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Merlin Complete Auto Care

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Automotive
Auto Repair

Merlin Complete Auto Care

Merlin Complete Auto Care Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2025)

Merlin Complete Auto Care offers comprehensive automotive repair and maintenance services, prioritizing quality work and customer satisfaction.

Established in 1975 as Merlin Muffler & Brake, Merlin Complete Auto Care has evolved into a comprehensive automotive service provider dedicated to vehicle longevity.

Founded in Illinois, the company has grown to serve communities across multiple states, offering a full spectrum of "A to Z" automotive repair and maintenance services, from air conditioning fixes to wiper replacements. Merlin began franchising to expand its reach and bring its unique approach to auto care to a broader audience.

In 2014, the company joined the Driven Brands family, further enhancing its capabilities and support systems for franchisees. What sets Merlin apart is its commitment to helping customers achieve long-term vehicle use goals.

The "Drive for 200,000" program exemplifies this dedication by focusing on preventive maintenance designed to extend the life of vehicles, aiming to help customers reach 200,000 miles. This focus on vehicle longevity not only differentiates Merlin from competitors but also fosters strong customer relationships built on trust and reliability.

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 $30,000
Leasehold Improvements $20,000 – $150,000
Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment and Signage $142,445 – $203,395
First 3 Months’ Rent $15,000 – $25,000
Security Deposit $4,300 – $10,000
Opening Inventory and Supplies $12,000 – $20,000
Training Expenses $1,000 – $6,000
Miscellaneous Opening Costs $10,000 – $30,000
Additional Funds – 3 Months $30,000 – $60,000
Total (excluding real state costs) $264,745 – $534,395
Type of Expenditure Amount
Initial Franchise Fee $30,000
Leasehold Improvements $20,000 – $150,000
Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment and Signage $142,445 – $203,395
First 3 Months’ Rent $15,000 – $25,000
Security Deposit $4,300 – $10,000
Opening Inventory and Supplies $12,000 – $20,000
Training Expenses $1,000 – $6,000
Miscellaneous Opening Costs $10,000 – $30,000
Additional Funds – 3 Months $30,000 – $60,000
Total (excluding real state costs) $264,745 – $534,395

Merlin Complete Auto Care

2023

Franchise Disclosure Document

Number of units

Training

Merlin Complete Auto Care provides comprehensive training programs to its franchisees to ensure successful operation of their shops. The training includes:

  1. Initial Training Program: A mandatory program conducted at the franchisor’s offices, training center, or Merlin shops. This program runs for a minimum of four weeks and covers all aspects of operating a Merlin shop.
  2. Supplemental and Refresher Training: Periodic additional training sessions that franchisees or their shop managers and technicians are required to complete. These sessions are conducted at designated locations and aim to keep the franchisee updated with the latest operational standards and practices.
  3. Supplier Seminars: Conducted by certain suppliers to familiarize franchisees and shop managers with the installation and use of their products, ensuring that the franchisees are well-versed with the latest tools and technologies in the automotive industry.

Territory Protection

Merlin Complete Auto Care offers territory protection to its franchisees to provide a competitive advantage within a defined area. This protection ensures that no other Merlin franchise can operate within the same designated territory, allowing franchisees to build their business without facing internal competition.

The specific boundaries and details of the territory are typically outlined in the franchise agreement. The franchise also considers market demographics and population density when determining territory size.

This approach ensures that the franchisee has a sufficient customer base to support the shop's success. However, territory protection does not preclude competition from other automotive service providers outside the Merlin franchise system.

Competitors

Below are some of

Merlin Complete Auto Care

key competitors in the

Auto Repair

sector.

Franchise
Franchisees
Initial fee
Total investment
Revenue
Sign up
Gross Profit
Sign up
EBITDA
Sign up

24

New
+
-14%
-14%

$30,000

$265,000

$534,000

n.a.

$1,150,000

$xxx,xxx

71.9%

xx%

n.a.

38.6%

xx%

n.a.

Competitors

Summit Auto Calibration

Summit Auto Calibration is an automotive-services franchise offering ADAS camera and sensor calibration for modern vehicles, serving body shops, glass installers, and dealerships, and known for mobile and fixed operations, OEM-compliant procedures, and helping collision centers safely return vehicles.

Franchisees

?

0
+
n.a.
n.a.
Investment

?

$161,000 - $1,087,000

Black Optix Tint

Black Optix Tint is an automotive styling franchise offering window tinting, paint protection, ceramic coatings, and audio upgrades, serving car owners and enthusiasts, and known for bold branding, multi-service customization packages, and support from United Franchise Group’s wider franchising ecosystem.

Franchisees

?

24
+
700%
700%
Investment

?

$246,000 - $348,000

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

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