Most profitable car for Uber?

AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 17/04/2016 - 23:33
Last edited 21/04/2016 - 01:36 by 1 other user

Hi all,

I'm a current Uber driver. Thinking of upgrading my near 9 years old Mitsubishi Lancer soon. Probably latest by EOFY.

Just wondering in your opinion, which car give the best return for Uber job? Am I right to presume Prius will win hands down? However taking into account the higher of prius, it's probably not the obvious winner? I personally don't like the look of Prius, so hoping for better looking & just as fuel efficient alternative :)

Any idea who give unlimited kms warranty these days? Cheers!

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Comments

  • inherentchoice on 17/04/2016 - 23:41
    +9

    Doesn't have to be brand new right?

    Presumably you can save thousands by buying a second hand car to avoid the massive depreciation on a brand new car.

    • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 17/04/2016 - 23:45
      +3

      nah doesn't have to be brand new..it's all about business..so whichever give me best price and return I guess..

      • paulojr on 20/04/2016 - 01:07
        +2

        Second hand Prius I would think would kick absolute arse as an uberx vehicle particularly in the inner city. Take a look at the info on how well they have done as taxi's, you should be able to get even a gen 2 at 12k-15k with plenty of life left in them. I'm yet to read any real issues with the hybrid battery systems. I have a gen 2, best car I've ever owned and love not having to fill up on fuel for 3-4 weeks. You should get around 750-850kms on a single 45L tank. Gen3+ did even better but will cost more second hand. New ones are too costly.

        • Hellman109 on 20/04/2016 - 11:32

          Prius' are being replaced with toyota aurion hybrid's a lot now from what Ive seen.

        • BlitzR on 20/04/2016 - 20:22

          @Hellman109:
          BS

        • fantacular on 21/04/2016 - 06:10
          +1

          Hybrids get concessions on taxi license fees. I'm not sure if the reason we see so many used as taxis is because they are the best car for the job.

        • xseta on 21/04/2016 - 11:13
          +1

          @Hellman109:
          Just as the new 2016 Prius is released, the Touring Version might become more Taxi's that thing is mint.

  • spackbace on 18/04/2016 - 00:04
    +4

    So by best return you mean cheapest to own and run yeah?

    http://www.carsguide.com.au/car-advice/australias-cheapest-c…

      • spackbace on 19/04/2016 - 08:47
        +3

        What?
        There's multiple cars listed in that article

  • captobvious on 18/04/2016 - 00:17

    If i ubered i would get an ex taxi camry hybrid.

    How ironic

    http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Toyota-Camry-2010…

    Lots of uber kms left in this baby and lots of profit to be made

    • donga100 on 18/04/2016 - 08:13
      +2

      I don't think ex taxi cars are allowed by Uber.

      • mskeggs on 18/04/2016 - 09:38
        +1

        How would they tell?

        • donga100 on 18/04/2016 - 09:59

          Registration history?

        • mskeggs on 18/04/2016 - 10:42
          +3

          @donga100:
          Are taxis recorded differently than other cars? The car reports I have seen have just been about finance encumbrances, not who owned the car.

      • usmanyousaf on 19/04/2016 - 00:30

        No thats not true.
        THe only requirement Uber has for a car is
        a) it shouldn't be more than 10 years old.
        b) Car should be inspected by their authorized agent. They basically check the road worthy stuff in it.

        If you have an ex taxi car, you will eventually get a new registration.

        However, I will not recommend you to buy an ex-taxi for uber..

        • donga100 on 19/04/2016 - 15:04
          +2

          Maybe it is different in other states but in Qld the rules are:

          • All new Uber Partners must have a 2007 model or newer vehicle
          • Four doors
          • Must seat between 4-7 riders
          • Vehicle registration must be current
          • Vehicle must be in excellent condition. Uber will arrange a vehicle inspection with a third party vehicle inspector
          • Must not be a company provided corporate purpose vehicle
          • Must not be an ex-taxi or salvaged vehicle

          http://www.uberqld.info/checklist/

        • captobvious on 19/04/2016 - 21:19
          +2

          @donga100:
          "Must not be a company provided corporate purpose vehicle"

          so using a government car would be okay then?

    • ilikeradiohead on 19/04/2016 - 13:18

      Lots of kms left? That car has almost 400k kms on it. How much longer do you think it is going to last without massive replacement of parts?

    • RockyRaccoon on 19/04/2016 - 20:21
      +6

      Why an ex-taxi hybrid. These will be well worn out - Taxi's aren't sold until they really have no value left. Ie cost more to run they they are worth.

