Uber and other rideshare services have quickly become commonplace among commuters. Because of rideshares’ huge popularity among Aussies, a lot of people want to capitalise on it and become drivers themselves. Almost anyone with a car can be a driver, with an opportunity to earn around $35 to $40 an hour.
But before you start applying to become an Uber or rideshare partner, you have to make sure your vehicle is up to task. A rideshare car must be able to withstand a high degree of wear and tear compared to just a personal use car.
Finding a car that’s reliable and has a low ownership and operation cost to generate maximum profit can be tough. To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 best cars for Uber in Australia this 2023:
1. Toyota Corolla Sedan
Starting price: $25,395
Considered one of the most reliable vehicles for ridesharing, the Toyota Corolla is a top choice for Uber and rideshare drivers. Its spacious, powerful, convenient, and reliable—all the characteristics you need for a rideshare car.
The Corolla Sedan was designed to give passengers a more comfortable ride with its spacious interior. You won’t get complaints about lack of legroom with this one. The separate cargo space at the back also means more storage for your passengers’ belongings.
Little details like the black interior trim, synthetic leather sports seats, and ambient lighting enhances the riding experience. The 8-inch touchscreen multimedia display lets you stream your playlists and switch seamlessly to the satellite navigation.
Performance-wise, the Corolla Sedan has numerous safety features and driver assistance technology to make sure you have a great drive. For drivers who want to keep their running costs down further, this car comes in a 1.8L hybrid engine option with a combined fuel consumption of 3.9 L/100km. Or a 2.0L 16-valve petrol engine with a combined fuel consumption of 5.9 L/100km.
2. Kia Sportage
Starting price: $32,445
The Kia Sportage is a mid-size SUV that's touted as the perfect family car. The modern design and performance features make it one of the best cars for rideshares out there.
Expect comfort and luxury when you ride inside the Sportage. Fitted with memory seats, heated and ventilated seats, and dual-zone climate control, you and your passengers will have a pleasant ride. Front and rear passengers can enjoy plenty of room too.
Not just built for comfort, the Sportage is highly-dependable on Australian roads. It’s gone through an extensive local ride and handling tuning program across all types of terrain from urban roads to the country and all the way to the outback. Rest assured that this is a car you can depend on.
The in-line four-cylinder engine generates 192 Nm of toque and provides a max power of 115kW. The Sportage is a powerful, durable, and luxurious vehicle ideal for long rides.
3. Toyota Camry Hybrid
Starting price: $30,990
The Toyota Camry Hybrid is popular among a lot of rideshare drivers and taxi companies. It delivers great performance with the added hybrid efficiency.
The Camry has a four-mode drive switch which lets you have a more controlled drive and an impressive 2.5-litre dynamic force four-cylinder engine, and a hybrid net system power of 208HP. You can also track your efficiency with the Hybrid Energy Monitor.
The interiors were made for the comfort of both driver and passenger. The driver seat is spacious with an intuitive design that means everything is conveniently within reach. This is especially important for Uber or rideshare drivers since you’ll be spending a lot more time in your car.
The passenger seats are optimised for comfort too. See eight-way power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support. Both rear and front seats are heated and ventilated to ensure everyone feels relaxed wherever they’re sitting.
4. Mitsubishi Outlander
Starting price: $34,490
The Mitsubishi Outlander's performance-oriented design lets you drive with agility and composure. The 2.5 litre, four-cylinder engine means you’ll get improved output and torque with great fuel efficiency and cleaner emissions. You won’t have to sacrifice performance for fuel economy.
The Outlander’s cabin is functional and jam-packed with features sure to put any passenger at ease. As a driver, you’ll find everything you need within arm’s reach because of the exceptional ergonomic design. Make sure everyone is relaxed with the tri-zone climate control feature with separate climate zones and individual controls.
There’s also great flexibility in the cabin so you can fit passengers and their luggage comfortably. All seats can recline. The second row is a slide adjustable 40:20:40 split while the rear third row is a 50:50 split that can fold fully forward. Your car can easily adapt to your passenger’s needs.
There are also tons of driving features coupled with Super-All Wheel Control. Because of the exceptional design and engineering, the Mitsubishi Outlander is one of the best cars for Uber and other rideshares.
5. Hyundai i30
Starting price: $23,720
The Hyundai i30 is an award-winning car that combines style and practicality. Its main selling point is its reliability. It’s designed to deliver thrilling performance with its range of dynamic engines.
Choose between the 120kW 2.0 GDi or the powerful 150kW 1.6 turbo petrol. Think about fuel efficiency and performance when picking out an engine that suits your needs.
With the Hyundai i30 sedan, you’ll have a total boot space of 474 litres. The rear seats can also fold in at a 60:40 split for even more room. Your passengers and their things can fit comfortably in your car. The hatchback has similar features but has slightly less legroom and storage space.
The i30 has all the multi-media features you need and AndroidAuto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. It also has the latest Hyundai SmartSense with the complete suite of driver safety technologies. If you’re looking for the best car for Uber that’s also the most affordable, the i30 is an ideal choice.
