Automotive
In this context, emotional logic gives way to cold, cold spreadsheet calculations. Instead of just looking at the purchase price, ride-hailing drivers have started comparing models based on TCO (total cost of ownership)., a concept that includes fuel, maintenance, insurance, taxes, depreciation, and resale value.
Choosing a vehicle is no longer just a matter of taste, but a technical decision, involving compact sedans, economical hatchbacks, and some specific SUVs. They compete for space. in the garage of someone who makes a living from the app.
To app driversChanging your car is not a consumer dream, but an investment decision.
The Chevrolet Equinox, equipped with a 2.0 turbo engine, 262 hp, 37 kgfm of torque, a 468-liter trunk, and a 0 to 100 km/h time of under 8 seconds, deserves your attention as a used car option in the R$ 100 range.
For under R$100, the 2019 Fiat Toro 2.0 Diesel automatic combines a 170 hp engine, 4×4 traction, a 9-speed transmission, and a generous cargo bed, positioning itself as one of the most balanced options on the used car market for those seeking versatility without sacrificing performance.
The most fuel-efficient SUV on the Brazilian market? The 2026 Kia Niro proves its efficiency by achieving 24,6 km/L and exceeding 1.000 km.
With a 1.0 turbo engine, 6 gears and stability control, the HB20 takes 4th place among the most sought-after used cars of 2025.
The vehicle needs to generate enough daily revenue to cover fuel, maintenance, financing or rent, and still leave a positive margin.
In that logic, Popular cars used for ride-sharing apps, which deliver high mileage at a controlled cost, are becoming work tools, more than just symbols of personal status.
This is where it comes in. TCO total cost of ownershipInstead of just looking at how many kilometers per liter the car gets, App drivers have started to consider the complete package.adding up the price of parts, frequency of maintenance, insurance costs, risk of repairs, and depreciation over the years.
A car that is cheap to buy but expensive to maintain and difficult to resell tends to compromise the… profit per kilometereven when it seems economical to supply.
In the dispute between Popular cars for ride-sharing appsCompact sedans continue to lead the interest of many. app drivers.
models like Chevrolet Onix Plus, Hyundai HB20S and Fiat Cronos They bring together three decisive factors for those who drive in cars for Uber and 99Controlled fuel consumption, spacious trunk, and good interior space for passengers.
This setup allows us to handle airport pick-ups and longer trips, which tend to increase profit per kilometer compared to very short trips.
Besides this trio, sedans like the Renault Logan and the older Fiat Grand Siena remain valued in the used car market precisely because of their mechanical robustness and ease of conversion to CNG in some versions.
To app drivers who travel long distances every daythis robustness weighs on TCO total cost of ownershipThis reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns and makes it easier to find parts at independent repair shops, keeping the car on the road more often and in the shop less.
Despite the popularity of sedans with generous trunks, compact hatchbacks remain relevant among… app drivers focused on short routes and heavy traffic.
Popular cars for ride-sharing apps Since the Chevrolet Onix hatchback, Hyundai HB20, and Fiat Argo use the same mechanical base as their equivalent sedan counterparts, they maintain low fuel consumption and familiar maintenance.
In these cases, the lower acquisition cost helps to alleviate the initial burden of the investment.
For those looking for the cheapest option possible, the Renault Kwid frequently appears in the calculations of app drivers that are just beginning.
Consumption is low and the purchase cost is one of the lowest among cars for Uber and 99But there is a clear limit: The interior space and the trunk, with approximately 290 liters of capacity, restrict the type of ride and may affect passenger ratings.especially when traveling with luggage.
In practice, this impacts the profit per kilometerbecause it reduces the chance of getting longer, better-paying rides.
The expansion of higher-end categories, such as Uber Comfort, has created a new frontier of opportunity for app drivers willing to invest more in vehicles.
In this range, cars for Uber and 99 Compact SUVs, such as the Nissan Kicks, Hyundai Creta, and Chevrolet Tracker, have become commonplace.
The increased comfort experienced by the passenger and the higher driving position attract better ratings and higher per-kilometer rates.
However, the cost increase is significant. SUVs have a higher purchase price, more expensive tires, higher insurance costs, and often higher fuel consumption.
In terms of total cost of ownership (TCO), this requires high mileage and tight financial management to ensure that the revenue gain offsets the additional expense.
For many app driversThe numbers only add up when there’s a consistent volume of races in the higher-cost categories; otherwise, the risk is improving the car’s image while worsening its reputation. profit per kilometer real.
In any conversation with app driversCNG (Compressed Natural Gas) is emerging as a recurring option to reduce fuel costs.
In scenarios of heavy driving, fuel savings compared to gasoline can exceed 50 percent, directly impacting the… profit per kilometer.
To Popular cars for ride-sharing apps With traditional naturally aspirated engines, the adaptation is usually simpler and more predictable.
On the other hand, the installation of the CNG kit alters the calculation of TCO total cost of ownership.
There’s the initial installation cost, the need for specific maintenance checks, and the partial loss of trunk space, which again impacts airport transfers and travel with luggage.
In some cases, the adaptation may lead to discussions about factory warranties, especially in more sensitive direct injection turbocharged engines.
App drivers who drive a lot can spread the cost of CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) over time, but those with lower volume may not see the same gain at the end of the month.
Another variable that is gaining importance in the routine of app drivers It’s the resale value.
Cars for Uber and 99 Models like the Onix and HB20, among other sales leaders, tend to depreciate less and have greater liquidity in the used car market.
This allows you to plan periodic replacements to keep up with the year and model limits required by the platforms, without significant capital losses.
Within the TCO total cost of ownershipLiquidity is a component that is often overlooked in hasty decisions.
Popular cars for ride-sharing apps with a good resale history allow drivers to recover a significant portion of their investment when they decide to upgrade to a newer or more efficient model., preserving the balance of profit per kilometer over the years.
Low-demand vehicles may force the professional to accept prices far below expectations, compromising the overall outcome of the strategy.
Ultimately, the “new craze” isn’t just about choosing a specific sedan or hatchback, but about a shift in mindset. app drivers.
Instead of deciding based on the most beautiful car or on the opinions of others, the trend is… Compare popular cars for ride-sharing apps based on TCO (total cost of ownership) and the direct impact on profit per kilometer., evaluating each component of consumption throughout the vehicle’s lifespan.
Simple spreadsheets that add up installments, fuel, maintenance, insurance, vehicle tax, CNG, and resale value are already part of… routine for many professionals.
For those who make a living driving for Uber and 99, this long-term vision is what differentiates those who merely keep driving from those who transform the app into a sustainable business.
Given this, the straightforward question remains: when considering your next car, do you immediately factor in the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and profit per kilometer as your main decision criteria, or do you still choose your work vehicle more on impulse than based on numbers?
I talk about technology, innovation, oil and gas. I provide daily updates on opportunities in the Brazilian market. I have published over 7.000 articles on the websites CPG, Naval Porto Estaleiro, Mineração Brasil and Obras Construção Civil. Any suggestions for topics? Send them to brunotelesredator@gmail.com
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