- Autobarn started as a cooperative in 1985 and became a franchise system in 1991. It’s owned by ASX-listed Bapcor.
- Broker sources put the capital investment at about $250,000 to $500,000, depending on store size and location.
- Stock is a major investment, and resales are usually priced plus stock at value.
Autobarn sells automotive parts, accessories, car care and 4×4 products through a national network of franchised stores. It’s part of Bapcor, a large automotive aftermarket group.
Autobarn stores are retail businesses rather than workshops, so the numbers that matter are sales per square metre, gross margin, stock turn and staffing.
Autobarn franchise at a glance
| Sector | Automotive parts and accessories retail |
|---|---|
| Owner | Bapcor Limited |
| Founded | 1985 as a cooperative; franchising since 1991 |
| Network | 115+ stores |
| Capital investment | About $250,000 to $500,000 (broker sources) |
| Support | Broker sources say Autobarn provides bookkeeping and administration services |
Figures come from the public sources listed at the end of this guide and can change. Treat them as a starting point and confirm current numbers in the franchise disclosure document.
How the Autobarn model works financially
Autobarn earns retail margin on a wide range of products. Margins differ by category, and promotions can shift the mix. Stock needs to be deep enough to win sales but not so deep that cash is tied up in slow-moving lines.
Trade customers and online orders add volume. Rent for large-format sites and retail staffing are the main fixed costs.
The numbers to test before you buy a Autobarn franchise
- Stock level, stock turn and slow-moving lines.
- Gross margin by category and the impact of promotions.
- Trade sales and debtors.
- Retail wages and rostering across trading hours.
- Rent for the site and the lease term.
- Fees and any services provided by the franchisor, and what they cost.
Buying an existing Autobarn store
Autobarn resales are often advertised with turnover and estimated profit. Verify both against BAS and bank statements, agree how stock will be counted and valued at settlement, and check that the profit allows for a manager if you won’t work full time in the store.
How Franchise Co. can help with a Autobarn purchase
We work with buyers and owners of franchise businesses across Australia. For a Autobarn store we can:
- Review the numbers before you sign. Our business due diligence starts from $2,000 + GST and tests the price, stock, margins and staffing against the seller’s records.
- Set up the structure and the books. Entity choice, GST, payroll and a chart of accounts that tracks stock turn and margin by category. See accounting and tax and bookkeeping, BAS and payroll.
- Check your franchise fees. We reconcile franchise fees to the sales they’re calculated on. See royalties and franchise fees.
- Plan the next store. If a second site is on the cards, we model the cash flow and funding first. See multi-site reporting.
Autobarn franchise FAQs
How much does an Autobarn franchise cost?
Broker sources put the capital investment at about $250,000 to $500,000. Resales are usually priced plus stock at value.
Who owns Autobarn?
Bapcor Limited, an ASX-listed automotive aftermarket group.
How many Autobarn stores are there?
More than 115 stores across Australia.
What should I check before buying an Autobarn store?
Stock levels and turnover, margins by category, trade debtors, staffing and the lease.
Franchise Co. is an independent accounting practice. We aren’t affiliated with, endorsed by or connected to Autobarn or Bapcor. Autobarn is a trademark of its owner and is used here only to identify the brand this guide discusses.
Sources and further reading
- Bapcor: Autobarn history
- Home Loan Experts: Autobarn franchise loans
- ACCC: Franchise disclosure document
Sources checked November 2026. Franchise costs and fees change. Confirm current figures with the franchisor before acting.
This guide is general information for people considering a franchise in Australia. It doesn’t take your circumstances into account and isn’t personal tax, legal or financial advice.
Talk it through
Every franchise is different. Ask us how this applies to yours.
