Honest-1 Auto Care

Home
Automotive
Auto Repair

Honest-1 Auto Care

Honest-1 Auto Care Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Honest-1 Auto Care is an automotive maintenance and repair franchise that offers eco-friendly services, including oil changes, brake repair, and engine diagnostics, providing transparent and reliable car care solutions to customers.

Honest-1 Auto Care is a full-service, eco-friendly auto repair franchise founded in 2003 in St. Petersburg, Florida. It is currently headquartered at 100 2nd Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL.

The brand began franchising in 2003 and has grown to over 60–70 centers nationwide across multiple U.S. states. It offers a comprehensive range of automotive services including oil changes, brake repair, diagnostics, tire services, and suspension work. The franchise emphasizes Eco-Friendly Auto Care and positions itself as a green alternative in the auto repair industry.

Honest-1 differentiates itself through transparent, customer-focused service and an environmentally conscious approach. Franchise locations feature upscale lobbies, offer free shuttle service, and provide a 36-month/36,000-mile warranty.

Initial investment

Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $75,000
Leasehold Improvements $0 - $450,000
Equipment Package $25,000 - $250,000
Signage $10,000 - $60,000
Rent Expense (deposits, rent, utilities, CAM, sales tax, etc.) $0 - $135,000
Opening Inventory and Supplies $5,000 - $15,000
Grand Opening Advertising and Initial Marketing $48,000 - $72,000
Training Expenses $5,000
Miscellaneous Pre-Opening Costs $3,000 - $10,000
Insurance $4,000 - $7,000
Office Supplies, Furniture, Fixtures, Computers & Software $10,000 - $65,000
Business Coach – 3 Weeks $17,500 - $20,000
Accounting Service – First 3 months $2,250
Technology Fee $1,000
Additional Funds - 3 months $50,000 - $75,000
TOTAL ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT $255,750 - $1,242,250
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $75,000
Leasehold Improvements $0 - $450,000
Equipment Package $25,000 - $250,000
Signage $10,000 - $60,000
Rent Expense (deposits, rent, utilities, CAM, sales tax, etc.) $0 - $135,000
Opening Inventory and Supplies $5,000 - $15,000
Grand Opening Advertising and Initial Marketing $48,000 - $72,000
Training Expenses $5,000
Miscellaneous Pre-Opening Costs $3,000 - $10,000
Insurance $4,000 - $7,000
Office Supplies, Furniture, Fixtures, Computers & Software $10,000 - $65,000
Business Coach – 3 Weeks $17,500 - $20,000
Accounting Service – First 3 months $2,250
Technology Fee $1,000
Additional Funds - 3 months $50,000 - $75,000
TOTAL ESTIMATED INITIAL INVESTMENT $255,750 - $1,242,250

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

Honest-1 Auto Care provides franchisees with a robust training program to ensure operational success and brand consistency. The training includes the following components:

  1. Business Coach Program: Franchisees must participate in a mandatory 3-week Business Coach program. This includes one week onsite before opening and two additional non-consecutive weeks after opening, covering all aspects of business setup and daily operations.
  2. Ongoing Support Services: Franchisees are required to subscribe to Honest-1's approved accounting service for at least 12 months, and to pay a monthly Technology Fee. This ensures continued operational guidance through system tools like CRM, business intelligence platforms, and marketing resources.
  3. Training-Related Expenditures: The initial training costs include travel and accommodation expenses for the Business Coach, estimated between $17,500 and $20,000. These costs are factored into the startup investment and are essential for aligning with Honest-1’s standards.

Territory Protection

Honest-1 Auto Care does not provide exclusive territory protection to its franchisees. The Franchise Disclosure Document does not mention any guarantees against placing other franchise units nearby. This means the franchisor retains the right to establish additional locations even in close proximity to an existing franchise.

Site approval is based on factors like demographics and traffic patterns, but approval of a location does not imply territorial exclusivity. Franchisees are expected to compete in the open market without assurance that another Honest-1 center will not be opened nearby.

Competitors

Below are some of

Honest-1 Auto Care

key competitors in the

Auto Repair

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Upgrade
Gross Profit
Upgrade
EBITDA
Upgrade

61

New
+
-3%
-3%

$75,000

$256,000

$1,242,000

n.a.

$1,358,000

$xxx,xxx

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

n.a.

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Purrfect Auto Service

Purrfect Auto Service is an automotive-service franchise offering full repair, maintenance, fast-lube and smog services, serving vehicle owners seeking trustworthy care, and known for ethical operations, returning parts to clients, and consistent franchisee support.

Franchisees

?

18
+
-5%
-5%
Investment

?

$149,000 - $378,000

Brake Masters

Brake Masters is an automotive repair franchise providing services including brake repair, oil changes, and general vehicle maintenance. Known for its ASE-certified technicians, the franchise emphasizes customer service and quality workmanship.

Franchisees

?

27
+
0%
0%
Investment

?

$1,494,000 - $2,913,000

Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists

Alloy Wheel Repair Specialists is an automotive franchise offering professional wheel repair and refinishing services, including curb rash removal, color changes, and structural repairs.

Franchisees

?

78
+
-11%
-11%
Investment

?

$99,000 - $639,000

Dentsmart

Dentsmart is an automotive service franchise specializing in paintless dent repair, providing fast, cost-effective solutions for hail damage and minor dents.

Franchisees

?

13
+
-13%
-13%
Investment

?

$79,000 - $111,000

ProColor Collision

ProColor Collision specializes in auto body repair and paint services, providing high-quality collision repair and refinishing to restore vehicles to their pre-accident condition.

Franchisees

?

30
+
200%
200%
Investment

?

$317,000 - $3,130,000

Tuffy Tire and Auto Service

Automotive repair and maintenance franchise offering a range of services, including tire sales, oil changes, and brake repair, providing trustworthy and reliable automotive care.

Franchisees

?

103
+
-28%
-28%
Investment

?

$229,000 - $729,000