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buying a used car for uber or lyft

Buying A Used Car For Rideshare And Delivery

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What To Look At When Buying A Used Car For Lyft, Uber, Or Delivery

The inspection of a used car is an essential, if sometimes daunting, step in the buying process. The close assessment of vehicles with previous owners can reveal hidden problems that would potentially influence your final purchasing decision so it’s important you take the time to inspect it properly. Luckily, it’s simpler than you may think and by following these five steps you can put a used car to the test and accurately judge whether it’s the right vehicle for you.

Bodywork

As soon as you approach the vehicle you can start assessing its condition. Walk around the outside and check the paintwork from multiple angles for dents, scratches or signs of rust. Blemishes on the bodywork can sometimes be indicative of a larger problem, but if it’s purely cosmetic it can still be expensive to fix.

Pay close attention to the individual body panels. Even the slightest difference in color or shade between them may be a sign that one has been replaced, probably after a crash, and could require further investigation. Inconsistently sized gaps between panels can also indicate that repairs have been poorly executed.

Engine

You don’t need to be a mechanic to effectively assess the health of an engine. Before doing anything else, feel the engine hood for warmth. If it’s giving off heat, it may have been started before you arrived in an attempt to disguise a technical issue.

Check the oil by lifting the dipstick from its housing. If the oil itself is very dark it could be a sign of poor or infrequent maintenance. Lift the oil filler cap and ensure there are no white deposits on the lid as it could indicate an even more serious issue.

Look closely at every inch of the engine for signs of leaks or excessive rusting. Any brown stains or light, chalky residue could be signs of oil and water leakages, respectively. The purpose of checking the engine on your visit is to gain a brief overview of the vehicle’s health rather than carrying out a complete mechanical assessment.

Paperwork

The vehicle’s paperwork includes all registration documents, servicing records and maintenance certificates. Check that the details in the paperwork exactly match the identifying information of the vehicle.

The more information the seller can supply in the form of service history, the more confident you can be in the purchase. Ideally, they will provide a binder full of receipts for all repair works done. Service reports will normally have a log of the mileage so you can cross-reference it with what you already know about the vehicle’s history.

Finally, check that any legal certificates are valid and have not expired. Be aware of any advisory issues that may have been raised in the inspection documents as it may impact your use of the vehicle in the near future.

Test drive

Take the vehicle for a test drive. The car should start easily and without hesitation, even with a cold engine. When you pull away, work your way through the gears steadily, taking note of the smoothness and ease of the action. Plan a route that includes several different driving scenarios so you can test the vehicle more effectively.

You should aim to experience how the car performs in a variety of situations so that you can identify any issues it may have. Take a road with a lot of twists and turns to check the handling and a long straight road to check the tracking. Sit in traffic to gauge its performance with frequent stops and starts and hit the open road to judge its higher-end performance. Make a mental note of any odd noises or vibrations so that you can bring them up later in your discussions with the seller or your own mechanic.

Time

The most important aspect to consider when testing a used car is that you don’t have to rush. Allow yourself plenty of time for the search so that you’re not pressured into any purchase. There are many great vehicles available to purchase at any one time so you always have other options. View as many as you can to facilitate the best and most objective decision possible.

The more vehicles you view, the more you’ll become aware of what constitutes a good deal. With more information on the market at your disposal, you’ll be better placed to negotiate a lower price.

Create a list of things to check and take the time to work through it. Don’t feel pressured by salesmen or other factors and walk away if they try to rush you. Buying a vehicle is a decision that will have a huge impact on your life for the foreseeable future so it’s important you feel comfortable when making your deliberations. By knowing what to look for and planning ahead, you’ll be able to buy the most appropriate car for your needs at the best price possible.

 

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Buying A Car For Uber

10 Things To Consider When Buying A Car For Uber Or Lyft

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So, you’ve decided to join the rideshare economy and make money while setting your own hours. After you’ve looked at the different options to choose from in terms of companies to gig for, you’re left with another big decision – what vehicle should you choose? Don’t worry, we’ve identified ten areas to consider helping you choose the right car for you.

