Buy a Car for Uber and Lyft – Rideshare

Uber

Are you thinking about getting a car to drive for Uber? Joining the ride sharing app as a driver has become a popular way to earn money as a part-time job, or you can even go full-time. More than 10 million rides were hailed through ride sharing apps between 2017 and 2018 in the Philadelphia area, and Uber reports their numbers are only rising.

Requirements for Uber vehicles in Philadelphia

• Your car must be less than 15 years old at the time you register with Uber. They update their requirements every year, so an older car will age or “transition out” of the system much earlier than a newer vehicle.
• Must have four doors
• No commercial vehicles, marked vehicles, or vans
• Must have seats and seatbelts for four passengers, not counting the driver’s seat
• Must display the Uber decal on the windshield while drivers are online and accepting rides
• Must pass an Uber vehicle inspection, which can only be done at specific Uber centers or by an Uber verified mechanic

Requirements for Uber drivers in Philadelphia

• Must pass a driving record check and full background check
• Driver’s full name must be on the insurance policy, but the full name does not need to be on the registration
• Must be 21 or older, and have one year of driving in the US

Should you drive for Uber?

Uber seems like a great gig for anyone with a driver’s license and clean records, but will driving for Uber be the right fit for you? Consider the pros and cons.

Pros

• Make your own schedule, and cater your driving schedule around other work or obligations
• Good money, especially during peak times, or what is called “surge pricing”
• Earn both your base pay and tips for being a great driver
• Great way to get to know the city and the surrounding area

Cons

• Vehicle wear and tear
• Paying for gas - Uber fees account for this in the mileage, but you still need to pay at the pump
• Not making enough money during slower times
• More driving means increasing your risk of getting into an accident

Uber is very popular in Philadelphia and the surrounding area, but there is still bound to be slower times where you may not get as many rides in an hour. However, you can also earn a lot in a short amount of time, especially on weekend evenings and weekdays around rush hour. If you think you’re a good driver and you can make the most of driving for Uber during the surge pricing times, here are some great examples of Uber vehicles:

• Honda Civic
• Ford Focus
• Chevrolet Malibu
• Toyota Prius

Pro Tip: Getting a larger vehicle that seats six makes you eligible for Uber XL, which charges higher rates.

Ask us about Best Buy Imports current inventory of vehicles that will help you start earning money with your vehicle, and find out about affordable financingoptions regardless of your credit history.

Lyft

Purchasing a used vehicle to drive for Lyft is a smart investment, and a great way to supplement your income to help your new vehicle pay for itself. Join thousands of drivers for ride sharing apps in the Philadelphia to make great money and show off your new car.

Requirements for Lyft vehicles in Philadelphia

• Lyft has different requirements for each region, but generally accepts vehicles that are a 2006 model and later. They do update their requirements each year, so older vehicles will no longer qualify sooner than newer models.
• Must have four doors, and four passenger seats with seatbelts (not including the driver's seat)
• Must pass a special Lyft inspection. This can be done at regional “Lyft Hubs” free of charge, or search for a certified mechanic who will perform this inspection in your area. Mechanics generally charge around $30 to perform a Lyft inspection. The Lyft inspection tests basics like brakes, condition of the glass on the vehicle, and tire tread depth.
• Vehicle must have current registration and in-state plates
• Pass a cosmetic check, verifying that the interior is clean and odor free

Requirements for Lyft drivers in Philadelphia

• Must be 21+ and have one year of driving experience in the United States. Even if you have several years of driving experience in another country, you still need to have one year of driving in the States
• Must pass a driving record check and full background check
• Must own a current smartphone, either an iPhone 5S or a newer model running iOS 11, or an Android phone running V7 (Nougat)

Becoming a Lyft driver in the Philadelphia area

Lyft is known for being a little more rigid about their requirements, but their reputation for driver support is excellent and it usually pays more per ride than Uber. Before submitting an application, consider the costs and benefits.

Costs

• Some vehicle restrictions, which may make getting a used car more expensive
• Gas
• Insurance requirements, i.e. having a rideshare-friendly insurance policy
• More wear and tear on your vehicle, and needing to keep your car in a certain condition in order to have passengers

Benefits

• Earning higher hourly rates during peak ride times, especially on weekends
• Get tips in addition to your Lyft pay
• Schedule your driving hours around your other jobs or school

Lyft is serious about making sure their drivers are safe, and care about the quality of the rides for their passengers. In addition, Lyft provides a $1 million liability insurance policy to help you with claims in case you do get in an accident and your car is damaged while you had the app open.

Popular car models for Lyft drivers include:

• Honda Accord
• Nissan Rogue
• Hyundai Sonata
• Kia Soul

Pro Tip: If you were already thinking about purchasing a luxury vehicle, you can earn more on fares by participating in Lyft Lux. Eligible brands include Lexus, Audi, and BMW.

Ask us about Best Buy Imports current inventory of vehicles that will help you start earning money with your vehicle, and find out about affordable financingoptions regardless of your credit history.