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Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: Milex Complete Auto Care and Mr. Transmission are leading names in the automotive repair and transmission service industry, offering a co-branded business model.
Milex Complete Auto Care and Mr. Transmission are leading names in the automotive repair industry, offering a one-stop solution for vehicle owners seeking high-quality maintenance and repair services. As part of the Moran Family of Brands, these co-branded franchises provide a comprehensive range of services, from routine oil changes to advanced transmission repairs. With a commitment to integrity, customer satisfaction and franchisee support, Milex and Mr. Transmission have built a reputation for reliability, expertise and business success.
Milex Complete Auto Care was founded in 1967 as Milex Tune-Up and Brake, providing general automotive repair and maintenance. The brand started franchising in 1972 and joined the Moran Family of Brands in 1997. In 2006, Milex rebranded as Milex Complete Auto Care to better reflect its comprehensive services.
Mr. Transmission, established in 1956, has been a trusted name in transmission repair for decades. The brand began franchising in 1976 and became part of the Moran Family of Brands in 1990.
In 2001, the brands began co-branding, offering customers a full-service repair center under one roof. Today, the Milex/Mr. Transmission co-brand continues to expand across the United States and internationally in Canada and Africa.
Mission: Milex and Mr. Transmission are committed to providing high-quality automotive repair and maintenance services with a focus on honesty, integrity and customer satisfaction. The brands aim to empower franchisees with a proven business system, strong corporate support and a reliable customer base.
Vision: The brands strive to be the go-to destination for vehicle owners seeking trustworthy, expert automotive care. By continuously improving service offerings and expanding franchise opportunities, Milex and Mr. Transmission aim to lead the industry in quality, customer service and franchisee success.
Milex Complete Auto Care and Mr. Transmission are actively expanding into key markets across the United States, with a focus on Alabama, Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Texas.
For a comprehensive list of open markets, visit the Milex Complete Auto Care and Mr. Transmission franchise websites.
Initial Costs: The total investment for a single location of either brand ranges from $267,500 to $341,000, while a co-branded Milex/Mr. Transmission franchise requires an investment ranging from $293,900 to $362,900. The 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks down the costs as follows:
Type of Expenditure | Single Unit | Co-Brand Center | ||
Min | Max | Min | Max | |
| Franchise Fee | $45,000 | $45,000 | $55,000 | $55,000 |
| Computer Software/Hardware | $4,600 | $5,700 | $5,700 | $6,200 |
| VOIP Telephone Equipment | $900 | $900 | $1,200 | $1,200 |
| Initial Parts & Inventory | $3,800 | $4,500 | $4,800 | $5,600 |
| Furniture & Fixtures | $5,500 | $6,000 | $5,500 | $6,000 |
| Equipment | $65,000 | $79,000 | $78,000 | $88,000 |
| Shop Tools & Supplies | $3,000 | $4,000 | $4,000 | $5,000 |
| Signs | $8,000 | $17,200 | $8,000 | $17,200 |
| Initial Marketing Campaigns (First 6 Months) | $30,000 | $30,000 | $30,000 | $30,000 |
| Displays & Marketing Materials | $5,200 | $5,200 | $5,200 | $5,200 |
| Warranty Fund Security Deposit | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Leasehold Improvements/Miscellaneous | $20,000 | $40,000 | $20,000 | $40,000 |
| Rental/Utility Deposits | $12,000 | $18,000 | $12,000 | $18,000 |
| Training Fee | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 | $5,000 |
| Training Expenses | $1,500 | $2,500 | $1,500 | $2,500 |
| Mandatory Outside Sales Community Development Program | $3,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 | $3,000 |
| Additional Funds | $50,000 | $70,000 | $50,000 | $70,000 |
Initial Franchise Fee: Franchisees pay a nonrefundable initial franchise fee of $45,000 for a Milex Complete Auto Care or Mr. Transmission location, or $55,000 for a co-branded center. The fee is due in a lump sum when the franchise agreement is signed.