Whether you’ve chosen to work for Uber, Lyft, Instacart, or another competitor in the rapidly growing sector, your car is one of the most important parts of your success. It can help determine your margins, how your customers rate you, and ultimately how much you take home at the end of every week. If you’re looking to invest in a new car, be sure to keep these key features in mind throughout the purchasing process.

1. Fuel consumption

It should come as no surprise that fuel consumption should be one of your top priorities. With a wide variety of rides, from those that remain local to long distance journeys, you want a car that can handle both well. It goes without saying that a car that performs better on miles per gallon is going to increase your margins and save you cash when you need to fill up.
For this reason, many rideshare drivers choose a hybrid vehicle model that performs well in both urban environments where traffic is likely to stop and start and country driving. When you look at the long-term, it can be beneficial to pay more for a car with improved efficiency.

Hybrid favorites among Uber and Lyft drivers include the Ford Fusion and Toyota Prius. In the non-hybrid category, the Chevy Cruze is probably your best bet.

2. Number of passengers

Both Uber and Lyft require all vehicles to have four independently opening doors. So, that’s most coupe models immediately out of the running.

Of course, if you pick the right model you can seat more than the standard four passengers, allowing you to take rides that require room for six or seven. On the flip side, larger vehicles will not have the same mileage efficiency and, in some areas, there isn’t the demand to warrant investing in a car that can comfortably sit more than four people.

Starting at under $28,000, the Ford Explorer has become a very popular UberXL and Lyft Plus vehicle.

3. Comfort

Comfort is essential for getting that all important high rating to ensure you continue to get booked. No one wants to be sat in the back of a car feeling cramped and uncomfortable for entire journey. Consider how comfortable your passengers will be – roomier is definitely a positive in this area.

Your comfort matters too. Whether you’re planning on being part of the gig economy part time or putting in eight hour shifts on a daily basis, investing in a car that your comfortable in will make it much easier to get the job done.

4. Insurance and Depreciation

It’s easy for the additional costs of running a vehicle to slip your mind when you’re choosing a vehicle to use for Uber and Lyft. But make sure you do your research and factor in the price of things like depreciation and insurance. It could save you hundreds of dollars each year and ensure that you maximize your profits and tax deductions.

5. Uber & Lyft Service Level

Do you know which Uber or Lyft service you would like to drive for? Both companies have different service levels, and different vehicles qualify for each service level.

Lyft has Lyft, Lyft Plus (suv’s), Lyft Premier (slightly fancier/newer cars), Lyft Lux (luxury vehicles), and Lyft SUV (luxury SUV’s). Uber has UberX, Uber Select (slightly fancier/newer cars), UberXL (suv’s), Uber Black and UberSUV (commerically licensed driver, black car vehicle).Having a look at what’s in demand locally can help you assess the right decision for you. The best way to do that is to ask some local drivers.

Also make sure the vehicle you’re considering qualifies for the service level you want to drive for before buying the car.

6. Warranty

Whether a car comes with a strong warranty or not could be a deciding factor if it’s the right decision for you. It gives you peace of mind that should something go wrong you’re covered. If maintenance is something that you’re concerned about, a good warranty with an included maintenance package should be at the top of your list.

7. Maintenance costs

The make and model of your car has a big impact on the maintenance costs associated with any repairs that you might need. Ideally, you want to find a vehicle that strikes the right balance between being reliable and having parts that are easily replaceable, which can be a challenge. Overall, Honda, Toyota, and Ford are considered to be the most reliable vehicles with the lowest overall maintenance costs.

8. Model Year

The year your car was made could mean that your car can’t be used for for Uber or Lyft. In most markets, your car must be a 2003 or newer. However, the requirements are more stringent for the premium services like Lyft Premier or Uber Select. For those services, your vehicle often has to be a 2011 or newer. Additionally, in most markets, Lyft drivers are not eligible for the weekly Power Driver Bonuses if the model year is before 2011.

Purchasing a newer model might mean a higher initial cost but it also means you won’t have to replace it as soon if you plan on driving for Uber or Lyft for the foreseeable future. You can check the local Lyft and Uber vehicle requirements on the following pages.

9. Total Miles

Your car is quickly going to clock up mileage when you’re working. You’re likely to find that you easily exceed the average 12,000 miles per year. A car that’s lower on mileage when you purchase it should mean lower overall maintenance costs, at least for the first year or two.

