Hi Everyone,
I've just joined and been reviewing the forums and I'm looking for any input on the future viability of the light mechanical/oil change place like this.
I'm contemplating buying an existing oil lube/light auto mechanic location. They do quick oil changes, light mechanical (brakes/inspection/ alignment/tune ups) and are typically 3 or 4 cars wide and 2 deep (6-8 spots). They typically designate 1 bay to alignment, 1 to inspection, another one for mechanical perhaps, and the remaining 4 or whatever for the quick oil change.
All the locations are such that the owner owns the business and land, which makes the purchase price for a new start or existing re-sale very expensive so even contemplating this is a huge investment, but owning tangible land (which I'm not sure is good or bad).
I see in some of the forums saying this is a bad deal because the dealers try to use oil changes as loss leaders, cars don't do as much oil changes as in the past (and some come from the factory with lifetime maintenance), electric cars, crap environment making people not maintain cars, etc. I think my biggest concern is the economy over the next few years on top of all the above. But, these posts are a bit older, some are 2 and 3 years old. Are things getting worse, better?
I'm going to start reviewing the aoca.org and noln.net as well, but thought I'd throw this up as well to possibly restart some discussions, get some opinions, etc.
Anything is appreciated!
I've just joined and been reviewing the forums and I'm looking for any input on the future viability of the light mechanical/oil change place like this.
I'm contemplating buying an existing oil lube/light auto mechanic location. They do quick oil changes, light mechanical (brakes/inspection/ alignment/tune ups) and are typically 3 or 4 cars wide and 2 deep (6-8 spots). They typically designate 1 bay to alignment, 1 to inspection, another one for mechanical perhaps, and the remaining 4 or whatever for the quick oil change.
All the locations are such that the owner owns the business and land, which makes the purchase price for a new start or existing re-sale very expensive so even contemplating this is a huge investment, but owning tangible land (which I'm not sure is good or bad).
I see in some of the forums saying this is a bad deal because the dealers try to use oil changes as loss leaders, cars don't do as much oil changes as in the past (and some come from the factory with lifetime maintenance), electric cars, crap environment making people not maintain cars, etc. I think my biggest concern is the economy over the next few years on top of all the above. But, these posts are a bit older, some are 2 and 3 years old. Are things getting worse, better?
I'm going to start reviewing the aoca.org and noln.net as well, but thought I'd throw this up as well to possibly restart some discussions, get some opinions, etc.
Anything is appreciated!
