Buy a Working carwash or Shutdown and refurbish

[Headquarters]

I am a newbie, not yet a owner but actively looking. I am in West Texas Lubbock area. I recently found a 6 bay wash in Midland Tx. Its closed down and in a high traffic area with a ton of business, fast food and a large residential population. A lot of equipment is gone in the bays, There are 4 vacuums but i cant tell the brand and have not investigated on sight. Have a called the broker who is getting me further info. However about 1.3 miles away is a Lube shop with a 4 bay self serve wash and a auto bay. Its off the cross road both high traffic. I'm sure the one for sale or possibly lease as its been shut down at least 2 years, will take a substantial investment to make it operational. I'm sure all of you or most will say to pass. Large investment with competition too close. On a project this large I would need a partner for capital. I cant afford the down and renovations out of pocket, I could possible the renovations on a lease depending the negotiations and how long before rent would begin. Midland is large but again competition. This continues to be a dream of mine. I retire in 10 years as an automation /electrical tech. I am very good mechanic as well, I work a 14/14 rotational schedule, so some of the renovations i can do. Logistically its 1.5 hours from my home. My goal is getting my oldest son involved in this<if I can ever find a good opportunity, and pass it to him. I love brutal honesty so any feedback or advice is appreciated. Thank you for your time

 

[Waxman]

i think it's too far away from where you live. others may disagree, but i live 40 min. from my wash and i make the drive 6 days/week. i have 14 apartments nearby the wash, too.

some days it feels like too much driving.

 

[Headquarters]

Thank you, It is a bit far. However opportunities in my surrounding area are very rare and the ones that have become available are far too expensive. Most want so much that after expenses and mortgage it would be a negative per month. I appreciate your feedback. I will just continue to look.

 

[Keno]

You'll have to make sure you can operate the shut down place as a self serve car wash still. Some areas make it hard or impossible to reopen a shut down wash as they don't want them around anymore

 

[MudMoney]

I agree with Waxman, too far away.

 

[Jeffhanson30]

I am a newbie, not yet an owner but actively looking. I am in West Texas Lubbock area. I recently found a 6 bay wash in Midland Tx. Its closed down and in a high traffic area with a ton of business, fast food and a large residential population. A lot of equipment is gone in the bays, There are 4 vacuums but i cant tell the brand and have not investigated on sight. Have a called the broker who is getting me further info. However about 1.3 miles away is a Lube shop with a 4 bay self serve wash and an auto bay. Its off the cross road both high traffic. I'm sure the one for sale or possibly lease as its been shut down at least 2 years, will take a substantial investment to make it operational. I'm sure all of you or most will say to pass. Large investment with competition too close. On a project this large I would need a partner for capital. I cant afford the down and renovations out of pocket, I could possible the renovations on a lease depending the negotiations and how long before rent would begin. Midland is large but again competition. This continues to be a dream of mine. I retire in 10 years as an automation /electrical tech. I am very good mechanic as well, I work a 14/14 rotational schedule, so some of the renovations i can do. Logistically its 1.5 hours from my home. My goal is getting my oldest son involved in this<if I can ever find a good opportunity, and pass it to him. I love brutal honesty so any feedback or advice is appreciated. Thank you for your time

I would call the city planning department and ask what new requirements will be needed to reopen. They will make you apply for permits, special use probably plus any new zoning requirements like landscape, lighting, storm water management… don’t assume you can just turn on the lights and open the next day with new equipment. Might require significant site plan approval before opening from the planning baord

 

[OurTown]

Thank you, It is a bit far. However opportunities in my surrounding area are very rare and the ones that have become available are far too expensive. Most want so much that after expenses and mortgage it would be a negative per month. I appreciate your feedback. I will just continue to look.

Welcome to the wonderful world of overpriced car washes. 90% of the listed ones around here do not pencil out.