What is the best car for Uber drivers? It’s a question that more people are asking as the demand for ride-share keeps on increasing and a growing number of Aussies are embracing side hustles as a way to earn some extra cash.
As of 2023, there are now over 150,000 Uber drivers operating across Australia, with the platform serving around 4.4 million users. If you’re thinking about signing up to be an Uber driver, the most important factor to consider is your car. So, which car is best for Uber in Australia?
Finding the Best Car for Uber: Key Features
How do you decide which is the best car for Uber in Australia? To start with, it would need to meet Uber’s minimum vehicle requirements. But Uber drivers also need to consider comfort, fuel efficiency and potential luggage space.
- Age of the Car: For a standard UberX service, a vehicle can’t be more than 15 years old. For the more luxe services, the car may need to be less than 7 years old.
- Comfort: To generate good passenger reviews, your car must be able to deliver a comfortable ride. This means your car will need to have good suspension, comfy seats and a fully operational climate control system.
- Number of Doors and Seats: To drive for Uber you’ll need to have either a 4-door vehicle or a passenger van with no more than 12 seats (including the driver’s seat).
- Fuel Efficiency: This isn’t an Uber requirement, but if you’re driving the car for work purposes it pays to invest in a fuel-efficient vehicle. For those seeking a greener alternative, Uber has now launched the Comfort Electric option, which allows users to request electric vehicles.
- Luggage Space: Uber is a popular choice for those travelling to airports and train stations, so it’s worth making sure you have enough boot space to store passenger luggage.
- Safety Features: Uber requires all of their drivers to have a vehicle with a minimum 5-star ANCAP safety rating.
Which Car is Best for Uber in Australia?
According to data released by the company itself, the best Uber cars (or at least, the most popular ones) are:
- Toyota Camry: Known for being reliable, comfortable and fuel-efficient, the Camry is perfect for long hours of driving with plenty of space for passengers.
- Mazda 3: Marketed as stylish, agile and economical, a Mazda3 has excellent fuel efficiency for inner-city driving.
- Toyota Corolla: The ever-dependable Toyota Corolla is surprisingly spacious and cost-effective, giving drivers a comfortable ride and low running costs.
- Mitsubishi Outlander: With a higher driving position, the roomier Outlander is a larger vehicle that offers extra cargo space and comfort. This makes it a great choice for drivers located near busy transport hubs.
- Toyota RAV4: A highly versatile car that is both spacious and fuel-efficient, a RAV4 is one of the best cars for Uber drivers who will be doing a combination of inner-city and suburban driving.
Buying the Best Car for Uber Drivers: How to Secure Financing
Securing finance for an Uber vehicle in Australia can be quite challenging. Many borrowers feel like they’re left with no choice but to finance directly through Uber (an option most financial experts advise against, due to unfavourable terms and high interest rates). Fortunately, there is another option.
Muscle Money can help with securing finance for an Uber vehicle through our specialist Uber lender. This financial product is tailored specifically to the needs of Uber drivers, meaning it offers:
- Flexible loan terms
- No need for a deposit
- Fast approvals
- Ability to include Uber revenue in your income assessment
- Competitive rates
- Penalty-free early payout options
Contact Muscle Money for Competitive Uber Car Financing
Choosing the right car for your Uber driving career is crucial for your long-term financial success and securing the right financing can make the process a whole lot smoother. With Muscle Money, you gain access to a tailored financing solution designed specifically for Uber drivers.
Don’t let financial hurdles hold you back—contact Muscle Money today to explore your options and drive your Uber career forward with confidence!
Caleb Waye-Harris, Senior Manager of Asset Finance at Muscle Money, has almost 15 years of relevant experience in the finance industry. His extensive background includes project management, consumer and commercial lending and asset-based lending.
