Champion Auto Store vs Ziebart Rustproofing
Champion Auto Store vs Ziebart Rustproofing: Champion Auto Store costs $86K–$249K to open; Ziebart Rustproofing costs $52K–$238K. Champion Auto Store has 17 units, Ziebart Rustproofing has 14. SBA loan history: Champion Auto Store = 22 loans (18.2% default); Ziebart Rustproofing = 24 loans (37.5% default). The franchise with more SBA-funded units, lower default rate, and lower royalty load is the safer financing bet, see the comparison below.
Champion Auto Store vs Ziebart Rustproofing: 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
Ziebart Rustproofing requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($52K vs $86K for Champion Auto Store), a 67% spread.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, Champion Auto Store operates 17 units to Ziebart Rustproofing's 14. Ziebart Rustproofing has been operating 67 years (founded 1959) versus 6 for Champion Auto Store (founded 2020), a 61-year tenure gap that affects unit-economics maturity and FDD revision history.
SBA Lending Profile
Ziebart Rustproofing has the deeper SBA lending track record with 24 historical 7(a) approvals versus 22 for Champion Auto Store. Champion Auto Store's peak SBA year was 1997 (5 loans); Ziebart Rustproofing's peak was 1995 (6 loans). Champion Auto Store's more recent peak generally indicates fresher lender appetite. Geographically, Champion Auto Store concentrates in MN (7 SBA-funded units) while Ziebart Rustproofing leads in OH (3). Pick the brand whose strongest state matches yours for warmest lender introductions. Average SBA loan size on funded Champion Auto Store deals is $167K vs $129K for Ziebart Rustproofing, useful as a sizing anchor when modeling your own unit.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 18.2% for Champion Auto Store and 37.5% for Ziebart Rustproofing, Champion Auto Store has the cleaner historical loss profile by 19.3 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 33 (Fair) for Champion Auto Store and 36 (Fair) for Ziebart Rustproofing, giving Ziebart Rustproofing the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 33/100 | 36/100 |
Health Tier | Limited | Fair |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | N/A | N/A |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 22 | 24 |
SBA Volume | – | – |
Default Rate | 18.2% | 37.5% |
Peer Tier | growing | growing |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $86K – $249K | $52K – $238K |
Franchise Fee | N/A | $54K |
Royalty Rate | N/A | 8% |
Ad Fund | N/A | 2% |
Liquid Capital | N/A | N/A |
Net Worth Required | N/A | N/A |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Not Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 17 | 14 |
Franchised Units | 17 | 14 |
Company-Owned | – | – |
Term Length | N/A | 10 yrs |
Brand Information
Year Founded | 2020 | 1959 |
Franchising Since | N/A | N/A |
Years Franchising | N/A | N/A |
Headquarters | COTTAGE GROVE, MN | BOARDMAN, OH |
Category | Automotive Parts | Automotive Parts |
Website | ||
FDD Year | N/A | N/A |
Which Is Better, Champion Auto Store or Ziebart Rustproofing?
Lower upfront capital required
Ziebart Rustproofing
Champion Auto Store: $86K starting · Ziebart Rustproofing: $52K starting
More SBA lender confidence
Ziebart Rustproofing
Champion Auto Store: 22 SBA loans · Ziebart Rustproofing: 24 SBA loans
Lower historical default rate
Champion Auto Store
Champion Auto Store: 18.2% · Ziebart Rustproofing: 37.5%
Larger system & brand presence
Champion Auto Store
Champion Auto Store: 17 units · Ziebart Rustproofing: 14 units
More lender financing options
Ziebart Rustproofing
Champion Auto Store: 14 unique lenders · Ziebart Rustproofing: 21 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.
Need Funding for Champion Auto Store or Ziebart Rustproofing?
PeerSense connects you with 500+ SBA lenders and capital sources. Our referral fee is established upfront and paid at closing.
SBA Lenders & Capital Sources
Retainers or Consulting Fees
10% Down Franchise Loans
About These Franchises
Champion Auto Store vs Ziebart Rustproofing: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing Champion Auto Store and Ziebart Rustproofing is about more than brand preference. It's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $52K to $249K.
Both brands have active SBA lending histories, Champion Auto Store with 22 SBA loans and Ziebart Rustproofing with 24. 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.
Champion Auto Store vs Ziebart Rustproofing, Frequently Asked Questions
Which is a better franchise investment, Champion Auto Store or Ziebart Rustproofing?
How much does a Champion Auto Store franchise cost compared to Ziebart Rustproofing?
Can I finance Champion Auto Store or Ziebart Rustproofing with an SBA loan?
Which has a lower SBA default rate, Champion Auto Store or Ziebart Rustproofing?
Financing a franchise? Get matched to an SBA lender.
Tell us which brand and your budget. We route you to lenders who have already funded deals in these systems.
Franchise / SBA 7(a): Response within 24–48 hours. No obligation.