Fix Auto vs Maaco
Fix Auto vs Maaco: Fix Auto costs $55K–$3.1M to open; Maaco costs $100K–$1.4M. Fix Auto has 212 units, Maaco has 467. SBA loan history: Fix Auto = 35 loans (0.0% default); Maaco = 608 loans (12.5% default). The franchise with more SBA-funded units, lower default rate, and lower royalty load is the safer financing bet — see the comparison below.
Fix Auto vs Maaco — 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
Fix Auto requires the lower minimum capital commitment ($55K vs $100K for Maaco), a 45% spread. Initial franchise fees come in at $10K for Fix Auto versus $47K for Maaco — Fix Auto has the lower entry fee. Ongoing royalty load is 3% for Fix Auto and 4% for Maaco, giving Fix Auto the lighter per-unit drag on operating income.
System Scale & Tenure
On scale, Maaco operates 467 units to Fix Auto's 212 — roughly 2× the system size.
SBA Lending Profile
Maaco has the deeper SBA lending track record with 608 historical 7(a) approvals versus 35 for Fix Auto. Fix Auto's peak SBA year was 2020 (6 loans); Maaco's peak was 1997 (46 loans). Fix Auto's more recent peak generally indicates fresher lender appetite. Both systems concentrate the most SBA-funded units in CA — borrowers in that state will find the deepest lender familiarity with either brand. Average SBA loan size on funded Fix Auto deals is $1.3M vs $370K for Maaco — useful as a sizing anchor when modeling your own unit.
Risk Signal
SBA default rates are 0.0% for Fix Auto and 12.5% for Maaco — Fix Auto has the cleaner historical loss profile by 12.5 points. PeerSense FPI scores come in at 75 (Strong) for Fix Auto and 52 (Moderate) for Maaco, giving Fix Auto the stronger composite signal across SBA performance, lender appetite, and operational consistency.
Health & Performance
FPI Score | 75/100 | 52/100 |
Health Tier | Strong | Moderate |
Confidence | N/A | N/A |
Lending Trend | Growing | Declining |
SBA Lending
SBA Loans | 35 | 608 |
SBA Volume | — | — |
Default Rate | 0.0% | 12.5% |
Peer Tier | established | major |
Investment & Costs
Total Investment | $55K – $3.1M | $100K – $1.4M |
Franchise Fee | $10K | $47K |
Royalty Rate | 3% | 4% |
Ad Fund | 0.75% | N/A |
Liquid Capital | N/A | $150K |
Net Worth Required | N/A | N/A |
Financial Performance (Item 19)
Item 19 Status | Disclosed | Not Disclosed |
System Size & Operations
Total Units | 212 | 467 |
Franchised Units | 212 | 467 |
Company-Owned | — | — |
Term Length | 5 yrs | N/A |
Brand Information
Year Founded | N/A | 1972 |
Franchising Since | 2010 | N/A |
Years Franchising | 16 yrs | N/A |
Headquarters | Escondido, CA | LAKEWOOD, NJ |
Category | Automotive Body, Paint, | Automotive Body, Paint, |
Website | ||
FDD Year | 2026 | N/A |
Which Is Better — Fix Auto or Maaco?
Lower upfront capital required
Fix Auto
Fix Auto: $55K starting · Maaco: $100K starting
More SBA lender confidence
Maaco
Fix Auto: 35 SBA loans · Maaco: 608 SBA loans
Lower historical default rate
Fix Auto
Fix Auto: 0.0% · Maaco: 12.5%
Larger system & brand presence
Maaco
Fix Auto: 212 units · Maaco: 467 units
Lower ongoing royalty load
Fix Auto
Fix Auto: 3% · Maaco: 4%
More lender financing options
Maaco
Fix Auto: 15 unique lenders · Maaco: 188 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
Fix Auto vs Maaco: Franchise Funding Comparison
Comparing Fix Auto and Maaco is about more than brand preference — it's about which franchise fits your financial profile and funding strategy. Investment ranges from $55K to $3.1M.
Both brands have active SBA lending histories — Fix Auto with 35 SBA loans and Maaco with 608. 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.