Selling an Automotive Business? Here's What You Need to Know

Why the Automotive Industry Is Still a Strong Bet

Despite economic uncertainty, the automotive services sector remains a resilient, high-demand industry. Why?

• Americans still love their cars. With over 290 million vehicles on U.S. roads, maintenance, parts, and repair aren’t going anywhere.
• The average vehicle age is now over 12 years. That means more repairs, more service, and more opportunity.
• EVs are growing, but gas-powered vehicles still dominate. Shops that adapt are thriving.
• Private equity and consolidators are buying. Especially multi-location operations and niche specialty shops.

If you own a profitable automotive business, you may be sitting on a high-value asset—and we’re here to help you capitalize on it.

🚗290M+ vehicles on U.S. roads
🛠️12+ year average vehicle age
EV growth = shop evolution
💼Strong buyer demand

Who We Help in the Automotive Sector

Selling Your Automotive Business

Whether you run a high-volume repair shop, a specialized transmission service, a regional parts distribution business, or a boutique tuning garage that makes muscle cars purr—we’ve worked with business owners just like you. The automotive world is diverse, and no two shops operate exactly the same. That’s why we take the time to understand your business inside and out before crafting a strategy.

If your company is profitable and you’re starting to think about growth, succession, or a clean exit, Vision Fox is the trusted partner who gets it done. We don’t take a cookie-cutter approach. We work confidentially, strategically, and always with your end goal in mind—whether that’s selling for top dollar, preparing for retirement, or simply gaining clarity on what your business is worth in today’s market.

  • 🛠️ Independent Auto Repair Shops

  • 🚗 Used Car Dealerships

  • 🧽 Mobile Detailing & Wash Services

  • ⚙️ Transmission & Specialty Shops

  • 🪟 Auto Glass & Windshield Repair

  • 🛞 Tire & Wheel Retailers

  • 🧰 Performance & Tuning Businesses

  • 📦 Auto Parts Distributors

  • 🏢 Multi-location Shop Operators

What’s Your Automotive Business Worth?

This is the million-dollar question—literally. Whether you’re ready to sell now or just planning for the future, understanding what your business is worth is the first step toward making smart, strategic moves.

At Vision Fox, we evaluate automotive businesses based on more than just revenue. We consider the full picture: cash flow, customer retention, reputation, equipment value, and your role in day-to-day operations.

Buyers want strong financials—but they’re also paying for systems, people, and potential.

Here are some key factors that impact your valuation:

Average Valuation Multiples (SDE-Based)

Business Type Typical SDE Multiple
Independent Repair Shop 2.0x – 2.5x
Multi-Location Chain 2.5x – 3.5x+
Performance or Custom Shop 1.8x – 2.5x
Parts Distributor 3.0x – 4.0x

Confidential. Strategic. Proven.

When selling your automotive business, the most important first step is to have a discreet open conversation with our executive team. During this call we will help you understand the process of selling an automotive business and help make sure you are prepared.

If you decide it’s time to move forward with selling your business, our team of certified business valuation experts will help assure that you have the entire picture of what buyers are looking for and how automotive businesses are valued. Once we have established the value of your business we will review our exclusive listing agreement. As a closely aligned partner we do not charge any up front fees to list your business. We are only rewarded, after your automotive business has sold!

It will generally take 2 – 3 weeks for our marketing team to produce a full online presentation. This business listing will showcase high level details of your auto business while keeping the location, brand and other confidential details hidden, until we personally interview prospective buyers that have executed a non disclosure agreement. 

During the listing time we may interview as many as 50  – 100 buyer prospects, while seeking a qualified buyer that is looking to buy an automotive business. Our business brokerage team takes care of all negotiations while not disrupting your business. As we begin to find business buyer prospects that are seeking an automotive business we send you bi weekly reports on activity. 

All inquiries from our contact form go directly to our Director of Operations and all communication is kept confidential going forward. 

Is it time to sell?

The average automotive business takes 8 months to sell, with some businesses taking longer to find the right buyer in the right market. Our team works in 31 states and has the knowledge and expertise to help you. We are more than a business brokerage. Our business coaching and consulting backgrounds enable us to help you determine if selling your automotive business is the right decision and the right approach to meet your long term wealth goals. Take action today and experience what it is like to discreetly work with our high energy firm. 

Contact Vision Fox
To Sell Your Auto Business

What Success Looks Like with Vision Fox

Every business owner’s story is different—but the goals are often the same: a fair valuation, a smooth transition, and confidence in what comes next.

At Vision Fox, we’ve helped owners in the automotive space:
• Understand their true market value
• Prepare their businesses for a future sale—even years in advance
• Attract serious buyers, including private equity groups and regional consolidators
• Navigate offers and negotiations without the stress
• Exit on their own timeline, with their legacy and people in mind

We don’t make empty promises. We bring real data, real strategy, and real outcomes—so when you’re ready to make a move, you’re not guessing. You’re in control.

We would like to help you sell your auto business

Auto Repair Shop
Auto Dealership
Auto Tire & Brake Shop
Auto Paint & Body Shop

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