10. Price

Getting the best price can be tricky, and car dealerships are notorious for jacking up prices and including unnecessary items in a vehicle purchase. Consider using a negotiation service like Carjojo to get the best price on your car. A good negotiation service can literally save you thousands on your vehicle purchase.

Buying a car for Uber or Lyft.

The Best Cars For Uber And Lyft

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How to get a car for Uber or Lyft

Xchange, Uber’s popular rideshare leasing program, stopped leasing vehicles last month. Many drivers utilized Xchange because it was often the quickest way to get a vehicle for Uber. Drivers could also use the vehicle for Lyft, Amazon Flex, and other sharing services. Leasing through Xchange also meant the driver didn’t have to worry about maintenance, as oil changes and tire rotations were included.

However, the end of Xchange is actually a blessing in disguise for rideshare drivers. While convenient, Xchange leases were often more expensive in the long run than just purchasing a car for Uber or Lyft. Monthly lease costs on Xchange were usually in excess of $600, or even $800, per month! For that kind of money, if you want to drive rideshare, you’re much better off buying a vehicle. So, here’s a step by step guide on how to choose a car, get financing, and get the best price on your vehicle for rideshare driving.

Buying a car for Uber or Lyft.

Choose a vehicle

When selecting a vehicle for driving rideshare, the three most important items to consider are gas mileage, reliability, and price.

Mileage

In terms of mileage, the Toyota Prius is the gold standard for Lyft and Uber drivers. It gets a whopping 52 miles per gallon. Just behind is the Honda Accord Hybrid at 48 miles per gallon. Coming in third is the Ford Fusion Hybrid, which gets a not too shabby 42 miles per gallon. The Kia Optima Hybrid also gets about 42 miles per gallon.

If you decide against a hybrid, the Chevrolet Cruze gets a stunning 38 miles per gallon. If you want to try the Chevy Cruze out, in certain markets you can rent this vehicle through Lyft.

Reliability

After surveying various reliability surveys, it’s clear that the Toyota Prius also comes out on top in this category. The Honda Accord Hybrid also receives high marks from J.D. power. The Ford Fusion Hybrid, Kia Optima Hybrid, and Chevy Cruze are ranked a little lower, but still perform well.

Price

Although the Prius is tops when it comes to reliability and mileage, the Ford Fusion Hybrid is far and away the best value among the hybrids. While you can expect to pay at least $21-24k for Prius, you can pickup a Ford Fusion Hybrid for less, often about $5,000 less. The Honda and Kia hybrids are priced similarly to the Toyota Prius.

However, the Chevy Cruze may be the best overall value. You may be able to pick one up for around $15,000. Given that the Cruze mileage is almost as good as the hybrids at 38MPG, that may be difficult to ignore. Essentially, you get hybrid like performance without the hybrid price.

Top 3 Rideshare Vehicles Based On Price, Mileage, and Reliability

  1. Ford Fusion Hybrid – The Ford Fusion is the car of choice for thousands of full-time rideshare drivers. Besides the excellent mileage, affordable price, and above average reliability, it has one major factor that puts it at the top of the list. The Ford Fusion is a full size sedan. It fits five comfortably, and has a large trunk. The car also has a very smooth ride, and excellent handling. If you’re driving rideshare, the importance of passenger comfort and space for luggage cannot be overstated. These factors combine to put the Ford Fusion Hybrid at the top of the list.
  2. Chevrolet Cruze – If you’re looking for the most cost effective vehicle, the Cruze is a great choice. It’ll probably cost you around 5k less than the Fusion, and 10k less than the Prius. While it gets slightly worse mileage than both, it still gets excellent mileage overall.
  3. Toyota Prius – The Toyota Prius is a fantastic vehicle with a slick interior, and top notch reliability. However, it is less comfortable than the Fusion, and significantly more expensive than both the Cruze and Fusion. If you can afford the extra five to ten thousand dollars for the Prius, go for it. If cost is a concern though, you’re probably better off with the Fusion or Cruze.

