Range

Low End

$400K

Typical

$700K

High End

$1.2M

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.