2000-up, 4-door, ample rear legroom, compact, and FUN? (aka the ideal Lyft/Uber car)

Since I don't have anything else lined up after graduation, I'm toying with the idea of becoming a driver for one of the hipster taxi services like Lyft or Uber; I have a friend who does it in a Fit Sport and really enjoys it, makes decent money too. They have a few requirements though: has to be 2000-up, 4-doors, and presentable. I'm wondering what a good car for the purpose would be; while something like a P71 sounds good on paper, the fuel mileage would kill me (non-traditional fare structure + average trip length = losing battle) and it's virtually impossible to find one that hasn't been beat to hell. The people who make the most money are usually in compacts like the aforementioned Fit, newer Focii and the like; basically you want to strike a good balance between passenger comfort and economy. Except I'd want to add a dose of "fun" as well.

So, I'm trying to think of cars that would fit the bill well; say, around $3000. Focus ZX5 could be decent. Maybe a newer SE-R Spec V? A VW Mk4 of some kind? What would you guys suggest? Keep in mind "Corolla" or "Civic" sounds like a great answer until you look at the ludicrous resale value they have because of "normal people"...you can find much more interesting stuff for less.

In reply to SlickDizzy:

I was going to say Toaster, aka Scion xB, but you're going to have a hard time finding one at that price point. (My '05 toaster will be up for sale in a few weeks but it won't fit your budget, sorry.)

2004+ saab 9-5 ...4 cyl turbo 5 speed can be had for near challenge money and very reliable. No sludge on 04+ and get 30mpg highway...a tune away from 285 hp and 300+ tq

I second 1st gen Scion xB. It's got a ridiculous amount of rear leg room for a vehicle it's size and gets good mileage.

They should be getting down to around $3k for reasonable models at this point.

Acura TL, E46/90, Former police Charger, 9-5?

JtspellS wrote: Acura TL, E46/90, Former police Charger, 9-5?

Since when are ex-cop Chargers and E90's going for $3k!?!?

SlickDizzy wrote:

JtspellS wrote: Acura TL, E46/90, Former police Charger, 9-5?

Since when are ex-cop Chargers and E90's going for $3k!?!?

Forgot about the 3k, I did find a wrecked Police charger in the junk yard 2 days ago so it might be possible..

I don't know much about this, but it might be worth looking into getting something that you could use for Uber Black if you felt like moving up to the next level.

I'd look at an early 2000's Lexus or Acura. Those are starting to get down towards $3k, and could get pretty decent fuel economy.

You know neither of those companies are taxi companies, right? They are ride sharing companies (it will matter if you start working for them).

We have a transport company, and have to buy cars similar to your needs. These suggestions are a different price point, but do the math on the 2nd gen Prius (2004- 2010) and a brand new (5th gen) Hyundai Elantra. I've done the math 1000 times- these are cars I can make money with.

Both have the cabin space you will need. Both are good in-city cars, with a "hip" vibe and great city handling.

You'll be able to find a 2nd gen Prius $6-7K. Yes, that's a little high, but they are fabulous on maintenance costs, and they hold their resale tremendously. 50 mpg is a big win.

The Elantra will offer great financing and price point, meaning a very low cost of entry. 40 mpg. You can walk out with one for zero down, and have a $300 per month payment. Not sure how the price structure works for the ride shares, but that is a number I can earn with a car on the road for only a couple of days per month.

I have also looked hard at the 2nd gen Xb. Light years ahead of the first gen. Terrific cabin space, about 28 mpg. 1st gen feels like a tin box to me.

Yeah, I know they're a ride sharing company (hipster taxi was tongue-in-cheek); luckily Milwaukee is open to accommodating them (our cab service and coverage is notoriously E36 M3ty here) and only requires drivers to get a $75 "license" with a brief written test. Good suggestions so far, and having something I could move up to Uber Black with would be a good idea.

FYI:

I bought a new Elantra last Memorial Day. Zero down, zero percent financing. I walked out with a brand new car with a 100K mile warranty on it.

A year later, I still haven't paid as much as your budget, and it's been earning me money ever since.

Memorial Day is coming. I'll bet they'll offer a similar deal.

Just a thought...

Lincoln LS for the Huber Black ride. V6 with a 5-speed stick.

We got picked up in everything from new VW CC's to an old elantra GT while in Chicago. Corollas seemed to be the normal choice for uberx drivers.

SVreX wrote: FYI: I bought a new Elantra last Memorial Day. Zero down, zero percent financing. I walked out with a brand new car with a 100K mile warranty on it. A year later, **I still haven't paid as much as your budget**, and it's been earning me money ever since. Memorial Day is coming. I'll bet they'll offer a similar deal. Just a thought...

Does that include depreciation?

To me, Prius seems like the ideal option, were it not for the fun requirement (although I find them fun in their own way). 50mpg is hard to argue with, and nothing else is going to come close to that in an urban environment.

G35 is imo the ideal car like this.

Toyota matrix / Pontiac Vibe

In reply to ProDarwin:

OK, of course a new vehicle has depreciated in value.

Don't forget- that's a tax deduction in my case (Slick's too).

But that's why I mentioned the Prius. A 2nd gen Prius is big win on depreciation. It has gone through the depreciation curve, and holds it's value extremely well.

I'd bet you could drive one for a year, make money on it, and sell it for almost exactly what you paid for it.

Yeah, for fun driving, not so much. But making money can be fun too.

Uber black requires a 2008 or newer, with black interior,UberX requirements are 2006 and newer, I have been doing uber x on the side on weekends in my fit for 2 weeks now, Pros: Plenty of room, fairly decent on fuel, but if you are serious and are buying a car to do this i would probally suggest a prius myself, every dollar you spend on fuel eats into your profit fast by the time they take their 20% and eventually you give uncle sam his share.

In reply to Fit_Is_Slo (ceasarromero):

How do they bill? What are the rates based on? Is there an approximation in $ per mile?

Prius. Maxing out your profits sounds like the most fun route to me.

I should add that Lyft currently takes 0% as part of their push to get as many people using the service as possible, though that will obviously change at some point. I see some people doing it in Muranos and other SUVs, I have no idea how they'll make money after the switch.

A TDI might not be a bad way to go either, hmm.

Miata.

Oh, wait.

I would also look at a hybrid or TDI

I live in seattle, where this all started.

Those who don't have a town car or caddy or SUV are waved off and are canceled. A Prius might work and I've seen Camry hybrids work as well.

Remember as a driver for them you are contractor. If you wreck your car or get robbed or hurt, too bad for you.

If taxi service is crappy in your city, why don't you start a new good service?

This is something I'd be looking to do for a little while here and there, not a full time career!

SlickDizzy wrote: This is something I'd be looking to do for a little while here and there, not a full time career!

You never know. Life takes you interesting places.