Thrifty Car Rental Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
Thrifty Car Rental is a well-known international car rental franchise that was founded in 1958 and is headquartered in Estero, Florida, USA. It began as a budget-conscious vehicle rental business and over the decades expanded both domestically and globally.
Today, it is part of a larger global rental group and operates through both company-owned and franchised locations. Franchising for Thrifty began around 1962, enabling independent operators to open and operate rental outlets under the Thrifty brand.
The business offers car rental services across a wide range of vehicles—from economy and compact cars to SUVs and vans—catering to both leisure travelers and business customers.
It differentiates itself by focusing on value-conscious consumers, offering competitive pricing, flexible pickup and drop-off options, and convenient airport and city locations.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Thrifty Car Rental franchise? It costs on average between $879,000 – $15,874,000 to start a Thrifty Car Rental franchised facility.
This includes costs for office setup, vehicle acquisition or leasing, signage, technology systems, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount varies depending on several factors, such as the size and location of the rental facility, the number and type of vehicles in the fleet, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $25,000 to $125,000 |
| Training Expenses | $3,000 |
| Passenger Cars | $750,000 to $15,000,000 |
| Courtesy Vehicles | $55,000 to $350,000 per location |
| Equipment and Supplies | $5,000 to $25,000 |
| Insurance | $5,000 to $45,000 |
| Real Estate & Improvements | As Required |
| Professional Fees | $3,000 to $10,000 |
| Computer System, Hardware and Software | $11,500 to $250,000 |
| Optional Software | $1,500 to $15,000 |
| Business License | $100 to $500 |
| Miscellaneous Installation Fees | $200 to $500 |
| Additional Funds – 3 months | $20,000 to $50,000 |
| Total (excluding Real Estate & Improvements) | $879,300 to $15,874,000 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many Thrifty Car Rental locations are there?
As of the latest available data, Thrifty Car Rental operates more than 1,000 locations worldwide.
What is the total investment required to open a Thrifty Car Rental franchise?
The total investment required to open a Thrifty Car Rental franchise ranges from $879,000 to $15,874,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Thrifty Car Rental franchise?
Thrifty Car Rental franchisees pay a royalty fee of 4% of gross revenue. In addition to the royalty, franchisees contribute up to 4% of gross revenue toward a marketing and advertising fund.
Who owns Thrifty Car Rental?
Thrifty Car Rental franchise is owned by The Hertz Corporation. Hertz acquired Thrifty in 2012 through its purchase of Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group.
Disclaimer
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