Explore an Abandoned Car Wash!

In this episode, we're going to be looking at how to restore an abandoned car wash. This car wash used to be one of the busiest in the area, but now it's been abandoned for years. We're going to be turning it into a self service car wash, and we'll be doing it step by step so that you can follow along!
This is a great opportunity to get your feet wet in the car wash business. If you're prepared to work hard, then this is the business for you! In this episode, we'll be showing you everything you need to know to start your own self service car wash business. So watch the video and be ready to start making money!
This car wash has been sitting vacant and abandoned for about 10 years. I am taking on the challenge of reviving the car wash and hopefully make a profitable business out of it.
Subscribe to follow the journey of fixing up this car wash and leave a comment below with any questions or suggestions you have.
Watch Episode #2 here: • How Much Does a Car Wa...
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[@joeyfaithful4497]

The owner wasnt cool he just wanted to get rid of it 🤣🤣 owner prob like babe WE GOT A BUYER WE GOT ONE GO PACK A BAG WE MOVIN

[@monkeywkeys3916]

The previous owner was probably making too much money?

[@theconservativecoconut6887]

Palabra

[@conradmaceo]

Not if the price was right!

[@danielgent7531]

I definitely would recommend getting those drains camera inspected again because I definitely wouldn’t take his word for it

[@hisky32791]

Not sure what you did, but I am buying something similar and going to convert to storage unit. I was able to get each bay that can convert to one unit that can park a car, and 3 smaller units. I have 8 bays and that equals 24 units. My area people are renting units to store car at 250 a month. Much better as passive, and you don't have to worry about the equipment, people, and issues with customers.

[@edwincabrera6170]

Hello how much did you spent to convert the car wash into a storage

[@Jayematic]

This is actually very a smart idea

[@jamesledesma]

I been in the detailing business mostly all my life.. I would love to own my own car wash as a hobbyist besides my full time employment that gives me alot of vacation time for alot of my spare time to do something like this.

[@pablostechblog]

I've been building car wash equipment for 30 years . I own a couple of them. In Houston. My advice to anyone who is interested in this kind of business. It's not as easy as you think you most be good fixing stuff or at least willing to learn. Service it's very expensive. Starting at $ 80 dollars per hour. Be ready to clean the nastiest things you could imagine from a dead dog to even worse. Car Wash can only be a side jog or investment. Not a full time. New Equipment runs for about $14,000 per bay.

[@kw6193]

Hey bud, I'm in Houston as well and am looking into an existing carwash that needs repair. Any way you can spare some time to chat?

[@therevestor]

Most service guys in my area are charging $125 plus an hour. I have basically setup the whole thing single handed without any prior knowledge.

[@johnnyfive7129]

Looking forward to more videos. Maybe give more estimates on repairs. I have my eye on an abandoned 12 bay, 6 vacuum wash.

[@therevestor]

Sure! I will be giving some updates on the repairs in a video soon and what we have and will spend to get opened up.

[@codyfuchs9210]

@@therevestor Just wondering how you found the address to send the letter to the "owner"? I'm hitting a slight road block on that. Found a few but wondering if you know something different.

[@Island_Landlord]

@@codyfuchs9210 Tax records online for your county. You just need the address or parcel number. You can also call the county zoning people.

[@brianlangley4043]

I bought a carwash in November of 2017, it was still in operation when I bought it , but needed some work , it's doing really well , I have about 150k total invested in it , but 150k well spent , hope this helps , it's a great investment if you keep it in good working condition, it will pay off

[@therevestor]

Good to hear! What part of the country are you in?

[@jredd801]

Have a professional inspect the drains/sand traps.. a bad drain system cann kill a car wash, there's one near my house that used to be packed every weekend until the drains started collapsing, now it looks like yours.. Btw, I've plumbed several new car washes, there's not alot to it really and most of the stuff you pointed out as broken is fairly inexpensive to replace and you can do it yourself

[@jesseorozco2984]

It's awesome seeing that your the one who's remodeling that bay out there in magna I don't live that far from that abandoned car wash I pass by that once a week can't wait to see how this thing comes back to life

[@therevestor]

Right on! Its still a work in progress but will be an awesome car wash when complete.

