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Okay, we admit it, we’re big fans of Turo. We’ve written about how they make flexible ownership possible and their really interesting BMWs, so before we draw the lucky winner of a dream weekend Turo rental, we thought we’d take a peek at the most notable (and bizarre cars) in their inventory.

Here are some of the best Turo cars for rent on the website.

1) 2006 Ford Escape, Aviato Edition

Depending on your TV watching habits, this is either very exciting or very confusing. In the HBO show Silicon Valley, the character Erlich Bachman drives around the car of the company he founded called Aviato. And guess what! It’s a real car that’s totally rentable in the SF Bay Area. Incredible. Millbrae, California, $30 per day

2) 1964 Ford Mustang

There’s just something about a lovingly restored car, isn’t there? When that car is a 1964 Ford Mustang and the restoration job is this good, you may find yourself momentarily calculating how feasible it would be to drop everything, empty the bank account, rent this car, and drive around Southern California for as long as you could before some authority comes looking for you. Hubba hubba. Costa Mesa, California, $119 per day

3) McLaren MP4-12C

Once upon a time, a seller listed a McLaren MP4-12C on Shift and it was the talk of the office. And it’s easy to see why: it’s a street-legal race car. Cool, evocative name? No thanks, we’ll stick with this internal prototype number and use what we save in marketing to make this car as badass as possible. And now, you can actually rent one the next time you’re in LA. Hermosa Beach, California, $500 per day

4) 1983 Volkswagen Vanagon

In 1990, the US experienced an 8 month recession that shrunk the economy by 1.4%. History books chalk it up to the 1990 oil price shock… but we know what really happened: the wanderlust inspired by the VW Vanagon had such an impact on the American zeitgeist that it finally took its toll on the GDP. Now you know. Start your own economic contraction in this Vanagon, now available at recession-friendly prices. Seattle, Washington, $34 per day

5) 2007 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Classic

Remind us: what’s the German word for when you welcome the zombie apocalypse because you finally feel confident you’d survive it? The listing know’s what’s up: “Drive a one of a kind lifted diesel truck with 47″ tires…The truck will explain itself.” Yes, it does. Denver, Colorado, $30 per day

6) Pokémon-themed 2012 Smart Fortwo

Don’t you hate it when you’re in Hawaii and find yourself saying, “this trip is great but it’s missing a very small Pokemon car?” Us too. That’s why we were thrilled to see Fu-Kang’s Fortwo, whose depictions of Ash and your favorite Pokemon will make your trip to Oahu complete. Finally. Honolulu, Hawaii, $33 per day

7) Vintage 1947 Ford fire truck

Sure, modern firetrucks may be better at fighting fires than this 1947 Ford, but if you’re looking to add some old-timey ephemera to your parade, it’s no contest. Complete with the wooden ladders, metal firehoses, and other firefighting accoutrements, this fire engine is ready to add some pomp to your circumstance. San Diego, California, $400 per day

8) Lime-green Lamborghini Huracan

When you’re renting a super car, you’re looking to make a statement. And a statement is exactly what this lime green Huracan makes. What it lacks in subtlety, it more than makes up for in performance and wow factor. So, the next time you’re invited to the wedding of an English Premier League footballer and need some wheels to take you there, look no further. London, United Kingdom, £700 per day

9) 1931 Ford Model A Tudor Deluxe

We’re guessing this is probably the oldest car available on Turo. Most Model As have since been turned into hot rods, so to find one in this condition is pretty rare. “This is a specialty vehicle, restored to original spec” (except somehow we don’t think the stock rims in 1931 were lime green). If what you seek is new interpretation of a very old car in Plano, here you have it. Plano, Texas, $127 per day

If you’re considering throwing some spare time into the ridesharing space, then you’re likely asking yourself: What are the best cars for Uber or Lyft?

Most drivers primarily consider mileage. While that’s definitely an important factor, you also need a reliable, affordable car that can hold passengers and meet Lyft/Uber’s vehicle requirement guidelines.

That still leaves you with enough options to make you dizzy and give up on the whole initiative. Fear not. Our list takes all of your needs into consideration. We’ve rounded up some of the best cars for Uber and Lyft driving.

1. Toyota Prius

So you’re probably thinking, “Duh.” Fair enough. The Prius is definitely not a shocker on this list, but there are some important things to consider when buying one. Because the Prius has been around longer than any other hybrid, older models can now be had for less, which isn’t true of most hybrids.

However, the Prius still commands a price premium over its non-hybrid rivals, which increases your up-front cost. Also, if the hybrid battery needs to be replaced, you can expect to pay around $4,000, so you’ll want to look for a car with fewer miles, or a new hybrid battery. The Prius offers little in terms of joie de drive, but it delivers fuel economy that can’t be touched by the competition, particularly in city driving. This is what makes it the hands-down best car for Uber or Lyft.

In short, the Prius is an ideal option for those putting many hours in behind the wheel. If Lyft/Uber is more of a part-time gig, another car might be a better option.

How to Pay for Your Car

2. Ford Focus

The Focus is holding down the fort as the little American car that could. It combines good interior space, solid fuel efficiency (24/35mpg on 2011 models, for example), and a competent chassis that is sporty, while still soaking up the bumps. The steering is sharper than most economy cars, making the Focus very maneuverable in city traffic. It offers a spacious 36.1 inches of rear legroom, and many newer models are available with Bluetooth for audio — some of the key reasons the Ford Focus is one of the best cars for Uber or Lyft driving.

3. Toyota Corolla

The ninth-generation Toyota Corolla is as ubiquitous as Beyonce. Look out your window right now, you see a Corolla, don’t you? Toyota sold about a billion and a half of these cars, and there’s a reason why: they are reliable, cheap, and fuel efficient. 35.4 inches of rear legroom means your passengers will be comfortable, and the 26/35mpg fuel efficiency means you’ll save at the pump.

While the Corolla isn’t exactly known for pizzazz, if you’re looking for more enthusiasm, pick up an XRS model, which offers 170 horsepower. Just be aware that the XRS doesn’t offer the same stellar fuel economy. The Corolla has best in class cost of ownership according to KBB, which is another reason we regard it as a great car for Uber and Lyft.

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4. Honda Fit

The Honda Fit is a fantastic choice for your ride-share workhorse. This little Honda combines great mileage with surprising interior capacity and a splash of fun. The Fit delivers better fuel economy than the larger Honda Civic, and actually has more rear legroom than its big brother (34.5” in 2011 models). The Fit is touted for superior cost of ownership in its class, so you can be sure your earnings are going into your bank account, not your mechanic’s. Toss the Fit into a turn, and it feels nimble and willing to have a little fun. If you don’t mind rowing your own gears, Honda also makes one of the best manual transmissions in the game.

5. Mazda3

If you are looking for a little enthusiasm, perhaps even a little zoom-zoom, check out the Mazda 3. You and your passengers will be greeted by a wonderfully designed interior with high quality materials. The Mazda 3 also offers fantastic chassis dynamics, sublime steering, and spirited acceleration that will make you believe you’re driving a sports car, not a ho-hum econobox. It’s as if Mazda managed to splice some Miata DNA into their compact car’s double-helix. The Mazda 3 just begs to be driven, and that matters when you’ll be driving so much.

It’s worth noting that the 2012 and newer models with SKYACTIV engines achieve a fantastic 40 mpg on the highway. Combine this amazing fuel efficiency with a low cost of ownership, and you have what might be the perfect car, ride-sharing or otherwise.

Happy ride-sharing!

Tag: ford

Best Turo Cars to Rent