If you’re not sure which vehicle you want to go with, you can always sign up to drive with Lyft or Uber first. Then, you can rent the vehicles you’re deciding between from HyreCar, a service that rents cars to for rideshare driving. If you’re looking at the Cruze, you can often rent that from Lyft or Uber as well.

Obtain Financing

Once you’ve selected your vehicle, it’s time to get a loan. While you may be able to obtain dealer financing, a number of dealers have been hesitant to finance loans if your sole income is going to be Uber or Lyft. This makes no sense given that full time rideshare drivers can routinely take home $1,000 per week or more. Fortunately, there are a number of options for financing your vehicle besides the dealership.

Main Street Finance provides business financing for equipment like vehicles. You can receive approval within minutes and funding with 24-48 hours. Check Your Rate.
MyAutoLoan.com is a free service that matches you with up to 4 lenders who can finance your vehicle. Check Your Rates.
PersonalLoans.com provides low interest personal loans with APR’s starting at 5.9%. They offer peer to peer, personal, and bank loans. Check Your Rates.
24/7 Auto Finance is a great choice if you have less than stellar credit, and they usually make a decision within 24 hours. Check Your Rates.

For more financing choices, be sure to visit our main Vehicle Finance page.

Good luck with your new car purchase, and drive profitably!

 

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Sign up to drive with Lyft today and get a sign up bonus.

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Toyota Prius - Carjojo

What’s The Best Car For Uber & Lyft?

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To get those all-important 5-star ratings, rideshare drivers know that comfortable, clean, safe, well-appointed transportation is key. To make a profit, a vehicle’s affordability and fuel-efficiency are also top priorities. Using that criteria, the car-buying experts at Carjojo.com have compiled a list of recommended best new cars for Uber, Lyft, and other rideshare drivers to get them on the road and running a successful business.

Whatever kind of vehicle you want—Economy, Sedan, SUV, or Luxury—Carjojo can help you get the vehicle that fits your business needs at a price you’ll love and that’s guaranteed.*

Here are their best picks for rideshare drivers:

2017 TOYOTA PRIUS TWO HATCHBACK

 

CARJOJO STARTING PRICE: $21,500
SAVE UP TO $4,500 AFTER REBATES
5-SEATER HATCHBACK-HYBRID
MSRP: $25,550 | MPG: 54 MILES PER GALLON

Toyota Prius - Carjojo

There’s a reason the Toyota Prius Two hatchback is a perennial favorite among uber/Lyft drivers: It has the best all-around MPG, which will save you money and time at the gas station. What’s more, not only does the Prius Two have generous trunk space for its size, but its rear seats can be folded to accommodate even more cargo. Drivers love its versatility, its surprisingly roomy back seat, and its wide array of standard options, including a 6.1-inch touchscreen for infotainment, 4.2-inch color information display, 15-inch wheels, rearview camera, keyless ignition, and LED headlights.

Top reasons why Carjojo recommends this car:

  • Outstanding fuel economy
  • Great of combination space and comfort
  • Base models are well-equipped
  • Approved uberX model

2017 FORD FUSION

 

CARJOJO STARTING PRICE: $16,300
SAVE UP TO $6,749 AFTER REBATES
5-SEATER SEDAN
MSRP: $22,120 | MPG: 32 MILES PER GALLON, HIGHWAY

Carjojo - Ford Fusion

Ford Fusion is a great choice for rideshare drivers because, for one thing, the 2017 base model starts at only $22,120. Combining Ford’s rebates and Carjojo’s Guaranteed Best Price service, you could drive away with a brand new 2017 Ford Fusion for under $16,399. But don’t let the price fool you. The 2017 Fusion is smart and packed with the latest technology. In addition, it has upscale styling, elegant interiors, and a quiet cabin. For the green-minded driver, Fusion comes in hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions too.