[@DJjosher]

I remember this place when living in SLC, UT.

[@victorsaenz9452]

I’m 24 a vet and I’m thinking about doing this I can think of a few old car washes here that could probably be bought

[@random13627]

ur doing what i’ve always wanted to do, congratulations ur pushing me to get one soon ahah

[@therevestor]

You should!

[@shanechopko5523]

You should try to get together with Obsessed Garage! Maybe he would sponsor an OG wash bay or something

[@kurtispasby8395]

I literally work on car washes for a living but am looking into owning self serves here soon

[@blackbeard1484]

when you add the vacumes, try and find a combo of a shampoo, sent and air for your tires.

[@tyreez10]

you should equipped it with recent tech which that can save your money in terms of electricity, water usage and so on, plus pandemic has changed the world so make sure include like cashless payment as well.

[@juliangarces9416]

From this video alone, I know this channels is gonna get 1M subs someday

[@therevestor]

Thanks for your support

[@jeremiahhively3025]

I love car washes

[@hotrodmercury3941]

I'll be following your journey closely! I feel like getting one one day too!

[@therevestor]

Thanks! Appreciate it

[@robertadams7129]

Funny I’ve been thinking of buying my local car wash. It’s in pretty much the same condition. Been closed for about 10 years. Same set up and all. Glad I came across your video

[@therevestor]

Go for it!

[@rogernatale6953]

Good luck with the new car wash hope you get it up and running.

[@RealCountryMusic882]

Definitely a lot of work make sure you get that asphalt seal coated looks cool with it coated

[@tommysnsjames]

10 people a day minimum 8 dollers is usually spent = 30days 2400 a months. 28,800 a year.. great investment

[@nosweat6305]

That's not great, that's horrible. Turn the heat on, lights/electricity, insurance, property taxes etc. You would be bankrupt in about 4 months. A 4 bay should be doing that in about 3 months gross. I'm not trying to be that guy, just expressing my knowledge in this industry.

[@tommysnsjames]

@@nosweat6305 hints the 10 people.. thats like a minimum and u can keep the doors open.. average 40 a day 120k a year

[@nosweat6305]

@@tommysnsjames 28,800 in one quarter, like I said would be 115k a year. So, you're literally agreeing with me.

[@bigburgerboi2005]

great video, you should get an automatic machine I recommend the Ryko Softgloss MAXX 3 as it can do both soft touch AND touch free with whatever the customer chooses. They can even do combo washes if you enable that. :D

[@therevestor]

Thanks for the tip! I have noticed a lot of the gas station car washes in my area use the Ryko Softgloss MAXX 3 as well.

[@carwashreviewsandmore7609]

@@therevestor here’s the problem with that though. Ryko nowadays is FAMOUS for unreliability. If you are looking for a combo car wash I’d highly recommend the Autec Evolution.

[@therevestor]

@@carwashreviewsandmore7609 good to know. Have you seen the Autecs at the Salty Dog? They have theirs pretty decked out with arches and tire shine.

[@carwashreviewsandmore7609]

@@therevestor oh yes! I’m good friends with the owner there too! I might even have one of those in my future car wash.

[@carloslondono6444]

You need to replace everything! Anything that has been unused for years will only give you more headaches than cash. Start fresh, selfserve equipment is not too expensive. You can also depreciate the new equipment for tax credits. Also don’t add a credit card reader. Buy an atm, bill changer/change machine.

[@EluderRacing]

what was the purchase price for this place. also who did you use any kind of financing? a video showing how to start a car wash business arrange a business loan etc... would be greatly appreciated. sometimes finding an abandoned car wash for cheap is the easy part its everything else that's hard and can be what costs people there life saving and loosing everything before they even open the car was up

[@tyroneconstantine9924]

I love the way you mounted your meter boxes, framed in block. Do you have a video of that process?

[@therevestor]

I had a masonist saw cut and stack the bricks in. I have a small shorts video of it I believe.

[@pablostechblog]

My practical advice to anyone. : Nobody closes a money maker locations.if it's closed. You know the risk you're taking

[@jesseayala8039]

Who do you use to get some of the smaller equipment? Like booms, wands, brushes etc.? Thanks and subbed!

