Table of Contents
Our Verdict
Midas is a better alternative than CARSTAR in the provision of auto repair and maintenance for your franchises, thanks to these reasons:
- Midas offers a wider range of services than CARSTAR, including brakes, tires, oil changes, exhaust systems, steering and suspension, batteries, belts and hoses, heating and cooling, and fleet services. CARSTAR mainly focuses on collision repair, paintless dent repair, and storm damage repair.
- Midas has more locations than CARSTAR, with over 1,200 locations across the United States and internationally. CARSTAR has over 700 locations in the United States and Canada.
- Midas has a lower start-up cost than CARSTAR for potential franchisees, ranging from $216,000 to $373,000. CARSTAR has a higher start-up cost, ranging from $400,000 to $500,000.
However, be aware that Midas and CARSTAR are two of the leading auto repair and maintenance franchises in North America.
What exactly are you in need of?
If you are looking for a one-stop shop for all your auto needs, you want to have more options and convenience when choosing an auto service center, or you prefer a more affordable franchise opportunity in the auto industry, choose Midas
However, if you need a high-quality and reliable service for your damaged vehicle, you want peace of mind and convenience in case of an accident, or you want a more supportive and collaborative franchise opportunity in the auto industry, choose CARSTAR.
You are free to pick whatever you like, but Midas is the better deal.
Why Choose Midas
Who Midas Is Best For
You need Midas if you:
- Need a one-stop shop for all your auto needs, such as brakes, tires, oil changes, exhaust systems, steering and suspension, batteries, belts and hoses, heating and cooling, and fleet services.
- Want to have more options and convenience when choosing an auto service center. Midas has wide coverage.
- Need a more affordable franchise opportunity in the auto industry.
- Need comprehensive training, ongoing support, marketing assistance, national advertising, purchasing power, and brand recognition.
Who Midas Is Not Right For
You don’t need Midas if you:
- Need a high-quality and reliable service for your damaged vehicle, such as collision repair, paintless dent repair, and storm damage repair.
- Prefer an auto repair and maintenance franchise that offers 24/7 accident assistance to its customers.
- Need a more supportive and collaborative franchise opportunity in the auto industry, as Midas does not offer its franchisees operational support, insurance relations, marketing programs, performance management tools, proprietary operating systems, and access to a network of industry experts.
Why Choose CARSTAR
Who CARSTAR Is Best For
Choose CARSTAR if you:
- Need a high-quality and reliable service for your damaged vehicle, such as collision repair, paintless dent repair, and storm damage repair.
- Prefer an auto repair and maintenance franchise that offers services like towing, rental car arrangements, insurance claims processing, and repair updates, and you are ready to provide it at any time
- Want to have assistance in case of an accident.
- Prefer a more supportive and collaborative franchise opportunity in the auto industry, as CARSTAR offers its franchisees operational support, insurance relations, marketing programs, performance management tools, proprietary operating systems, and access to a network of industry experts.
- Need services such as collision repair, paintless dent repair, and storm damage repair.
Who CARSTAR Is Not Right For
Look for alternatives to CARSTAR if you:
- Require a wider range of services than collision repair, paintless dent repair, and storm damage repair.
- Need services such as brakes, tires, oil changes, exhaust systems, steering and suspension, batteries, belts and hoses, heating and cooling, and fleet services.
- Prefer a very affordable franchise opportunity in the auto industry, as CARSTAR has a high start-up cost
Main Differences
Ideal For
Looking for a one-stop shop that covers all your auto needs? Thats Midas! Whether you are a customer or a franchisee, Midas helps you with brakes, tires, oil changes, exhaust systems, steering and suspension, batteries, belts and hoses, heating and cooling, and fleet services. Be aware also that Midas offers its franchisees comprehensive training, ongoing support, marketing assistance, national advertising, purchasing power, and brand recognition.
CARSTAR, on the other hand, focuses on collision repair, paintless dent repair, storm damage repair (including hail damage), and 24/7 accident assistance. As a franchise, it provides you with operational support, insurance relations, marketing programs, performance management tools, proprietary operating systems, and access to a network of industry experts.
Pricing
The start-up cost for a Midas franchise ranges from $216,000 to $373,000. The start-up cost for a CARSTAR franchise ranges from $400,000 to $500,000.
Standout Features
Midas provides you with a wide range of services that cover all aspects of auto repair and maintenance.
CARSTAR helps you with high-quality and reliable service for your damaged vehicles
Standout Features
Midas
Midas Touch Maintenance Package
Midas offers a comprehensive maintenance package called the “Midas Touch Maintenance Package,” which includes oil changes, tire rotations, and a courtesy check of various vehicle components. This is convenient for you if you need routine maintenance services.
Exhaust and Muffler Services
Midas has expertise in exhaust and muffler repairs and replacements. You get a lifetime guarantee on its exhaust work.
Brake Services
Midas offers a range of brake services, including inspections, repairs, and replacements. It also has certified technicians with skills in brake systems.
Suspension and Steering Services
It specializes in suspension and steering system repairs, making it a good choice for you if you have issues in relation to these components.
Nationwide Network
Midas has a significant presence with locations across the United States and other countries, making it accessible to you and a wide range of customers.
>>>PRO TIPS: How To Choose a Heavy-Duty Repair Shop
CARSTAR
Collision Repair
CARSTAR specializes in collision repair and auto body work. It has the equipment and expertise to repair accident vehicles with damages, including frame straightening, painting, and dent removal.
