Used Tunnel Car Wash System Pricing Guide
Tunnel car wash systems are the highest-value equipment category in the industry. Whether you are buying a complete turnkey package or sourcing individual components, understanding the market helps you negotiate from a position of strength.
Quick Summary
Complete used tunnel packages typically sell for $100,000 to $500,000+ depending on brand, tunnel length, equipment age, and condition. Individual components like conveyors, arches, and dryers are also commonly traded. Sonny's dominates the secondary market by volume, followed by Tommy, MacNeil, and Motor City.
Complete Tunnel Packages by Brand
Prices below are for complete, working tunnel packages including conveyor, wash arches, dryers, and chemical systems. Packages missing key components or requiring significant refurbishment will be lower.
| Brand | Typical Package Price |
|---|---|
Sonny's Sonny's is the most common tunnel brand in North America. Complete packages vary widely by tunnel length, equipment age, and included components. A 120-foot Sonny's tunnel with modern arches, conveyors, and dryers in good condition easily exceeds $300K. | $150,000 – $500,000+ |
Tommy Car Wash Systems Tommy systems are known for modular design and energy efficiency. Used Tommy equipment holds value well due to the brand's strong support network and standardized components. | $200,000 – $450,000 |
MacNeil Wash Systems MacNeil has a loyal operator base, particularly in the Midwest and Northeast. Older MacNeil tunnels with stainless steel frames trade at a premium because of their durability. | $100,000 – $400,000 |
Motor City Wash Works Motor City offers competitively priced tunnel equipment. Used systems are less common on the secondary market, but well-maintained packages find buyers quickly at fair prices. | $100,000 – $350,000 |
Individual Component Pricing
Many operators buy individual components to upgrade or replace specific parts of their tunnel. Here are typical price ranges for used components in working condition.
Key Factors That Affect Tunnel Value
Conveyor Condition
The conveyor is the heart of a tunnel system. Chain conveyors have finite lifespans measured in cycles — a conveyor nearing replacement can reduce total package value by $20K–$40K. Always ask about chain stretch, roller condition, and last replacement date.
Tunnel Length
Longer tunnels accommodate more wash stages and command higher prices. A 120-foot tunnel has significantly more equipment than an 80-footer. However, buyers also need the physical space to install it, which can limit the market for very long systems.
Equipment Age and Mix
Tunnel packages often include equipment from different eras as operators upgrade individual components. A tunnel with a 2022 dryer but a 2010 conveyor is worth less than one where all components are the same age.
Chemical System Condition
A properly functioning chemical delivery system with current pumps, controllers, and injection points adds meaningful value. Corroded or outdated chemical systems signal deferred maintenance throughout the tunnel.
Removal Complexity
Tunnel equipment is large and heavy. Removal typically requires specialized rigging, and the cost can run $15,000–$50,000 depending on the system size. Buyers factor this into their offer price.
Market Insight
Express exterior tunnels continue to grow across the U.S., driving demand for used tunnel equipment. Operators opening new locations often source components from the secondary market to reduce initial capital expenditure while they build wash volume.
Browse Tunnel Systems on ShopCarWash
Search available tunnel equipment from verified sellers. Filter by brand, price, and condition to find the right components for your operation.