      Why not do what many taxi owners do and buy a 2-3 year old Hybrid that has been in a government fleet

      So by a potential Taxi not an Ex Taxi

  • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 18/04/2016 - 00:25

    I would prefer a used still within factory warranty, and preferably no later than 2014

    • berger on 18/04/2016 - 08:19

      how does a Mitsubisi ASX rate? I had a hire car of one of these the other day and it was quite alright for a city runaround. pretty sure ive been in 1 or 2 that are Uber in Vic too.

  • eatwell365 on 18/04/2016 - 04:10
    +28

    Tesla.

    • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 18/04/2016 - 10:10
      +7

      I wish I got the money..if only Uber pays me more..

  • AssociatedFlying Ace @ Uber on 18/04/2016 - 08:42
    +1

    My Fiesta S (1L Turbo 3 Cylinder engine) gets better economy and performance than a Prius. Only down side it's a little small for Ubering. I've had a few four passenger pick ups and it's a little cramped.

    • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 18/04/2016 - 10:08
      +2

      No offence, but that's way too small mate..those small hatch sedan car shouldn't really be registered as UberX in Au..Your average aussies aren't really that tiny..

  • pao2x on 18/04/2016 - 09:00
    +5

    Ex- fleet hybrid camry or a prius

    • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 18/04/2016 - 10:08

      Thought of this, any idea where's the best place to get one in WA? auction I presume?

    • xuqi on 19/04/2016 - 13:35
      +1

      Definitely either of the above, with the preference of Prius as they just last so much longer.

      The biggest issue you'll have is fighting off all the Taxi drivers, also looking to buy them.

    • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 21/04/2016 - 11:48

      Ex-fleet meaning belong to car rental or company cars correct?

      • pao2x on 21/04/2016 - 23:27

        Council, government agencies, some NGOs. Just choose the right auction in the choices

  • spackbace on 18/04/2016 - 10:12
    +1

    Other option is get a Holden Caprice and do Uber Black. Better quality of customer, charges twice the price (so I would assume you'd get twice the income). I would assume mainly CBD/Airport runs.
    But main thing, better quality of customer :)

    • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 18/04/2016 - 10:15

      I think Uberblack only feasible if you got a regular clientele…too hard to find clients…and you probably gotta do Uberblack 24/7 to make anything decent

      • spackbace on 18/04/2016 - 10:16

        It all depends on where you base yourself. If you hang around the CBD or airport you'll get enough clientele. After all, with Uber you can't pick a driver, just whoever is closest :)

        • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 18/04/2016 - 10:23

          I know a lot of Uberblack driver just do their "private" trip now. Good money though. However, I work FT weekdays too, so those business hours airport run ain't gonna work for me. I definitely won't expect much business on weekends as as uberblack driver..

    • AssociatedOzJD @ Uber on 19/04/2016 - 03:22

      I've got a Caprice V (no HC plates) and can't do Uber Black because of no HC plates. You can no longer get HC plates in NSW, so eventually Uber will have to change their policy or scrap black in NSW.

      Other states may vary, but I wouldn't suggest buying one for Uber.

    • ilikeradiohead on 19/04/2016 - 13:24

      I've been picked up in some pretty swank cars on Uber X (2015 BMW X5, late model Audi S5). The drivers reckon that the lower demand for black makes uber X a better use of their time. I also took an uber black once because I moved the slider without realising. Ended up being about the same cost as a taxi haha.

  • xyron on 18/04/2016 - 10:46

    I would have thought a Honda Jazz or Kia Cerato would be the best bet - especially the latter due to the long 7 year warranty and the fact you can pick up base models for like $17,000 new/demo these days.

    • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 18/04/2016 - 10:53
      +1

      Yea, kinda leaning towards Kia Cerato sedan. Their 7 years unlimited kms warranty is pretty tempting. Honda jazz nono..too small!

      • spackbace on 18/04/2016 - 10:56

        Just be careful on the 'unlimited' part. Things could change over that time. They already have this stated on their site:

        Note: 7 year/150,000km warranty for vehicles used for the following: rental vehicles, hire cars, taxis, courier vehicles, driving school vehicles, security vehicles, bus and tour vehicles.

        Hyundai have similar:

        If the vehicle has been used for private and domestic purposes and is not and has not been previously used for a commercial application, including but not limited to taxi, hire, rental, courier, security, driving school, tour, bus operator or emergency vehicle. Vehicles used at any time for “commercial application”, as defined in the vehicle warranty policy, are excluded. Passenger vehicles that are or have been used for a commercial application are provided with a 5 year/130,000km warranty (whichever occurs first).