[@therevestor]

Go to KleenRite.com

[@johnrockland18]

If you can get it for a good price it might worth it. There is good money in those car wash. Personally I would say stay away from automatic cars wash. They always break.

[@capitol585]

What about touch free machines? Are they troublesome too?

[@tegrehekim]

I have been in the car wash business for over 10 years. My personal opinion is don't get into fixing up a self-serve in bay style car wash. All the money is in tunnel washes. Biggest thing in the wash business is LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION. If this wash is not around any sort of shopping area, stay away.

[@noahtroyer6717]

From a fellow car wash owner i could not disagree with you more

[@davidc5808]

I am renovating an in bay automatic and am wondering what paint should I use to paint the inside bay? Any specific brand or type of paint to use that will withstand the harsh chemicals?

[@Island_Landlord]

Did you ever figure out what to use? Going through the same thing

[@chickenfordinner2093]

not sure about rural areas but near towns and semi big cities near me these self wash bays are rare! its all touchfree laser washes.

[@blkmagnum3370]

They’re still everywhere in all the big cities I travel to

[@codyhamilton7822]

subscribed Happy 2022

[@therevestor]

Thanks for letting me know. Stay tuned

[@carolinapantherfan4330]

Its more to it than I thought

[@airbornetrucker9464]

Pretty interesting, I just subscribed.

[@therevestor]

Thanks for the sub!

[@1GQ_gent]

Same here 👌🏼 from California

[@vobitouchiha7630]

Here before 1000 love the video man

[@dillpickles8252]

Who did you contact to come check the equipment? What type of mechanic? Is there car wash repair guys?

[@therevestor]

There are lots of equipment distributors that will look at it with you

[@JamesDBuzzard]

This a awesome channel thanks for all the info. What state are you in?

[@therevestor]

I am in UT. Thanks for watching

[@KelzCasa]

A friend and I are looking at a 4 manual bay and 1 auto wash, but it's been completely gutted. They're asking $700k for it, and every real estate friend I've talked to says no more than $100k with another $100k rehab. Any pointers on value for something in that shape?

[@therevestor]

Every market will have its own valuation. If its not currently running then 700K seems steep.

[@chriscockerham2697]

People use those old tube TVs to play vintage video games on. It may have some value to it.

[@odevious8081]

Subscribed! Good luck with the business

[@therevestor]

Thanks for the sub!

[@dustinrosell7277]

This is what I do for q living what I've done for a long time . If you have any questions about repairing or rebuilding . Give me a shout.

[@therevestor]

I would love to get in touch. Can you email me?

[@jesseayala8039]

Dustin, I would also be interested to speak with you as I am closing on a SS wash!

[@dustinrosell7277]

@@jesseayala8039 we have a super saver in texas were about to install in two weeks

[@Island_Landlord]

Dustin, would love to talk. Could you email me as well?

[@brittanycoventry8251]

How did you find the owner? I’d like to get into this business someday

[@therevestor]

Just look up the owner on county records

[@Domflipz]

yo bro where'd you get that self-made sweatshirt I want one

[@Smacdoug1]

I will subscribe if this gets a second video. Lets see where this goes. Pretty cool. Is it worth buying vs investment vs profit. I'm curious

[@therevestor]

2nd 3rd and 4th video up

[@kingariesx9285]

Looking forward for more videos

[@versatilefortnite]

How much it cost you get everything up and running ? If you don’t mind me asking and keep up the work !

[@hekterr6677]

Self serve carwashes are lucrative BUT, they are a steady job..not passive income .Been in this business with our family since 1964..I estimate about 75k in parts and you would have a great earner..When people put money in the machines,they have to work or else you will suffer heavy damage to your equipment.Heavy duty lighting and camera systems are necessary.

[@therevestor]

Thats about what it took but we spent a little more in some areas and hit 100K. I made a follow up video about what I spent

[@AtHomeWithCJ]

Hi Nathan, new to the channel, Im in the market of buying a carwash here in Canada but its hard to find on less than $1.5 mill

[@therevestor]

Glad you found the channel. Yeah there is definitely a share of $1M+ car washes around here but there are also a lot of rundown washes as well and the key is to go find them off market.

