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

  • Tech and cars on 19/04/2016 - 09:12
    +3

    Diesel/Petrol Turbo European Cars.

    Second hand: Golf TDI, VW jetta, Audi a3 1.4 Petrol, Passat Diesel - Should be some really nice cars around the $15k mark with around 50 000km's. You will actually enjoy driving the car and you'll get great economy.

  • WhatWouldBiggieDo on 19/04/2016 - 09:58

    Prius' are no more fuel efficient than a small diesel (or even petrol) engine.

    If it was my money i'd get a new/near new Peugeot 308 (the new shape).

    Great looking car, spacious, very economical, 3-5 year warranty, capped price servicing and excellent value. I've driven thousands of cars, and I was particularly impressed by the way these drive.

    http://www.carsales.com.au/demo/details/Peugeot-308-2014/OAG…

    • mr_alligator on 19/04/2016 - 10:10
      +6

      Just out of interest, how many thousands of cars have you driven?

    • Cluster on 19/04/2016 - 11:57
      +5

      Prius is no more efficient than a small diesel, or petrol engine on highways and country driving. But it's much more efficient in the city with constant stops and starts and idling in traffic. A relative's Prius C burns 3.4L in peak hour traffic. I would like to see any diesel match that.

      In country driving my i30 diesel burns considerably less than the Prius C, so it depends where the Uber vehicle would be used.

    • [Deactivated] on 19/04/2016 - 14:38
      +1

      me too, me too, I have driven orders of magnitude of cars !

  • spackbace on 19/04/2016 - 10:43
    +8

    I hate to say it, but the car that might suit best would be a standard, run-of-the-mill Camry. Look for one about 40-50,000km old (likely ex-rental, but try for privately owned). The 2.4L won't give you that much different fuel economy to a smaller sized engine, but will allow for 4 passengers, will allow for luggage in the boot. Also has air-con vents for the back, a nice convenience for your customers. Cheap servicing, and will last you for over 200,000kms. Sure, it doesn't have a 5yr or 7yr warranty, but it's 1 of those cars that probably won't give you any grief over 150,000kms anyway. Although if you buy from a dealer, you can buy an extended warranty if you're really worried.

    Just with fuel at $1-$1.20/L, I don't think there's much need to chase down a hybrid, or small engined car.

    • Ametric on 19/04/2016 - 10:50
      +3

      as much as I don't like toyotas for their ugly interiors/exteriors and lack of driving enjoyment, cannot agree more - camry will suit perfectly for that purpose…

      • spackbace on 19/04/2016 - 10:51
        +7

        as much as I don't like toyotas for their ugly interiors/exteriors and lack of driving enjoyment

        I had the same thought, but in terms of size vs economy vs resale vs servicing vs reliability, it's hard to pass up imo!

        • Ametric on 19/04/2016 - 10:55

          yeah, 100% agree!

      • RockyRaccoon on 19/04/2016 - 20:38

        To really make sense, you should reference to what you think is an exciting drive, eg a BMW 7 series, or Suzuke Alto.

        Camrys are bland compared to the former, but rather comfortable compared to the latter

        • Ametric on 19/04/2016 - 20:47

          you don't need to be a car enthusiast to understand what I'm talking about. Just drive vw golf or ford focus and you will enjoy it much more than boring toyota camry (or corolla to be the same class).
          p.s. BMW 7 is very smooth and powerful, but not as exciting to drive, it's too heavy, 3-series or 5-series much more fun to drive though.
          Suzuki alto is very cheap car to run, it's not about comfort and fun, just a cheap runaround…

  • T0KY0 on 19/04/2016 - 11:50
    +20

    I use a Tata Nano for my Uber car. It's great, and very profitable.
    For multiple passengers, I can easily attach them on the sides with monkey straps.

    For larger bookings, I also use a Great Wall Ute, which I affixed 6 airline seats I purchased cheaply from Malaysia Airlines.

