Eco Beater for Uber?

[Natalya]

Last year I used to drive for Uber but I don't have a car suitable for it now.

Requirements for Uber:
- Car less than 10 years old
- At least 4 doors
- At least 5 seats (3 in back, driver, passenger)

I need something cheap, maybe a fixer-upper. Here in the USA cars seem to cost more than in Canada. I was looking at Honda Fits and G2 Insights, in the 2009-2010 age bracket, but I'm sure there are other suitable cars. Those ones were a little outside my price range. I think I can afford like a $4000 USD car, but would prefer to go cheaper.

For eco-driving a manual is better, but when I was driving a manual for Uber last year, well I longed for the simplicity of an automatic or CVT. You're constantly checking GPS and you don't always know the roads you're on and sometimes the passengers are rowdy drunks, so having an auto or CVT would mean one less thing to worry about.

I don't really want to change the appearance of whatever I get, but I can (and will) do underbody aero or maybe a grill block if it can be discreet. I'm open to installing a ScanGauge too.

[redpoint5]

If the car is 9 years old, does that mean you have to get a newer one next year?

I'd get a 2007 Prius. It turns off whenever stopped, and you'll get 50 MPG without having to try. You should be able to find one near your budget.

Can't go wrong with a Civic or Corolla either.

[MetroMPG]

Yup, a 2nd gen (not 1st gen) Prius is a good bet.

There are several reasons that taxi fleets continue to use 'em.

Deals can be found under $4k, though they're harder to find in Canada than in the U.S. because they sold in far greater numbers south of the border (a far greater per capita difference).

FYI, my search adventure for a sub-$4k Prius:
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ure-32007.html

Also:
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...ius-22514.html

[Daox]

In addition to the Prius / Corolla. I'd add a Matrix and Pontiac Vibe to the list. You'll get more cargo capacity than a Corolla with only a hint less mpg.

[Hersbird]

I would worry less about the Eco part and get something reliable. Repairs will kill profits much faster then a gas bill. Now some cars can do both. I question if a Fit or similar is really a 5 passenger vehicle. If I had my family of 4 with some luggage and a guy showed up with a Fit I would be pissed. Prius is better but I doubt you find much that cheap. I see used cop cars with 100,000 under $5000. Normally 4-6 years old or less, Crown Vicks, Impalas, v6 Chargers. The Impala would probably be the best choice and least expensive to boot.

[oil pan 4]

We had a guy on here doing kind of the same thing but looking a mini van.
He said the mini van was far more profitable.
Seemed like the mini van would use more gas but would move up to 5 or 6 people around making a lot more money.

[JSH]

I just sold my 2005 Prius with 150K miles for $3600. It was in excellent shape, I just wanted a different car after 10 years.

[MetroMPG]

That's a good deal!

Another consideration: a bit more money, but used Mirage CVT's are starting to show up in the $5k-$6k range.

We know of 2 taxi companies using them, plus Uber drivers. More room in the rear seat than you'd think. Though 3 large people won't fit easily back there.

[MPGeo]

Originally Posted by Hersbird

I would worry less about the Eco part and get something reliable. Repairs will kill profits much faster than a gas bill...

I agree with the repair statement. And with exception of battery replacements, I would think that a Prius should offer a smaller repair bill...

And when the time comes to replace the batteries, you could part-it-out and recoupe allot of your money with which to buy you another one. There's never a shortage of modders out there willing to pay for all the electronics

[JSH]

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

That's a good deal!

If you are referring the sale price of my 05 Prius - that was Kelly Blue Book's private party sale price.