[@adrianreyes2318]

The most daunting thing of buying a carwash to me isn't the huge amount of money you have to put into the business off the start, it's not knowing what the fuck you're looking at in the control room and how, where, and who to hire to fix it.

[@therevestor]

I have had to learn a lot about it myself

[@simonvelazquez1128]

Hey man I went to Cyprus and I now my own cement company if you need help with cement let me know.

[@BUDSBEAU]

there is a channel called Car Wash Chronicles. its a man who has some car washes and the costs of starting up an abandoned car wash like yours. its very very expensive. watch some of his videos an get some ideas and some good advice.

[@rich077140]

Is it a water reclaim? That would be a problem with the oil for sure

[@therevestor]

No water reclaim on this wash

[@hatersgotohell627]

I hope you or anyone answers. There is a car wash for sale by owner for 795k and he says the cashflow is 70,483 net. That doesn't seem worth it at all and this car wash is super clean and all. What is the right multiple to pay for a car wash vs it's cashflow?

[@therevestor]

Buying a car wash by multiple does not work in some markets. Determine monthly net cash flow and offer to make payments to the seller for a predetermined amount that will leave you net positive as well.

[@andydrew3320]

Awesome man good for you! I just hope you got the place for dirt cheap when you bought it, I’m not sure what you paid. Otherwise I’d have a hard time seeing this make sense

[@therevestor]

I appreciate that. The terms we worked out are great!

[@andydrew3320]

@@therevestor hell yeah. Hey man is it hard to get permitting for washes? I’ve heard it can be brutal if you’re looking to start one

[@therevestor]

@@andydrew3320 yes in many areas of the country it’s difficult to get the zoning for a wash thats why looking for pre-existing rundown washes is great.

[@juansosa419]

I found a abandoned carwash for sale but how do i buy it will the banks finance it

[@stepheneggert7388]

You,LL need to change all your hoses..out to the bays..prob dry rotted..if u get her up and going..it costs alot of doe..to get the going..I take care of a self serve car wash in fl..get a lease..and a 80.000 loan..make shure no back property taxes are behind..ul need to replace all the pay box's.as well..there about 8.000 per box.if u want credit card. Lots of money..it's a money pit..might not be worth the risk.kleen -rite..is a good place for parts

[@CCWSig]

The previous owner says “it’s a great opportunity” yea, so great he’s had it closed up and abandoned for 10 years. I hope you can make it work but there’s more to the car wash business than meets the eye. The EPA is not your friend.

[@therevestor]

You make some good points. I have done my own due diligence.

[@elcamino6954]

Never touch anything bare handed, esp an abandoned place thats been down for 10 years

[@therevestor]

Thanks for watching

[@Luisr777]

What was the car wash price round about.

[@pedroxx78]

You open that main water line too fast

[@brendan3081]

was this your first car wash endevor?

[@therevestor]

Yes

[@JasonJordan198]

How much did you pay for the building and land?

[@therevestor]

Total cost invested is a bit over 300K

[@TagesenFireworks]

Maybe contact investment joy he owns 2 car washes

[@therevestor]

Thanks. I follow him as well. Maybe I can grab his attention.

[@healthykidsbooks]

Nice work - you can make money off of car washes, it makes good money. To restore that is about 100k

[@therevestor]

Thanks I think your right. I will be posting some update videos soon on what the plan is.

[@healthykidsbooks]

@@therevestor How did you find all of your homes and car washes / flips or as investments?

[@donalderickson-si8ww]

try getting a wireless mic too ware works better less back ground noice

[@jabberwocker6305]

Just go with touchless wash

[@hatersgotohell627]

How the hell can I do this in stuck up connecticut.

[@therevestor]

Good question. First step scout out every single car wash locally to you.

[@jazzmusiclover6473]

Is it better to "buy" the CarWash or "lease it" ???

[@therevestor]

Definitely buy if feasible

[@jazzmusiclover6473]

@@therevestor thanks man, I'm in the process of buying one. How long should it take or will take to add value to the current condition of a CarWash that hasn't been used for 6 year's?

[@juanosrides]

If you can find out what kind of display the tv has it could be worth some money to retro gamers.

