Car Wash Businesses for sale or lease to own.
Business Description
Established Car Wash Business - Imperial Auto Wash (100% bonus depreciation available)
These two car washes have served the Waterford, Michigan community for nearly four decades, generating strong revenue and EBITDA. Established in 1986, Imperial Auto Wash has built a loyal customer base through consistent service and prime positioning on high-traffic corridors.
Business Highlights:
- Two fully operational locations on busy 5-lane roads with center turn lanes
- Exceptional traffic counts: 19,000 and 55,000 vehicles per day at respective locations
- Complete 2022 renovation including new Motor City Wash Works tunnel equipment
- 130- and 100-foot tunnels with new pay stations, entrance/exit air doors, and security system
- 3,000 square foot facility with owned real estate valued at $1,500,000
- Established customer base with 40+ years of community presence
Growth Opportunities:
- Develop monthly membership programs for recurring revenue
- Expand service offerings including detailing, ceramic coatings, and specialty services
- Target fleet and commercial accounts (contractors, delivery companies, dealerships)
- Implement customer referral programs
- Increase average transaction value through service upgrades
Operational Advantages:
- Recently renovated facilities ready for immediate operation
- Experienced management team and staff willing to stay
- Comprehensive security system with 12 cameras
- Modern equipment reducing maintenance concerns
Transition Support:
- Owner provides 60 days of hands-on training
- Current managers and staff committed to staying
- Seller financing available for qualified buyers
- Flexible sale or lease-to-own options
The owner is retiring to Florida, creating an opportunity for an entrepreneur to acquire an established business with significant recent capital improvements. The combination of prime locations, loyal customer base, and growth potential makes this an attractive investment for both experienced operators and first-time business owners.
This represents a rare opportunity to step into a well-established operation with modern equipment, proven cash flow, and multiple expansion possibilities in a stable, recession-resistant industry.
These two car washes have served the Waterford, Michigan community for nearly four decades, generating strong revenue and EBITDA. Established in 1986, Imperial Auto Wash has built a loyal customer base through consistent service and prime positioning on high-traffic corridors.
Business Highlights:
- Two fully operational locations on busy 5-lane roads with center turn lanes
- Exceptional traffic counts: 19,000 and 55,000 vehicles per day at respective locations
- Complete 2022 renovation including new Motor City Wash Works tunnel equipment
- 130- and 100-foot tunnels with new pay stations, entrance/exit air doors, and security system
- 3,000 square foot facility with owned real estate valued at $1,500,000
- Established customer base with 40+ years of community presence
Growth Opportunities:
- Develop monthly membership programs for recurring revenue
- Expand service offerings including detailing, ceramic coatings, and specialty services
- Target fleet and commercial accounts (contractors, delivery companies, dealerships)
- Implement customer referral programs
- Increase average transaction value through service upgrades
Operational Advantages:
- Recently renovated facilities ready for immediate operation
- Experienced management team and staff willing to stay
- Comprehensive security system with 12 cameras
- Modern equipment reducing maintenance concerns
Transition Support:
- Owner provides 60 days of hands-on training
- Current managers and staff committed to staying
- Seller financing available for qualified buyers
- Flexible sale or lease-to-own options
The owner is retiring to Florida, creating an opportunity for an entrepreneur to acquire an established business with significant recent capital improvements. The combination of prime locations, loyal customer base, and growth potential makes this an attractive investment for both experienced operators and first-time business owners.
This represents a rare opportunity to step into a well-established operation with modern equipment, proven cash flow, and multiple expansion possibilities in a stable, recession-resistant industry.
About the Business
- Years in Operation
- 40
- Employees
- 6 (4 Full-time, 2 Part-time)
We have two good managers willing to stay on board with new owner. - Facilities & Assets
- Note: Car Washes have 100% bonus depreciation. We own two car washes in Waterford Michigan. One is Full Service and the other is an express. All new equipment installed in 2022 and 2024. The tunnel equipment was provided by Motor City Wash Works located in Wixom MI approximately 25 minutes from site. This allows for quick parts pickup and technical support. We have DRB pay stations with Site Watch Web. We offer Monthly Membership program allowing for reoccurring revenue. We have a large fleet account with membership above 900 vehicles.
- Website
- Show Website URL
- Market Outlook / Competition
- There are car washes in the area, but Imperial Auto Wash has been around for 40 plus years and has a good loyal customer base. Both Washes are on 5 lane roads with a center turn lane. 19,000 cars per day and 55,000 cars per day at second location.
- Opportunities for Growth
- 1. Build a strong monthly membership program
This is probably the biggest opportunity.
2. Increase your average ticket
Train employees to offer one simple upgrade at the pay station or during service.
Examples:
Tire shine
Interior protectant
Wax/sealant
Ceramic-style protection
Interior deep clean
Headlight restoration
Pet-hair removal
3. Add detailing as a separate revenue center
Your existing facility can potentially generate revenue when the tunnel isn’t busy.
Consider:
Interior detailing
Full detailing
Paint correction
Ceramic coatings
Odor removal
4. Attack fleet/business accounts
This is an area I’d specifically pursue.
Target:
Plumbing companies
HVAC companies
Landscaping companies
Realtors
Delivery companies
Car dealerships
Rental fleets
Local municipalities
Sales organizations
Add a customer referral program
For example:
“Refer a friend → both receive a free upgrade.”
This can be much cheaper than buying every new customer through advertising.
Real Estate
- Owned or Leased
- Owned
- Included in asking price
- Building Sq. Ft.
- 3,000
About the Sale
- Seller Motivation
- Retiring to Florida
- Transition Support
- Owner willing to stay for 60 days of training. Both managers and current staff would like to stay with new owner.
- Financing Options
- Owner offering to sell or lease the business only, or business and property.
Listing Info
- ID
- 2543113
- Listing Views
- 25
Listing ID: 2543113 The information on this listing has been provided by either the seller or a business broker representing the seller. BizQuest has no interest or stake in the sale of this business and has not verified any of the information and assumes no responsibility for its accuracy, veracity, or completeness. See our full Terms of Use. Learn how to avoid scams.
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