Dealership 1031 Exchange Services

1031 Replacement Property Specialists for Dealers

When an automotive dealer completes the sale of a business or its underlying real estate, the next critical decision is how to preserve value and manage tax exposure. A properly structured 1031 exchange can defer capital gains by reinvesting proceeds into qualifying replacement property—provided the strategy is approached with discipline, timing, and foresight.

Melton Advisors advises automotive dealers on post-transaction capital reinvestment strategies, including the evaluation and acquisition of appropriate 1031 replacement properties. Our role is advisory-led and integrated into broader capital and ownership planning—ensuring reinvestment decisions align with long-term objectives, risk tolerance, and desired level of involvement.

Following a sale, we support dealers by evaluating, structuring, and coordinating replacement assets that meet IRS requirements while reinforcing the overall portfolio and capital strategy. The objective is not simply tax deferral, but thoughtful capital redeployment that supports stability, income, and long-term optionality beyond the transaction.

Dealer-Centric 1031 Exchange Services

  • Our team works one-on-one with auto dealers to source and secure like-kind replacement properties that qualify under 1031 rules. We focus on assets that deliver long-term stability, cash flow, and appreciation potential. Options often include:

    • Dealership Real Estate – Single-tenant dealership properties and aftermarket assets (tire, lube, collision, car wash)

    • NNN Investments – Net lease retail, medical, and industrial properties in prime locations

    • Diversified Portfolios – Reinvestment into multiple assets for risk management and income balance

    By leveraging our network of investors, brokers, and property owners nationwide, we deliver off-market and exclusive opportunities that most dealers would not access on their own.

  • Selling a dealership is a complex decision—financially, operationally, and emotionally. But for many dealer principals, the most overlooked step comes after the sale: determining what to do with the capital from the real estate transaction. Without a plan, dealers face significant tax liabilities that can erode decades of wealth creation.

    A properly executed 1031 exchange solves that challenge by deferring capital gains taxes. However, the process requires that dealers identify replacement properties within 45 days and close within 180 days—timelines that leave no room for error. Melton Advisors ensures you don’t face these deadlines alone.

  • At Melton Advisors, we specialize in 1031 Exchanges involving automotive related properties, collision centers, service bays, overflow lots, and surplus land. Whether you’re relocating, selling a closed location, or simply rebalancing your investment portfolio, our advisors help you navigate the exchange process from start to finish.

    Our 1031 Exchange services include:

    • Pre-sale planning and property evaluation

    • Coordination with Qualified Intermediaries (QI)

    • Identification and sourcing of replacement properties

    • Real estate underwriting and investment analysis

    • Transaction structuring to meet IRS compliance timelines

    • Advisory on single-tenant NNN acquisitions and STNL strategies

  • Tax Deferral
    Preserve your capital by deferring federal and (in many states) state taxes on the sale of your property.

    Wealth Preservation & Growth
    Reinvest more money into higher-value or income-producing properties to grow your portfolio.

    Flexibility in Investment Strategy
    Shift from active dealership operations to passive investments without a large tax hit.

    Succession & Estate Planning
    1031 exchanges can be combined with estate strategies to preserve wealth for the next generation.

  • Unlike general 1031 exchange firms, we bring dealer-specific expertise. We understand the unique real estate and operational considerations that come with dealership properties, from manufacturer facility requirements to zoning and market dynamics.

    Our Advantages Include:

    • Nationwide reach to source qualifying replacement properties

    • Integration with M&A and sale-leaseback strategies for holistic planning

    • Deep automotive operations knowledge to ensure reinvestments align with real-world business needs

    • Trusted partnerships with QIs, CPAs, and attorneys for compliant execution

Contact Us for a Confidential 1031 Consultation

As Automotive Capital Advisors, we offer more than just brokerage—we deliver strategic tax, real estate, and M&A guidance explicitly built for auto dealers.

Our deep industry experience, transaction expertise, and nationwide network of buyers and replacement properties make us the go-to partner for 1031 Exchange transactions in the dealership space.

Whether you’re planning a sale, preparing for retirement, or looking to reposition your assets, we’ll help you execute a 1031 Exchange that preserves your capital and positions you for long-term success.