Consumer Reports Analysts Rate These Used Cars As The Best for Uber and Lyft Drivers

Where Gas Mileage Makes or Breaks a Business

Making a living---or even just supplementing a few extra bucks to your income---is not easy for Uber, Lyft, and other driver/owners who operate a ride-hailing transportation service.

According to Consumer Reports analysts, they recently discovered that “…a ride-share driver’s expenses increase by 25 percent and profits dip by 12 percent for every four gas fill-ups in a month.”

This means that it is not just necessary, but critical that these driver/owners seek out used cars that are very reliable and easy on gas usage as they navigate stop and go traffic for short distances ferrying passengers throughout a metropolitan area.

That said, here is their list of used cars that CR recommends that should help keep driver/owners in ride-hailing businesses on the road and out of debt with these affordable, reliable and efficient models.

Affordable, Reliable and Efficient Used Car Models

1. 2018 Toyota Prius
Price Range: $19,775 - $23,700
Owner Reported MPG: 53 mpg
Note: Best Overall based on it demonstrates extremely good fuel economy.

2. 2015 Toyota Camry
Price Range: $14,775 - $17,750
Owner Reported MPG: 28 mpg
Note: Best Sedan backed by annual surveys that show much-better-than-average reliability, and fuel-economy ratings are similarly impressive even if you don’t get the hybrid version.

3. 2016 Kia Soul
Price Range: $10,375 - $17,900
Owner Reported MPG: 26 mpg
Note: Best affordable choice, with an abundant interior space, super-easy access, and highly visible to customers.

4. 2016 Honda CR-V
Price Range: $17,775 - $24,000
Owner Reported MPG: 27 mpg
Note: Best for bad weather, a good choice for drivers in the snow belt region with all-wheel drive and additional ground clearance.

5. 2015 Honda Odyssey
Price Range: $14,725 - $19,825
Owner Reported MPG: 22 mpg
Note: Best for Uber XL and Lyft Plus when riders request a vehicle that can seat six or more passengers.

6. 2015 Lexus ES
Price Range: $19,400 - $23,025
Owner Reported MPG: 25 mpg
Note: Best for Uber Select and Lyft Premier means more money with city to city premium ride-sharing comfort.

One Warning for Uber and Lyft Drivers

Consumer Reports added this one reminder to Uber and Lyft drivers that they should be sure to check their local laws regulating their services and also check with the vehicle manufacturer and insurance agent to find out if they are at risk of voiding their vehicles warranty and should expect their insurance rates to rise respectively.

More Recommended Used Car Articles

For more on used car buying, here are some select articles to help used car shoppers avoid bad buys, find good deals, and choose the right car for them and their family.

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Timothy Boyer is Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily Tesla and electric vehicle news.

Photo by Victor Avdeev on Unsplash