Insurance Partnerships
CARSTAR has established relationships with many insurance companies, which can streamline the insurance claims process for you in accidents situations.
Advanced Technology
CARSTAR shops often employ advanced repair technologies and techniques to restore vehicles to their pre-accident condition.
Eco-Friendly Practices
Some CARSTAR locations prioritize eco-friendly practices and use environmentally friendly materials and processes in its repairs.
I-CAR Certification
Many CARSTAR technicians hold certifications from the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair (I-CAR), demonstrating the organization’s commitment to industry standards and training.
Warranty
CARSTAR typically offers warranties on its collision repair work, which provides you with peace of mind about the quality of the repairs.
Pros and Cons of Midas
Pros
- It offers a broad spectrum of automotive services, including routine maintenance, exhaust, muffler, brake, and steering system repairs, making it a convenient one-stop shop for many vehicle needs.
- It has numerous locations across the United States and internationally
- It provides accessibility and convenience for you if you travel or move frequently.
- It has a Midas Touch Maintenance Package which simplifies routine maintenance needs with a bundled service that includes oil changes and inspections.
- It offers expertise in exhaust and muffler repairs, often offering a lifetime guarantee on its work.
Cons
- It primarily focuses on general automotive maintenance and repair, so it is not useful to you if you need collision repair or auto body work.
- Its quality of service can vary by location, requiring that you research and read reviews in your area to ensure you are getting a reliable service.
Pros and Cons of CARSTAR
Pros
- It has expertise in collision repair and auto body work
- It has partnerships with insurance companies, which simplify the claims process and help you navigate the complexities of insurance-related repairs.
- Its service centres frequently make use of cutting-edge tools and methods to return automobiles to their pre-crash state.
- Its technicians hold I-CAR certifications, demonstrating its commitment to industry standards and ongoing training.
Cons
- It does not offer a wide range of services that cover all aspects of auto repair and maintenance
- It comes at a higher cost than some general automotive repair shops.
- It has fewer locations than some competitors, which limits accessibility for some customers.
Customer Reviews
Midas has a dismal 2.5-star rating on Trustpilot, based on 250 user reviews. CARSTAR, however, beats Midas here with 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 1,111 reviews.
From 603 reviews and ratings on ConsumerAffairs, the overall average for Midas is 3.0 stars out of 5. Based on 10 ratings and reviews, the general consensus for CARSTAR is 3.0 stars out of 5.
Midas has poor ratings on Trustpilot, where customers complain about poor service, dishonesty, overcharging, and damage to their vehicles; and average ratings on ConsumerAffairs, where customers report mix experiences with quality, professionalism, and timeliness. CARSTAR has excellent ratings on Trustpilot, where customers praise their high-quality work, exceptional customer service, fast turnaround time, and fair pricing; and average ratings on ConsumerAffairs, reflecting a range of customer experiences in terms of professionalism, attention to detail, and convenience.
Competitors
In case you are not cool with the offerings of Midas and CARSTAR, try any of these competitors:
Firestone Complete Auto Care
This is a full-service vehicle maintenance and car repair company that operates over 1,700 locations in the US. It provides a variety of services for different parts of the vehicle, such as tires, brakes, alignment, oil change, battery, and engine repair. It claims to offer high-quality products, expert technicians, and competitive prices.
Norauto
This is an automotive services company based in France that has over 600 centers in Europe and Africa. It offers a range of services for the vehicle’s performance and comfort, such as tires, brakes, exhaust, suspension, battery, and air conditioning. It also sells auto parts and accessories online and in-store. It promises to deliver fast, convenient, and affordable service to its customers.
Big O Tires
This is a chain of tire and wheel dealers based in the US that has over 450 locations in 25 states. It offers services for the vehicle’s safety and stability, such as tires, wheels, alignment, brakes, oil changes, and shocks. It also provides warranties and financing options for its customers. It boasts of having a large selection of tires and wheels, friendly service, and honest advice.
Monro
This is a chain of automotive service centers based in the US that has over 1,200 locations in 32 states. It offers services for the vehicle’s maintenance and repair, such as tires, brakes, mufflers, alignment, oil change, and state inspection. It also features coupons and discounts for its customers. It aims to provide quality service, convenience, and value to its customers.
Pro Tips
Here are some pro tips that can help you make a good choice:- Assess your vehicle’s needs and compare the services each offers: Determine the nature of your vehicle’s problem. Is it routine maintenance, general repair, or collision repair and auto body work? This is the primary factor in your decision.
- Check out their availability in your area and their demand
- Compare the costs and benefits of franchising with them: Request quotes or estimates from both Midas and CARSTAR (or other local service providers) for the same service if possible. This helps you compare costs and services.
- Compare the customer reviews and ratings of both franchises
- Check the certifications and trainings of the technicians at each location: Ask about the qualifications and certifications of the technicians at each location. I-CAR certification, for example, can be important for collision repair. Ensure the technicians have trainings and experience in the specific type of service you need.
- Check for warranties and guarantees: Inquire about any warranties or guarantees that both Midas and CARSTAR offer. This gives you peace of mind regarding the quality of work.
Recap
Remember that the decision ultimately comes down to your specific circumstances and priorities. Consider the pros and cons, do your research, and take your time to make an informed choice that aligns with your vehicle’s needs and your peace of mind.