        And Mitsubishi's warranty only covers up to 100,000km anyway (regardless of use)

        • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 18/04/2016 - 11:01

          I guess if you don't tell , they won't know anyway no? :P

        • spackbace on 18/04/2016 - 11:06

          @Droid11:

          They'd be skeptical of the kms you've done. And if Uber ever requires an ABN, and the car to be licensed in the company name… well

        • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 18/04/2016 - 11:08

          @Spackbace: I just said I work in country lol..Uber don't need ABN anyway, so that ain't gonna be an issue…to be honest Uber probably add extra 10-20k kms on top of my regular 20-30k, it's really not that big deal for me personally..

        • spackbace on 18/04/2016 - 11:08
          +1

          @Droid11:

          Uber don't need ABN anyway

          Currently…

      • xyron on 18/04/2016 - 11:31
        +4

        The Jazz is a surprisingly roomy "mini" hatchback! Don't knock it till you've sat in one. It'll be cheaper to run than the Cerato too. Another option is the Hyundai i30 with a 5 year warranty, a fair bit nicer inside and outside than the Cerato (but fundamentally a very similar car).

        • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 18/04/2016 - 12:11
          +1

          Been in one..but yes sorry too small, shoud be banned from registered as UberX (medium car)…never like hatchback sedan anyway

        • xyron on 18/04/2016 - 12:34

          @Droid11: Fair enough, just an option. How about the new Elantra?

        • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 18/04/2016 - 12:41

          @xyron: Elantra could be an option but no experience with Hyundai cars.

        • xyron on 18/04/2016 - 15:03

          @Droid11: new elantra looks great, is huge (especially for the money) and still includes the 5 year warranty and can be had cheap. interior even looks (loosely) like that of a genesis which is nice. :)

        • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 18/04/2016 - 15:36

          @xyron: After a bit of reading, it looks great but fuel consumption is same as my current car though .

        • xyron on 18/04/2016 - 17:08
          +3

          @Droid11: the only reason you would upgrade your current car is because once its 10 years old you cant use it for Uber anymore. if the fuel consumption was the same, that's the best you can really hope for when looking at cheap ($17,000 - $20,000) cars. If you spend more money for better fuel consumption you are fighting a losing battle.

        • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 18/04/2016 - 17:23

          @xyron: Yea that's exactly why I'm looking to buy another car, but since I'm gonna buy it for Ubering, might as well be fuel efficient too hey.

        • xyron on 18/04/2016 - 23:10

          @Droid11: yes, i agree, but i think all these 2.0l midsize sedans are going to be much of a muchness when it comes to fuel economy. especially if youre using it primarily for short jaunts around the city (which will kill fuel consumption on any car).

  • Euphemistic on 18/04/2016 - 14:29

    What about 7 seaters? any bonus there?

    • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 18/04/2016 - 14:32
      +1

      you could, but you don't get paid extra for having 7 seaters. So why rip yourself off?

      • Euphemistic on 18/04/2016 - 15:28

        but you could also end up with an advantage over other drivers. Kinda like the maxi-taxi's that run around, any more than 4 people and you're the guy to call.

        • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 18/04/2016 - 15:30

          Not really…I probably only pick up more than 3 people like less than 5% of total pick up…don't forget, Uber don't pay you extra for carrying more passengers. More passengers, more weight, more fuel ..you decide..

  • pao2x on 18/04/2016 - 17:47

    This would be possible if Uber SUV picked up… but at the moment no

  • Associatedbilly3000 @ Uber on 18/04/2016 - 19:57
    +7

    I drive a 2015 elantra elite for uber. It works well for me and I got back nearly $2k gst on my first bas.i really think it's harder to get 5 star ratings with the smaller hatches.i am on 500 trips with 4.9 rating. My 15k service is due and it's going to be $225.(or very close to that amount).

  • Joxer on 18/04/2016 - 23:15
    +1

    LPG falcon. There's a reason why taxi companies use them.

    • usmanyousaf on 19/04/2016 - 00:32
      +2

      Not any more. Taxi industry now shifted towards Toyota Camry Hybrid. Camry is reliable.

    • Cluster on 19/04/2016 - 11:50
      +3

      Around Adelaide, LPG taxis are almost non existent. Hybrid Camrys rule the taxi fleet as with current LPG and petrol prices, they're cheaper to run than an LPG Commodore or Falcon.

      • chiefbodge on 20/04/2016 - 22:50
        +1

        I've been in a few taxis recently in Adelaide and they have all been factory LPG only commodores (with SVI). I think they do about 12L-13L/100 on LPG so they are actually quite efficient.