Top reasons why Carjojo recommends this car:

  • Extremely competitively priced in its class
  • Capable performance
  • Good, well-balanced handling
  • Spacious cabin and trunk
  • Approved UberX model

2017 HONDA CIVIC SEDAN

 

CARJOJO STARTING PRICE: $17,829
SAVE UP TO $2,289
5-SEATER SEDAN
MSRP: $19,540 | MPG: 40 MILES PER GALLON, HIGHWAY

Carjojo - Honda Civic

The 2017 Honda Civic is ideal for drivers who place a premium on a safe, stress-free ride for their customers. Civic gets the highest NHTSA safety ratings and its chassis is crafted to ensure maximum comfort and agility—distinctions that will help you earn the highest rider reviews. Also available is a 1.5 liter turbo option, great for uber/Lyft drivers who want both fuel economy and a little extra power on demand. Civic also comes in a hatchback version for drivers who want more cargo space.

Top reasons why Carjojo recommends this car:

  • Good fuel economy
  • Well-tuned suspension and precise steering
  • Comes in 1.5 T hatchback version for extra cargo space
  • Stylish, sporty design
  • Approved UberX model

2017 FORD EXPLORER

 

CARJOJO STARTING PRICE: $27,961
SAVE UP TO $4,644
7-SEATER MIDSIZE SUV
MSRP: $32,605| MPG: 24 MILES PER GALLON, HIGHWAY

Carjojo - Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer is a favorite among drivers who like to impress city and nightlife riders. More luxurious and spacious than it looks, this 3-row 7-seater is perfect for carpools and for families and groups of friends who want to ride in one vehicle. The Explorer’s cabin is insulated from outside noise, providing a quiet, relaxing space for passengers who just want to chill after a busy day. Depending on the trim, the interior is available with leather upholstery, heated and cooled front seats, plus a heated steering wheel, because why shouldn’t the driver enjoy some extra comfort too?

Here’s what’s great about the Explorer:

  • 7-seater
  • Standard backup camera, Bluetooth, and voice control
  • Well-insulated cabin
  • Standard 6 speakers
  • Approved UberXL model

2017 AUDI A4

 

CARJOJO STARTING PRICE: $34,485
SAVE UP TO $4,690
5-SEATER LUXURY SEDAN
MSRP: $39,175 | MPG: 37 MILES PER GALLON, HIGHWAY

Carjojo - Audi A4

 

If you’re a driver over six-feet-tall, check out the Audi A4, one of the most popular luxury cars that is graced with both ample legroom and headroom. A4 also has great trunk space for a vehicle in its class. Your passengers will feel pampered in the most elegant, upscaled interiors available, brimming with high-tech standard features. Elevate your uber/Lyft status and stand out from the crowd with the A4 that almost guarantees 5-star ratings.

Here are a few reasons Carjojo recommends the A4:

  • Sleek and modern interiors
  • Better-than average cargo space and split rear folding seats
  • Great leg space and roof heights for taller passengers
  • Precise steering and agile handling; emphasize is on ride comfort
  • Approved UberSELECT model

This is just a sampling of Carjojo’s recommended rideshare vehicles. For the complete list, look here.

Carjojo can help you avoid the time and stress of dealer negotiations and save you $4,500 (avg) off manufacturer prices.

Super Special Discount for Rideshare Drivers

As a bonus, Carjojo is offering rideshare drivers a special 85% discount on their negotiation service: Just $29 (regularly $199). Click here for your discount.

What is Carjojo?

Carjojo is a Silicon Valley Big-Data technology company created to help car buyers. Like Travelocity for cars, Carjojo offers comprehensive new-vehicle pricing information that is easy to search, compare, and digest, plus a negotiating service that helps consumers get the best price on a new car, backed by an industry-only 30-day price match guarantee.

How Carjojo does it: Round the clock, Carjojo amasses inventory, price, and sales data for nearly all 3.9 million new vehicles for sale at almost every dealer in the United States. Constantly refreshed, this extensive data is processed through Carjojo’s patented Edge2Edge™ analytics, resulting in competitive, sales, marketing, price history, and other insights tracked and updated regularly. These deep insights provide valuable snapshots of the industry that help accurately determine the best achievable price for any new vehicle.

The Carjojo advantage:

Save Thousands: Get the Lowest Price Guaranteed on any new car.
30 Day Price Match Guarantee: Get a better offer for the same vehicle, we’ll pay the difference.
Save Time: Don’t waste days haggling.
Risk Free: Cancel anytime before deal is finalized. Don’t pay until dealer agrees.
Save Stress: After deal is finalized, simply pick up the car from the local dealer.