Qualified military veterans may receive a $6,750 discount through the International Franchise Association’s VetFran program.
Ongoing Fees: According to the 2026 FDD, Milex and/or Mr. Transmission franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing costs and fees.
| Type of Fee | Amount |
| Weekly Royalty Fee | Greater of $250 or 7% of gross sales/week |
| Creative Fund Contribution | Greater of $250 or 1% of gross sales/month |
| Software Subscription Fee | $299/month |
ROI Potential: According to the 2026 FDD, the 68 single-unit franchises operating for the entirety of 2025 reported the following annual gross sales:
| Sales Range | Average | Median | High | Low |
| $1,000,000+ (24) | $1,484,629 | $1,233,947 | $2,327,218 | $1,024,355 |
| $500,000 - $999,999 (28) | $706,915 | $702,009 | $996,982 | $513,247 |
| $0 - $499,999 (16) | $314,205 | $310,215 | $475,461 | $129,657 |
| Total (68) | $835,250 | $748,724 | $1,266,554 | $555,753 |
Milex Complete Auto Care and Mr. Transmission franchisees receive comprehensive training designed to help position them for success, even if they have no prior experience in the automotive industry. The training includes:
Milex and Mr. Transmission provide comprehensive operational support to help franchisees successfully launch and grow their businesses. This includes:
To streamline operations and improve efficiency, Milex and Mr. Transmission provide franchisees with cutting-edge technology and business tools, including:
No prior automotive experience is required. Milex Complete Auto Care and Mr. Transmission seek franchisees with strong business acumen, leadership abilities and a commitment to delivering exceptional customer service. The brand attracts entrepreneurs from a wide range of professional backgrounds and provides training and operational support to help franchisees succeed.
Milex and Mr. Transmission franchises require active involvement from owners, particularly in the early stages of business development. While semi-absentee ownership may be an option, franchisees must have a dedicated general manager to oversee daily operations. Owners are responsible for hiring and managing a team of skilled technicians and service advisors.
Milex Complete Auto Care and Mr. Transmission offer third-party financing options to help franchisees secure funding. Franchisees can work with:
“We added Milex Complete Auto Care to our existing Mr. Transmission business in 2010 and it has been nothing but positive for us. We had to invest money for the equipment, but I have no regrets. We have recouped the investment in the time that I thought it would take and I am pleased with the return. We felt adding Milex was necessary to compete and to grow our customer base. We became even more profitable by doing that.”
- Susan Trumble, Franchisee — Florence, Kentucky
“My store motto is ‘Can’t never could, don’t never did and won’t never will.’ This is a mantra I drill into the minds of every employee because there is nothing that we can’t do. It is through this mindset, the partnership with Moran and my dedication to our customers that I was able to lead the Mr. Transmission and Milex Complete Auto Care into further success in my area. The addition of Milex Complete Auto Care in 2006 has allowed me to grow my service offerings which in turn allowed me to grow my business. The partnership with Moran Family of Brands was instrumental in making the transition work.”
- Dean Bingham, Franchisee — Greenville, South Carolina
The U.S. auto repair market continues to benefit from consumers keeping their vehicles longer and delaying replacement purchases. The average age of vehicles on American roads reached a record 12.8 years in 2025, while the auto care industry grew an estimated 5.1% in 2025 and is expected to surpass $664 billion by 2028. The U.S. automotive service market is projected to expand at a 7.7% compound annual growth rate through 2031, fueled by increasingly complex vehicles, rising demand for advanced repair expertise and the growing need to maintain aging cars.
Milex and Mr. Transmission’s primary competitors include Meineke Car Care Centers, Jiffy Lube and AAMCO Transmissions & Total Car Care.
What sets the brand apart is its co-branded model, which combines general automotive repair and transmission services, along with national recognition, franchisee training and more than 50 years of experience.
Milex Complete Auto Care and Mr. Transmission use a six-step discovery process to guide potential franchisees through the decision-making journey.
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