Best Vehicle for Uber Use

[Guest Wings4Life(BANNED)]

I am intrigued with the opportunities that Uber drivers have.  Although i don't have the time to consider driving part time, I suggested it to my nephew who is between jobs at the moment, and loves driving.  But he has Charger RT, and I don't think it would make sense to be driving a V8 car around the city.

 

So then I started thinking about what makes a good Uber vehicle to use as a driver.  Immediately something efficient comes to mind, but also roomy.  You may have to fit several people more than you thought.  Trunk space is important too. A hybrid comes to mind, but maybe a bit extreme.  It seems a mid sized car with a 4 cylinder engine is perfect.

 

 

thoughts......

Edited August 8, 2015 by Wings4Life

[FAPTurbo]

IIRC Uber requires vehicles to not exceed five (or maybe now ten years) of age, so that may need to factor. 

 

I'd say Chevrolet Volt. Dealers have to get rid of the old stock so bargains are to be had. You get the benefit of electric for city driving and if a rider is heading to the suburbs, the generator won't leave you stranded.

 

However, the rear seat room isn't the greatest and I've heard of Uber riders complaining about the space in Toyota's similarly sized Prius. 

 

But if you know the city inside-out, you'll know where the free charging/parking stalls are. So you can top off the battery between every few trips when you're breaking for coffee, saving on gas money. 

 

For something less ordinary, a well-kept used Chevrolet HHR is compact and economical enough for the city, with good rear seat room and storage. Plus, it has an easy step-in height which will be appreciated by older users and drunk people alike. 

[Thed]

The new Hyundai Sonata's seem to be very popular with the drivers around here.

[Guest Wings4Life(BANNED)]

From the Uber site, I now see they give customers options, including value through every day cars, or SUV, luxury, high end sedan, etc.

So actually, my nephews Charger might be fine when/if he signs on.

 

I now like the idea of a used luxury car, which probably pays better.  Anyone know the pay scale?

I might look into it next week.  People I know swear by Uber and use it all the time.  

[David]

Hybrids make the most sense to me if you want to be an uber driver.

[smk4565]

Ford Transit Connect passenger version

[Drew Dowdell]

I was actually going to make a series of contests for this and vary the factors each time.

[smk4565]

Probably one of the contests should be best 3800 V6 equipped car for rural Uber driving where some off roading could be needed.  I think a rugged Grand Prix would be fast enough to get people there quickly and tough enough off road because the plastic body moldings would protect against flying rocks.

[Drew Dowdell]

Probably one of the contests should be best 3800 V6 equipped car for rural Uber driving where some off roading could be needed.  I think a rugged Grand Prix would be fast enough to get people there quickly and tough enough off road because the plastic body moldings would protect against flying rocks.

 

Too old.  There isn't a 3800 series car left that meets the maximum age requirement.

[Drew Dowdell]

I was going to pick the Passat TDI, certified pre-owned.... really base model.

[oldshurst442]

Chevrolet Trax.

Mazda CX3

Honda HRV

 

Small enough to zoom in and out of the urban jungle....in fact...these are urban vehicles that are built exactly for the urban environment.

Big enough to carry passengers comfortably. Hatchback design to carry bulky stuff for the Uber passenger.

 

Fuel efficient for the need to be on the road constantly.

As far as I know, all three vehicles mentioned are quite reliable so far.

And...the best thing about them...Starting base prices is @ $20 000...NEW...plus one could get great prices on them with clearance sales and employee discounts and stuff...

[Guest Wings4Life(BANNED)]

For the luxury class, it would be hard to beat the value of a TC, because you can find them for cheap (about $5K) and they are engineered to go 500K miles.

So low up front cost, minimal operating costs, and lots of room to spare.

 

Edited August 10, 2015 by Wings4Life

[Drew Dowdell]

For the luxury class, it would be hard to beat the value of a TC, because you can find them for cheap (about $5K) and they are engineered to go 500K miles.

So low up front cost, minimal operating costs, and lots of room to spare.

 

 

Those would normally go for UberBlack, but only the very newest ones will still qualify for the age requirement which is less than 5 years old.

I can't see these as being super profitable to run in UberX service.  In UberX service, you want the best fuel economy possible.   A previous generation Lincoln MKZ hybrid or Ford Fusion Hybrid might be a good idea if you can find one cheap.

[David]

 

For the luxury class, it would be hard to beat the value of a TC, because you can find them for cheap (about $5K) and they are engineered to go 500K miles.

So low up front cost, minimal operating costs, and lots of room to spare.

 

 

Those would normally go for UberBlack, but only the very newest ones will still qualify for the age requirement which is less than 5 years old.

I can't see these as being super profitable to run in UberX service.  In UberX service, you want the best fuel economy possible.   A previous generation Lincoln MKZ hybrid or Ford Fusion Hybrid might be a good idea if you can find one cheap.

 

I would go for an Escalade Hybrid

[Guest Wings4Life(BANNED)]

^

 

Huuuuge upfront costs and modest fuel economy is the drawback

[Drew Dowdell]

^

 

Huuuuge upfront costs and modest fuel economy is the drawback

 

Yes, but the Escalade also qualifies for Uber Black and Uber XL, which can charge higher rates.   Since UberBlack has stricter requirements on age, mileage, condition, and brand, the acceptable alternatives will cost a similar amount.  (Probably $30k - $40k for a used luxury sedan)

[frogger]

You also need a commercial license and insurance to drive for Uber Black afaik

[Drew Dowdell]

You also need a commercial license and insurance to drive for Uber Black afaik

 

Depends on the market, but in most big cities, yes.