AAMCO Transmissions, vs Christian Brothers Automotive
AAMCO Transmissions, vs Christian Brothers Automotive: AAMCO Transmissions, costs $475K–$868K to open; Christian Brothers Automotive costs $350K–$771K. AAMCO Transmissions, has 462 units, Christian Brothers Automotive has 242. SBA loan history: AAMCO Transmissions, = 584 loans (19.9% default); Christian Brothers Automotive = 319 loans (0.0% default). The franchise with more SBA-funded units, lower default rate, and lower royalty load is the safer financing bet — see the comparison below.
AAMCO Transmissions, vs Christian Brothers Automotive — Capital, Scale & Lending Analysis
Data-driven differentiation pulled from FDD filings and SBA 7(a) loan-level data. Each pairing reflects a unique combination of capital intensity, system scale, and financing path.
Capital Intensity
Christian Brothers Automotive requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($350K vs $475K for AAMCO Transmissions,), a 36% spread. Initial franchise fees come in at $50K for AAMCO Transmissions, versus $135K for Christian Brothers Automotive — AAMCO Transmissions, has the lower entry fee.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, AAMCO Transmissions, operates 462 units to Christian Brothers Automotive's 242. AAMCO Transmissions, has been operating 63 years (founded 1963) versus 44 for Christian Brothers Automotive (founded 1982) — a 19-year tenure gap that affects unit-economics maturity and FDD revision history.
SBA Lending Profile
AAMCO Transmissions, has the deeper SBA lending track record with 584 historical 7(a) approvals versus 319 for Christian Brothers Automotive.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 19.9% for AAMCO Transmissions, and 0.0% for Christian Brothers Automotive — Christian Brothers Automotive has the cleaner historical loss profile by 19.9 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 48 (Fair) for AAMCO Transmissions, and 64 (Moderate) for Christian Brothers Automotive, giving Christian Brothers Automotive the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 48/100 | 64/100 |
Health Tier | Fair | Moderate |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Declining | Declining |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 584 | 319 |
SBA Volume | — | — |
Default Rate | 19.9% | 0.0% |
Peer Tier | major | major |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $475K – $868K | $350K – $771K |
Franchise Fee | $50K | $135K |
Royalty Rate | 6% | 50% |
Ad Fund | 1% | 3% |
Liquid Capital | N/A | $85K |
Net Worth Required | N/A | $250K |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 462 | 242 |
Franchised Units | 462 | 242 |
Company-Owned | — | — |
Term Length | 10 yrs | 15 yrs |
Which Is Better — AAMCO Transmissions, or Christian Brothers Automotive?
Lower upfront capital required
Christian Brothers Automotive
AAMCO Transmissions,: $475K starting · Christian Brothers Automotive: $350K starting
More SBA lender confidence
AAMCO Transmissions,
AAMCO Transmissions,: 584 SBA loans · Christian Brothers Automotive: 319 SBA loans
Lower historical default rate
Christian Brothers Automotive
AAMCO Transmissions,: 19.9% · Christian Brothers Automotive: 0.0%
Larger system & brand presence
AAMCO Transmissions,
AAMCO Transmissions,: 462 units · Christian Brothers Automotive: 242 units
Lower ongoing royalty load
AAMCO Transmissions,
AAMCO Transmissions,: 6% · Christian Brothers Automotive: 50%
More lender financing options
AAMCO Transmissions,
AAMCO Transmissions,: 194 unique lenders · Christian Brothers Automotive: 44 unique lenders
Decision matrix uses publicly disclosed FDD and SBA loan data. Not a recommendation — your best franchise depends on capital, market, operating capacity, and risk tolerance.
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About These Franchises
AAMCO Transmissions, vs Christian Brothers Automotive: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing AAMCO Transmissions, and Christian Brothers Automotive is about more than brand preference — it's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $350K to $868K.
Both brands have active SBA lending histories — AAMCO Transmissions, with 584 SBA loans and Christian Brothers Automotive with 319. This means proven lender acceptance and established underwriting paths for franchise buyers.
SBA 7(a) loans are the most common franchise funding vehicle, offering up to $5M with as little as 10% down. PeerSense connects franchise buyers with the specific lenders who have approved loans for these brands — not generic referrals, but lenders with actual franchise lending track records.
Data sourced from SBA loan records, Franchise Disclosure Documents, and public filings. Updated regularly. Not financial advice — consult with a lending professional before making investment decisions.