Tips when buying a car for Uber or other rideshares
Here are some things you should keep in mind when buying a car for rideshares:
- Always take age into consideration. If you’re buying a used car instead of a brand new one, make sure the car isn’t above the vehicle requirements for rideshares. Typically, Uber doesn’t accept cars older then 10 years.
- Budget properly. Include insurance payments, maintenance costs, and other fees. This will help you figure out if having a rideshare car is profitable or not.
- Look into the car’s history. For those buying used cars, it’s always worth it to check if the car has been in accidents, if it needed any major repairs, or if it’s been regularly serviced.
- Prioritise passenger comfort. The best Uber cars are the most comfortable ones. When choosing a car, think about what will make passengers most comfortable. This might even help you get better ratings and bigger tips.
With the suggestions above, you’ll find the best car for Uber in no time. Once you’ve found your ideal car, the next step is getting the best Uber car loan.
Get an Uber car loan with Aussie
Whichever of these cars you choose, remember that it needs to be modern, comfortable, and compliant with the ride-sharing company regulations. Let Aussie Car Loans help you!
We can offer an array of car loan products for ease of ownership of a ride-sharing vehicle. Aussie Car Loans also offer competitive fixed rates and flexible terms to suit your needs.
Contact Aussie today at 1300 889 669 or enquire online to get a pre-approved loan for your ridesharing vehicle purchase.
FAQs
What are Uber's vehicle requirements?
Uber has different vehicle requirements depending on which city you want to drive in. The most Uber vehicle requirements across most cities include:
- Car models must be a four-door sedan and/or be able to comfortably seat four or more passengers.
- No visible cosmetic damage of any kind (e.g., scuff marks, bumps, scratches, and the like).
- No more than eight seat including the driver’s seat.
- Car must be properly registered with proper documentation.
- No older than 10 years.
- Able to pass vehicle inspection.
Always check the requirements for your city. What’s required for vehicles in Victoria may not be the same as those in Melbourne. The requirements may also change depending on the vehicle option.
What is the best fuel-efficient car for Uber driving?
The Toyota Camry Hybrid is the best fuel-efficient car for Uber or rideshare driving because it can run on petrol and electric power. Compared to a car that only runs on petrol, hybrid cars typically have better fuel economy.
What makes a car comfortable for passengers?
For a smooth ride, your car should have quality wheels, tires, suspension, and good seating. You don’t want your passengers to feel every bump on the road while they’re riding. Make passengers feel comfortable inside your car by keeping it clean and well-maintained.
What car brands are known for their reliability?
Kia, Toyota, Mitsubishi, and Hyundai are among the most reliable brands in Australia. These car manufacturers are well-known and well-established which means it’s easier for car owners to have their vehicles serviced.
How much should I budget for maintenance and repairs?
You should budget at least $100 a month for maintenance and repairs. As a rideshare driver, you’ll be using your car more often so the cost of maintenance and possible repairs need to reflect that. You may not use up your full budget for the month, but it’s better to have more than less when it comes to the upkeep of your vehicle.
How much passenger and luggage space do I need in my car?
Your car must comfortably seat at least four or more people to pass Uber vehicle requirements. That said, luggage enough for four or more people is ideal for cars used for ride sharing. You want all your passengers and their things to easily and comfortably fit in your car.
How much will insurance cost for my Uber car?
You can add a rideshare endorsement on your current insurance policy to cover your Uber car. This can cost an addition $30 to $100 depending on your insurance provider.
How does the cost of the car and operating expenses affect my profitability as an Uber driver?
If you’ve prepared properly, the cost of the car and operating expenses shouldn’t have a huge impact on your profitability. Make sure to research beforehand about the operating costs of your Uber or ride share car. Failing to do so could mean losing more money than you make.
What is the process for getting my car approved by Uber?
If you’ve been approved as an Uber partner, you will need to make sure your vehicle meets the city requirements. After, you need to arrange a vehicle inspection to ensure that it is roadworthy.
Are there any tax benefits to owning a car for Uber driving?
Rideshare drivers can deduct vehicle-related expenses on their taxes. These include but are not limited to fuel expenses, car payment, insurance, and cleaning expenses. Check if you qualify for these tax deductions.
How do I factor in the cost of upgrades and accessories, such as a dashcam or car seat, when choosing a car for Uber?
Make sure you budget properly so you avoid overextending your finances. Do your research and see how much everything costs before you make any final purchases. See how much upgrades and accessories will cost and see if you can still afford it after buying your ideal car.
What should I consider when choosing a car for both Uber and personal use?
You need to find a car that’s reliable, durable, spacious, and has good fuel efficiency. When buying a car for both Uber and personal use, you have to think about not just what you want in a car, but what passengers want too.
Before buying a car, whether used or new, it’s best to do extensive research. If you’re buying a brand new car, look at the reviews and see if it’s up to scratch. And if you opt for a used car, check its repair and maintenance history to ensure quality.