[@therevestor]

Yeah we tossed it

[@agentgto2]

Late to the party, I know but I was curious if you were able to find out from the owner why it's been down for 10 years. At the least, there is no obvious signs of disaster that might lead one to close up shop but I would assume you would still have to pay property taxes every year and maybe still be require to have insurance of some kind. Doesn't really make sense to have a property cost you money if it's capable of making money? Who knows, maybe the guy is pretty well off and the cost isn't that bad and maybe it was a personal thing that happened that caused him to shut it down. With my general pessimistic nature, I tend to lean towards the worse option.

[@nosweat6305]

Most of the time they get ran into the ground by a bad owner and people quit coming. If you keep everything up to snuff people will use it. One leaking wand, an issue where someone lost money, no soap, dirty bins or bays etc they will go elsewhere and NEVER come back period.

[@littleshopofsawdust1157]

I'm curious why it failed to begin with.

[@ashleyheiner8304]

Because the prior owner of the carwash was at the shop next door to it and they had left that shop to move onto something else. The car wash was in working order til about 97-98 and never went back to what it was because there was no one to manage the property

[@therevestor]

You know more of the story then I do Ashley. But yes I spoke with the previous owner next door and thats exactly what happened in a short version.

[@michaeljames5346]

Any plans on expanding the business into the shop next door?

[@ObsErnesto]

Is that a tooted up tahor infront 👀😂

[@therevestor]

Shoot me an email please

[@ObsErnesto]

@@therevestor what’s your email

[@joaocarlosdesouza5043]

If you need someone to work for you...give me a chance...I know detail car busines...

[@therevestor]

Hey! I may consider that. Are you in UT? If so email me its under my about section.

[@blown96ranger]

guessing they bought it to invest in the land for future

[@erianillustrisimo5882]

Apply ako jan car washer sir. Haha

[@Samuelfish2k]

Hahahahahahahahhahahahahhahajahaha😂😂😂😂😂

[@CowOnMobile]

If I were you I’d actually destroy it and make a better one or OR make one long car wash where you just drive and it dose it by yourself and have like 5 vacuum cleaners on the side with shade

[@therevestor]

Checked into it. Investment is too high

[@lindahill8113]

Hey good morning I'm from Louisiana me and my fam lost everything do to ida is there anyway you can help us out a couple and four kids please in anyway you can please help us

[@danielgent7531]

Why would u need hot water

[@therevestor]

Hot water helps immensely with cleaning. Also many car washes will have a "HOT WAX"

[@stemack1975]

dont you think employing some cheap labour and having 2 staff there all day you could do hand wash and tyre wash and wash and wax and interior valet they drive in and drive out all done forget all the equipment you need hot water electric and a jet wash and a vacum

[@Vito_993]

Do we tell him?

[@nosweat6305]

That's a great question haha!

[@CCWSig]

Let’s keep it a secret, but tell me instead.

[@capitol585]

I'd love to connect. I was in the business before and want to enter again. Hit me up.

[@jamesledesma]

I have and idea for you🤑

[@oscarsegura2112]

How’d you find the owner?

[@therevestor]

Looked him up on county records

[@yfunaki23]

My magna

[@therevestor]

You betcha!

[@robertswift6101]

10 plus years old,,,nothing up to code....get this for the right price and it may be a money maker

[@Lftt447]

L

[@shoreangler3383]

I can't take the speaking I'm "upspeak" for no reason. Lol Super distracting. Cool content, though.

[@therevestor]

Sorry I dont quite understand what about the video was irritating. But please let me know so that I can edit it out in the future.

[@mlayton1904]

Don't do it. Just a tedious low paying job, disguised as an opportunity. Don't take the bait. Flipping is better and far more profitable.

[@therevestor]

Flipping is great but I am not content just flipping houses. Im looking to have fun with other things too.

[@JohnCap523]

“Self made” eh? An alternate spelling is pompous ass.

[@therevestor]

I will send you a shirt that says "TROLL" hahaha

[@JohnCap523]

@@therevestor Good for you

[@byronrogers4489]

@@JohnCap523 how many of those shirts do you own?

[@bulletproofh2t]

How did you learn all the equipment and how to make fixes? Did you have prior knowledge or did you go on forms/KZbin/Google? Thanks

[@therevestor]

Thats right theres not a lot on KZbin but there is a lot of Forums