Finding the right car dealership for sale in Louisville, KY, can be a serious challenge, especially when inventory is tight and the demand for automotive commercial real estate continues to climb. I recently had the opportunity to assist a friend and client in purchasing the former Hertz auto rental building located at 4165-4167 Bardstown Rd. Louisville, KY 40218, and the story behind the deal is a powerful example of the importance of timing, strategy, and the right team.

My client operates a fast-growing local car rental company. Over the past three years, they’ve consistently doubled revenue year-over-year, a clear indicator that they needed to secure an additional location to accommodate their growth plans. The need for a larger, well-positioned property with ample lot space, visibility, and infrastructure became urgent.

The Challenge

The market for automotive property for sale in Louisville, KY is competitive. Inventory is limited, particularly for highly visible lots along major corridors like Bardstown Road. While we initially cast a wide net — considering everything from auto repair shops for sale in Louisville, KY, to mechanic shops, auto service centers, and commercial garages for sale — nothing quite fit the bill.

The challenge wasn’t just finding a space — it was finding the right space. My client needed a property that could accommodate a growing fleet, support back-office operations, and maintain a professional look for clients.

We also had to weigh:

• Environmental history of each property

• Site functionality for both retail and service

• Financing limitations given the company’s rapid expansion

Strategic Approach

We began our search with a strong focus on automotive commercial real estate in Louisville, KY, considering various property types:

• Auto body shops for sale in Louisville, KY

• Automotive warehouses for sale in Louisville, KY

• Auto shop buildings for sale in Louisville, KY

Each option came with pros and cons. Some were priced attractively but required significant renovations. Others had existing leases or zoning issues. We kept a shortlist of possibilities while waiting for the right opportunity.

When the Bardstown Road property — a well-positioned former Hertz dealership — became available, I knew immediately it had potential. It offered:

• High traffic counts and visibility

• Infrastructure built for vehicle inventory and customer flow

• A location aligned with my client’s brand and clientele

Despite the advantages, the property wasn’t without complexity.

The Opportunity

The property was in high demand. Multiple parties submitted offers. Thankfully, after a competitive bidding process and thoughtful strategy, we reached an agreement with the seller. But the real work was just beginning.

The transaction required us to navigate several layers of complexity:

• Participation in the Brownfields Program, which involved environmental review and coordination with the state

• Working with the client’s CPA to provide updated profit & loss statements for financing purposes

• Negotiating early lease termination with Hertz, whose long-term lease needed to be dissolved before closing

• Strategic debt restructuring to align with the client’s cash flow and investment goals

Rapid growth can make financial forecasting tricky; lenders want to see stability, but fast-moving companies often haven’t hit a “steady state” yet. Fortunately, with the help of our incredible lender, Nick Hollifield, and the ever-reliable co-broker Charlotte Hollkamp, we pulled all the moving pieces together and closed on the deal.

The Result

The acquisition of 4165–4167 Bardstown Rd gives my client a rare opportunity to position their growing brand in a prime location. With minor renovations and branding updates, they’ll be able to:

• Operate at greater capacity

• Capture additional market share

• Provide better coverage for existing clients

This purchase wasn’t just a property acquisition — it was a strategic expansion made possible by experience, persistence, and a deep understanding of automotive commercial real estate in Louisville, KY.

Looking for a Car Dealership for Sale in Louisville, KY?

If you’re currently looking for a car dealership for sale in Louisville, KY, the market is competitive, but there are still great opportunities for business owners and investors. Whether you’re scaling a car rental company, opening a service shop, or investing in automotive property for sale in Louisville, KY, success starts with the right guidance.

I help clients identify and acquire high-performing real estate assets, including:

• Mechanic shops for sale in Louisville, KY

• Auto repair shops for sale in Louisville, KY

• Auto body shops for sale in Louisville, KY

• Commercial garages for sale in Louisville, KY

• Automotive warehouses for sale in Louisville, KY

• Auto service centers for sale in Louisville, KY

• Auto shop buildings for sale in Louisville, KY

Whether you’re purchasing for your own operation or as part of a broader investment portfolio, I’d love to help you explore the best opportunities in the Louisville area.

📞 Call/Text: (502) 536-7315
✉️ Email: raphael@sumcg.com