    • Nicko11 on 19/04/2016 - 11:52

      lol

  • Nicko11 on 19/04/2016 - 11:59
    +2

    I use uber but I think drivers are not that happy as before.

    6 in 10 drivers say they barely make $$ a day just after uber fee, petrol not included.

    Camry Hybrid is one of the best that i traveled on. Buying brand new @ 35k is bit overkill. Used one 2010 - 2011 will be the best choice. Look for cars over 100000k's ,else u will pay big dollars for service just before that and lots of sellers wants to get rid of it before that with jacked up prices

    Prius is alright too but its just a Stretched Yaris

    • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 19/04/2016 - 17:31
      +1

      Yea too many drivers out there now…not as many pick ups as last year for sure…still not bad for weekend though if you're lucky to get the big trip.

    • JimmyF on 20/04/2016 - 10:03
      +5

      Uber is evil to the drivers….. On top of the recent 20% rate cut drivers had NO choice about, Here is why

      Uber takes a 20% cut of the fare (soon to be 25%), so on that $10 fare you paid, the driver only sees $8.

      Out of that $8 the gov wants GST to be paid, but has to be paid on the $10 fare, as that was what was sold to you the 'customer'. So another $1 disappears from the driver as uber doesn't charge GST, bringing the driver down to $7….

      Out of that $7 they have to pay fuel, wear/tear on car and make a living.

      Also remember the drive might have to drive up to 10 mins to pick up the customer, all for 'free'.

  • [Deactivated] on 19/04/2016 - 12:26

    just to make money, a toyota for sure. nothing beats its cheap parts

  • nexus4 on 19/04/2016 - 14:37
    +1

    Second hand Prius. They depreciate quickly due to people's irrational fears about battery life, so you can get them really cheap after a couple of years.

  • djmm on 19/04/2016 - 16:42

    BMW M3 no doubt

    • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 19/04/2016 - 17:30
      -2

      Enlighten me ..how a 60k+ car is a good buy for Uber…look good sure, but make no business sense whatsoever…

      • donga100 on 19/04/2016 - 18:38

        Depends how busy Uber Select is. Might make sense to buy something like an Audi A3 ($39k) if you regularly get the more expensive fares.

        • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 19/04/2016 - 20:04
          -1

          I only drive on weekends…so ain't gonna go with Uberblack ..

    • nephilim on 20/04/2016 - 12:38

      :o

  • ninetyNineCents on 19/04/2016 - 20:38

    Whats wrong with a human powered bicycle with a side car ?

  • peterpeterpumpkin on 19/04/2016 - 20:48

    On the topic of Uber driving, what would be the most economical 5.5+ in phone or phablet that supports band 28 on Optus (700Mhz 4G LTE)?

  • darkchoc on 19/04/2016 - 21:31

    2013 vw golf TDI. Vw diesel is nice to drive, economical, pretty reliable and might pick up a bargain due to the emissions scandal. Maybe around $13-14k for a high mileage one.

    http://carsales.mobi/cars/details/2013-Volkswagen-Golf-103TD…

    • darkchoc on 19/04/2016 - 21:41

      http://carsales.mobi/cars/details/2013-Ford-Focus-Trend-LW-M…

      Or even a ford focus diesel. High mileage diesels as long as they have been serviced and have a full service history should be a winner as it indicates motorway driving and the diesel engines can go forever.

      For $11k, this seems like a good option

      • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 19/04/2016 - 21:52

        Just not into sedan hatch.. Sorry

        • darkchoc on 19/04/2016 - 23:30

          Fair enough if it's not too your taste.

          But the focus is not a sedan. It's a hatchback that looks pretty slick IMO.

          I have a golf hatch and it fits 4 adults very comfortably because of the upright position. Not sure about the focus.

          If it meets the brief of being cost effective and fitting 4 adults, it should be worth at least considering.

      • cpho on 21/04/2016 - 15:50

        The engine might be able to go forever, but what about your gearbox?
        Google Ford focus transmission. Not a good rap.