    • jaimex2 on 20/04/2016 - 14:57
      +1

      $ per km they win hands down. Especially in Victoria.

      vs Camry Hybrids?
      They are more reliable (You never see Camry Hybrids reach 1 million km)
      Cheaper to service as its a simple combustion engine and has long service intervals.
      200 kw engine means they can actually carry 5 people and not bog down.
      Comfier and roomier ride too.

      • MrGareth on 21/04/2016 - 09:45
        +1

        I don't know why this person is being downvoted because it's still true in Victoria - we seem to have the cheapest LPG prices in Australia so LPG is still an OK choice here. An ecoLPI is quite a powerful car, loads of torque and very very roomy.

        Wouldn't own one anywhere else in Australia though, thanks to the higher LPG prices and the fact they seem to be phasing it out.

        • jaimex2 on 24/04/2016 - 22:17

          Its the Internet, truth and facts dont matter.

  • spychiatrist on 19/04/2016 - 00:50

    How much are you making driving around Perth?

    • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 21/04/2016 - 09:22

      Hate to say, but not that much these days. I only bother with the late weekend now. Only then I get less dead time waiting for ping.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/04/2016 - 04:20
    +4

    I read on reddit.com/r/uberdrivers how drivers are constantly being squeezed. Their drivers are expendable basically they want to get 5-star drivers for less than minimum wage. The thing is their app and system is great and customers are willing to pay, but they don't even let you tip your driver even via. App. I don't think that driving for Uber is a sustainable income. They can just cut your rate or just unilaterally deduct from your pay. It's a mug's game

    • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 19/04/2016 - 10:39

      It's not gonna make you rich, but it's gonna give you some extra income on the car you already driven

      • matt_will_fix_it on 19/04/2016 - 15:42
        +8

        But if you need to buy a new car for it, it sort of defeats the purpose

        • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 19/04/2016 - 15:48
          +1

          Well, I kinda wanna change a new after 10 years anyway

        • [Deactivated] on 19/04/2016 - 15:50
          +1

          Exactly this, and it is very hard to uber drive "on the side" because they keep upping their "service standards" of how many fares to take. To the point that it's a full time job, or they will deactivate you. Most drivers in the US supplement their income with Lyft but we don't have that yet (AFAIK) and drivers have to be careful with that because if Uber find out they cancelled a fare in favor of Lyft (they need both apps running to get a 'ping' from either customer base) they will be dropped. Also Uber are increasingly requesting more permissions in your phone to spy on what else you are doing on it. They have loopholes to screw the driver at every turn

        • RockyRaccoon on 19/04/2016 - 20:28
          +1

          @The Land of Smeg: Very simple. have two phones. For the few $ that resolves the issue

        • [Deactivated] on 19/04/2016 - 20:35

          @RockyRaccoon: that's not the point. If you get a ping and you press "decline" too many times, they will threaten/actually deactivate you

        • RockyRaccoon on 19/04/2016 - 20:42

          @The Land of Smeg: Sorry I read your point

          because if Uber find out they cancelled a fare in favor of Lyft

          and then the getting more permssions on your phone, as determing the issue (so they know you use Lyft)

          In that case 2 phones stops their ability to know if you are using Lyft. Of course if declining fares is the deciding factor then 2 phones wouldn't work

        • [Deactivated] on 19/04/2016 - 21:50
          +2

          @RockyRaccoon: requiring new permissions is relatively new and so far no negative consequences, but it is an indication of the direction they are heading, and yes, you would need 2 phones if they keep going on this path. Already they are offering some bonus cash to show your Lyft pay slips so that "we can see if we are being competitive" but a few drivers got caught out from that when Uber compared it to the times they declined Uber and accepted Lyft and were dropped. Uber are playing dirty towards Drivers and I would not trust them. Leave them to some other sucker to drive for them.

    • richmond12 on 19/04/2016 - 17:20
      +1

      Lyft in USA lets you tip. In fact, I am pretty sure its more popular too.

  • oldaussie on 19/04/2016 - 08:13

    Not an answer to your qn:)

    I heard Uber is going to increase their fee to 25% from next month for all new drivers.

    Does anone know if this is true?

    • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 19/04/2016 - 10:39
      +1

      Yes it is , for newly signed up driver

      • [Deactivated] on 20/04/2016 - 03:09

        They are actively finding loopholes to get existing drivers onto the new rate too. For example, if you want to go on a short break they will say "sure no problem" but when you come back they will make you re-sign at the new rate

    • DeadlySaber on 19/04/2016 - 17:06
      +1

      Yes, Uber will rape anyone who got activated after 25/04 with 25% fee, so be quick.

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