It’s no secret that rideshare services have revolutionized the way individuals get from point a to point b without their personal vehicle. Whether it’s catching a ride to the airport or into the city for a night on the town, the benefits of rideshare services are significant. As a result, more and more individuals are driving for rideshare services like Uber and Lyft to generate additional income on the side while enjoying a flexible schedule.
No matter if you’re trying to offset the cost of your existing vehicle or if you’re eager to purchase another vehicle for the sole purpose of driving for a rideshare service – there are a number of factors to consider before you buy. To help you make an informed decision, our team at the Schumacher Chevrolet Auto Group has assembled this in-depth guide that names our top tips and picks for the best used cars for rideshare drivers.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Rideshare Vehicle
Although there are a variety of different factors to consider when choosing the right used car when driving for Uber or Lyft, we’ve narrowed down some of the most important factors to weigh before making your purchasing decision. Choosing the right model can help you deliver outstanding service to your customers while simultaneously boosting your profitability.
- Fuel Economy – Spending more time driving customers to their destination and less time at the gas station is one of the most obvious ways to put more money in your pocket. The difference between averaging 20 MPG and 30 MPG is almost $1,000 per year.
- Vehicle Space – Both cargo volume and passenger volume play an important role in your ability to keep your customers satisfied. If your focus is on transporting large groups or travelers headed to an airport, consider choosing a larger sedan or crossover for maximum versatility. A large three-row SUV can double as a rideshare vehicle on the weekends when your family is at home. Consider the needs of both you and your customers when choosing a rideshare vehicle.
- Reliability/Maintenance Costs – If your used car spends more time in the shop than it does on the road, you’ll quickly run into a problem. Choosing a model with a proven track record for quality and reliability along with low maintenance costs will help you stay profitable in the long run.
- Safety Features – While both Uber and Lyft have standards set for vehicle safety, choosing a vehicle equipped with driver-assistive technology can provide additional confidence behind the wheel. Does your local area regularly experience severe weather conditions? Features like tire pressure monitoring, collision avoidance technology, and traction control can keep you and your passengers safe on the roadways.
Driving for a rideshare service is the perfect opportunity to make the switch to an all-electric vehicle like the Chevrolet Bolt EV. Originally introduced for the 2017 model year, the Bolt EV is a revolutionary subcompact hatchback featuring an electrified powertrain for maximum efficiency. Say goodbye to wasting time and money at the gas station and experience the smooth, seamless power delivery of the Bolt EV. Clever features like regenerative braking and one-pedal driving make the Bolt EV an excellent option for city driving involving congested streets and heavy traffic.
Best Uber Green / Lyft Economy Vehicle – Chevrolet Bolt EV
Thanks to its practical rear liftback, the Chevrolet Bolt EV provides the versatility you need to carry both passengers and their luggage to their destination. Another advantage of the Bolt EV is over-the-air software update capabilities for 2018 and newer models, helping you enjoy the latest infotainment system features. With a wide variety of bold, expressive exterior colors – your rideshare passengers will have no trouble spotting your Chevrolet Bolt EV as you pull up to the curb.
Best UberXL / Lyft XL Vehicle – Chevrolet Suburban
When you’ve got a large party to transport, the Chevrolet Suburban is the right tool for the job. Eligible for both Uber XL and Lyft XL services, the Suburban offers three-row seating for up to 7 or 8 passengers. Engineered with robust body-on-frame construction, V8 engine power, and available 4WD – the Suburban provides a smooth ride for your passengers along with go-anywhere capability that can withstand the elements and rough terrain. Thanks to its ability to cater to a crowd, the Suburban helps you maximize your productivity and profitability.
Especially if you have a large family or a need for impressive towing capabilities on the weekend, the Chevrolet Suburban is the perfect do-it-all SUV. It offers muscular performance capabilities to help you tow your camping trailer, boat, or other toys along for your next getaway. Keeping rear-seat passengers entertained is easy thanks to an available rear entertainment system featuring dual screens for watching videos and movies. Its proven reputation for long-lasting quality and dependability rounds out the list of advantages that come from choosing a Chevrolet Suburban for your rideshare service driving needs.
Best Uber Black / Lyft Lux Vehicle – Chevrolet Tahoe
Catering to the needs of the most discerning passengers, Uber Black and Lyft Lux services require more upscale vehicles and luxurious amenities. This type of clientele demands a more exclusive and premium experience than a typical rideshare experience. As a result, we recommend choosing a vehicle that meets these stringent requirements while also providing the reliability and quality you need to stay profitable. Our top choice? The Chevrolet Tahoe.
Powered by a standard V8 engine, the Tahoe and its body-on-frame construction delivers a smooth ride to help you passengers stay comfortable on the way to their destination. LTZ trim levels feature a full-leather interior, second-row captain’s chairs, and premium wood-grain accents throughout the cabin. Its elevated ride height offers superior ingress and egress compared to a conventional full-size sedan. For the ultimate rideshare experience, look no further than the Chevrolet Tahoe.
Best Uber Comfort Vehicle – Chevrolet Malibu
Uber Comfort is a relatively new category that connects passengers with newer vehicles that offer spacious seating dimensions for an upscale experience. If you’re looking for a used car that’s eligible for this category, look no further than the dynamic Chevrolet Malibu. One of the most iconic nameplates in the history of the Chevrolet brand, today’s Malibu is packed with eye-catching styling, premium comfort amenities, and efficient performance that’s ready to work as hard as you are. Available turbocharged engines give the Malibu a unique blend of responsive power delivery paired with remarkable MPG to help your bottom line.
Step inside the cabin and you’ll find an upscale interior that’s perfectly suited to rideshare driving. Standard MyLink infotainment services help you and your passengers stay engaged and entertained no matter how long the drive takes. Available remote monitoring services help you stay connected to your vehicle with access directly from your smartphone. Optional leather seating surfaces and a Bose audio system are just two of the premium features available on the iconic Chevrolet Malibu that are sure to impress your rideshare passengers.