        • darkchoc on 21/04/2016 - 18:51

          Ah yes. The issues with the dual clutch automatics. Should have been repaired by now if it was an issue (3 years driving with high mileage).

          Or just buy manual.

  • Dealgood99 on 20/04/2016 - 06:21

    While people have brought it up there's another new Australian company operating in sydney called GoCatch. They have a product called gocar like uberx and there fee for drivers is only 15%. At the moment only operating in sydney. They have no surge pricing, the customer rates are the same as uberx but they do have small peak time Windows. From memory M-F 8am - 10am and Friday - Saturday 10pm - 2am. I have been using them as a rider and I think they're good.

    • JimmyF on 20/04/2016 - 13:27

      Only 15%…. still way too much IMHO for what they are doing. GoCatch rates are the same as taxis from memory. 'Users' just go for the cheapest provider, so that'll be uber.

  • ttc72 on 20/04/2016 - 08:55

    i30 Diesel. My 6 speed gets in the low 5's litres per 100km, an easy 900km pre tank around town.

  • rmamila on 20/04/2016 - 09:29

    @Droid11
    I received a leaflet on my postbox from local Toyota dealership on their Demo car clearance.
    There is a Prius V (7 Seater) Drive Away for $26,000
    It's 2015 model and clocked 8000 km which is nothing. You will have many cheap uber kms in this type of hybrid car.

    • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 20/04/2016 - 10:04

      Awesome price, but a bit too big for my liking.

  • biozet on 20/04/2016 - 10:30

    a 5-8 year old Peugeot diesel 307 has amazing fuel economy

  • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 20/04/2016 - 17:26

    I think I'm hooked on the new Honda civic. So nice looking, and just the right size & feature I want. Fuel economy around 6.7L/100 km too..

    • spackbace on 20/04/2016 - 17:37

      What features do you want? It's what, about $22k for a manual with a barry-basic interior, 3yr/100,000km warranty, expensive servicing :/

    • xyron on 20/04/2016 - 23:09

      the new honda civic hasnt been released in australia yet…

      • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 21/04/2016 - 00:12

        It's out in June. I'm looking to buy near eofy anyway,unlwss I see super good deal now

  • Mysterious Laptop on 20/04/2016 - 18:54

    Just get a falcon on gas.

  • spuderump on 20/04/2016 - 19:07

    Out of curiousity, i live 10 mins from adl airport,
    How much do drivers roughly earn? Say I was to look at doing 10-15hrs a a week around my full time job, what would I earn?

    • JimmyF on 20/04/2016 - 23:02

      Uber drivers pay vary…. but $10-25/hr is average…… BUT there are lots of overheads that need to come out of that. Ubers cut (20% of total), GST (9% of total), running costs etc.

      Check out http://uberpeople.net/forums/Adelaide/

      and see what the locals are making/getting

  • Lucky13 on 21/04/2016 - 00:17

    Supposedly you can run a Hyundai with zero issues until about 120000kms and the initial outlay wouldn't be so bad. Otherwise Id go for a Toyota which is another car that requires minimal tlc but would cost a little more to start with.

  • AssociatedLancerx @ Uber on 21/04/2016 - 04:29

    Just learn WA gov gonna slap uber driver with $500 annual fee to driver uber after July 1st. Now I'm not so sure I wanna drive anymore with such minimal pay.

  • wukachuka on 21/04/2016 - 14:25
    +1

    Yeh, i'd probably not invest in a car just for uber at the moment if you are in queensland…
    It's gunna be a 3k fine every time they catch you driving someone…

  • justwaitingforamate on 21/04/2016 - 20:05

    Mate forget a hybrid, they are only used by taxis for tax reduction. Get a used i20 or 130, very reliable with out the Toyota high resale value so can pick them up cheap and very efficient and reliable. Thats why most hire companies use them. If you buy a used hybrid remember that the batteries are very expensive perishable items.

  • branners on 17/06/2016 - 09:57

    I know that this thread has been idle for a while, but what car did you end up buying, OP?

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