Car Wash for Sale

Have you been on the lookout for car washes on sale in South Africa? Look no further because Business for Sale has got you covered. With a full listing of business opportunities, business broking tools, valuations, knowledge sharing, and services, Business for Sale is the portal of choice for entrepreneurs.

Bronwen Barnard

09 September 2025

Summary

Buying or franchising a car wash can be an attractive entrepreneurial prospect. Beyond always having your car smell like a fresh pine forest, there are many advantages of owning a car wash. The enduring need for easily accessible and affordable vehicle cleaning services makes owning a car wash a safe investment.

However, there are also some disadvantages that come with the car wash territory like expensive equipment repair and pricy utility bills.

Pros & Cons of a Car Wash Business

Before committing to owning or franchising a carwash consider the following pros and cons.

Pros of Owning a Car Wash Business

Car Washes Are Always Needed: The latest statistics of South Africa’s registered motor vehicles were reported to be 9.600.412 vehicles. That’s a whole lot of vehicles that need to be washed. The good thing about car washes is that they can’t be outsourced or bought online, people need to go to their local car wash, meaning great potential for plenty of loyal, returning customers.
You’re The Boss: Owning your own business means that you are your own boss. Owning your own car wash allows you to make business decisions without having to report to anyone and the best part is, you choose what to do with the profits.
Car Washes Are Profitable: The most attractive advantage of owning a car wash is that they are a sustainably profitable business. A small-scale car wash available on Business for Sale can bring you R20,057 with an R240,681 yearly net profit.

Cons of Owning a Car Wash Business

Car Washes Are Seasonal: Everyone knows that devastating feeling when you just got your car washed and the rain clouds start rolling in. In months prone to more rain, car washes see far less business which can affect the business’ success.
Competitive Industry: Since owning a car wash is a fairly straightforward operation to run, there are several small-scale competitors that try to offer the cheapest price. Therefore, as the saying goes “location, location, location”! Always investigate your competitors in the surrounding area before investing in a car wash business.

How Much Does It Cost to Invest In a Car Wash?

According to the Franchise Association of South Africa (FASA), the franchise sector has displayed over 4% growth in the past few years and that car washes are one of the burgeoning businesses of the country. The average cost of buying or franchising a car wash is estimated between R348,000 - R605,500, depending on the size scale of the business.

Car Wash for Sale South Africa

Author: Bronwen Barnard

More Buyers Knowledge Bank

Get the latest information, valuable tips and share in the professional knowledge of business experts on buying a business

Somsubhra Roy

Franchisor and Franchisee Relationship: A Breakdown

The relationship between a franchisor and a franchisee is probably one of the most important aspects of succeeding with a franchise business. One can have a fantastic business plan and concept, but if the relationship is not strong and both parties do not invest time and effort into the relationship, it is more likely that the franchise will not be successful.

Bronwen Barnard

E-commerce Business for Sale: The Benefits

Whether you’re looking into buying an e-commerce business for sale because you’re passionate about building up a brand or whether you’re in it for the money, it’s still a good investment. Buying an online e-commerce business is a shortcut to entrepreneurial success compared to building your own business from the ground up. This article will discuss why buying an e-commerce business is better than building one and how much an e-commerce business will cost potential buyers.

Bronwen Barnard

Buying a Manufacturing Business for Sale

There are several good reasons why a manufacturer or an entrepreneur might be considering buying another manufacturing business. Acquiring a manufacturer can help you secure your supply chain or even allow you to bring product manufacturing in-house. As part of a diversification plan to develop into new markets, you can acquire a manufacturing company with a complementary or competing product to assist you in securing your customer base.

Bronwen Barnard

What to Consider Before Buying a Franchise

Buying a franchise can either be the best financial investment you ever make or the worst. Therefore, it’s crucial to do your research and have the facts before investing. In theory, a franchise is a perfect way for up-and-coming entrepreneurs to have a successful business, without having to build one from scratch. Successful franchises usually already have a business model that works and a loyal customer base.

Bronwen Barnard

What Factors to Consider Before Starting a Franchise?

Starting a franchise is the answer to being a business owner without having to start from scratch. To begin your business, you simply follow the franchise business model and utilise the already existing brand equity. Doesn't it sound brilliant?

Bronwen Barnard

Franchises Under R500 000 in South Africa

Franchising isn’t always the cheapest way to start a business, but luckily there is a growing number of franchising options in South Africa that don’t break the bank. Franchising is easily one of the safest ways to start a business as you already start with a reputable brand name and access to loyal customers.

Bronwen Barnard

"Cheap" Franchises in South Africa

Finding affordable franchises in South Africa can be very easy, thanks to Business for Sale. We already know what the benefits of owning a franchise are, and so naturally, the next best step is to find a franchise that suits your budget. Cheap food franchises in South Africa can be a little tougher to come across, as food franchises tend to be pricier. However, there are other franchises that can be bought into! Most Affordable Franchises in South Africa There are different categories that make for brilliant, affordable franchise options.

Bronwen Barnard

Supermarket for Sale

Independent grocery stores may find it a challenge to make a profit. Grocery stores make their profit based on volumes of customers. The Covid-19 pandemic put some pressure on supermarkets when everyone panicked about necessities like toilet paper. Supermarkets had to keep up with the demand, but also struggled under the regulations that prevented the sale of other regular items. Luckily, South Africa’s strictest lockdown levels have abated, giving most South African businesses the opportunity to pick up from where they left off.

Bronwen Barnard

Liquor Store for Sale

Unlike many other products for sale, alcohol is one that is not seasonal. People consume alcohol all year round, and liquor sales have yet to drop due to external factors that would typically affect other industries. This makes it a reasonably safe bet to invest in, and become a part of.

Bronwen Barnard

Advantages and Disadvantages of Franchising

When considering starting a business, you’ll need to decide whether you want to start from scratch, or if you want to join into a franchise. This decision will depend on your goals and vision. While it can be exciting to begin a business independently, it could also pose a few risks. A franchise brings with it a host of benefits that can’t be found when you’re on your own. We’ve done a little homework for you so that you can make an informed decision about which option is best for you. Take a look below at our lists of advantages and disadvantages of franchising:

Bronwen Barnard

Salon Business for Sale

The beauty industry is ever-popular in South Africa, and a great choice for buyers to delve into when looking into buying an existing business. Even after the decimating effects of COVID-19 on the economy, the beauty industry is standing strong, as people prioritise self-care. There are factors to keep in mind to ensure that you develop a successful business plan, before you invest in a salon for sale.

Bronwen Barnard

Finance to Buy a Business

Choosing an existing business for sale is the easy part; by the time you’re considering buying a business, you already have an idea of which industry it will be in, its size, type, and all of the other particulars. The more complicated part is when it comes to applying for finance to buy a business. Very few people have the capital to use cash to buy the business, so it’s important to understand the ways and means of borrowing money and still making those dreams come true!