A well-established auto repair shop has something a lot of businesses don’t: customers who come back every few months, year after year. That recurring customer base is exactly what makes buying the location you operate from — instead of continuing to rent it — such a compelling move.
Two paths: SBA 504 and SBA 7(a)
When people talk about SBA financing for commercial real estate, two programs usually come up:
- SBA 504 — built specifically for buying fixed assets like buildings and heavy equipment. It typically requires less down payment and offers a long-term fixed-rate portion, which makes it easier to project your monthly payments.
- SBA 7(a) — more flexible in how it can be used: it can combine buying the building with working capital, acquiring a business, or even additional equipment in a single structure.
Which one fits you? It depends on your specific situation — if you’re just looking to buy the property, 504 is usually the natural starting point; if you need to combine several financing needs into one transaction, 7(a) offers more flexibility. We walk through both options with you during your personalized consultation.
Why an auto repair shop is a good fit
- Specialized equipment that doesn’t move easily — lifts, diagnostic systems, fixed tooling.
- Predictable revenue — preventive maintenance and recurring repairs generate steady cash flow.
- Operating history — if you’ve been running the business for 3 years or more, you already have the track record these programs look for.
What changes when you own it
Today, every dollar of rent disappears without building anything for you. By buying your shop:
- Every monthly payment builds your equity, not your landlord’s.
- You can modify the space freely — add bays, improve the customer waiting area, expand parking.
- You eliminate the risk of a landlord declining to renew your lease right when your business is growing.
SBA financing programs are structured to require less down payment than a conventional commercial loan. CapitalBUENO works with up to 100% financing available depending on your business profile, with terms of up to 25 years.
The process
- See if you qualify — a short questionnaire, no obligation.
- Personalized consultation — we review your situation and compare 504 vs. 7(a) for your case.
- Prep and application — we guide you through the documentation.
- Closing and ownership — you sign and start building equity.
If you’re also considering expanding to a second location, check out the rest of our financing solutions.
An important note
CapitalBUENO is a referral partner and is not the lender. Financing is facilitated through a network of financial institutions and is subject to qualification, program eligibility, and approval. Terms, amounts, and timelines are subject to change and program availability. This does not constitute a commitment to extend credit. Terms and conditions of the financing programs apply.
Has your auto repair shop been operating for more than 3 years out of a rented location? See if you qualify in minutes, no obligation.