Uber has established itself as a giant in Australia’s rideshare industry, creating opportunities for full-time work and flexible side income. If you're considering becoming a driver, there are a few different ways to access a vehicle – from taking out a car loan for Uber drivers to renting or leasing through Uber’s approved partners. In this guide, we’ll explore your options to help you decide which path might suit you best.
Can I get a car loan as an Uber driver?
Yes – provided you meet the eligibility requirements set by your lender, you can qualify for a car loan as an Uber driver. The type of loan that’s best for you will come down to how you use your vehicle. As an independent contractor, your main options are:
Secured car loan
With a secured car loan, you can use your vehicle however you like. This product is best suited to drivers using their car primarily for personal purposes, such as commuting and ferrying the kids to and from school, and undertaking occasional ridesharing work on the side. With this arrangement, your car doesn’t need to be registered as a business asset, and you won’t need to provide an ABN as part of the application. However, you can claim the portion of your car’s use that is dedicated to Uber work as a tax deduction.
Chattel mortgage
If Uber is your sole income source and/or you’re working close to full-time hours, a chattel mortgage may be the most suitable option for you. These loans are designed for those who use their car 50% or more of the time for business purposes and come with a range of tax benefits, such as claimable interest, GST and depreciation – but be aware that you will need an ABN registered for at least six months to apply.
However, a loan isn’t your only option when it comes to accessing a car for rideshare work. Depending on your needs and budget, you might also consider:
- Short-term rental: some companies offer Uber-ready vehicles on flexible weekly or monthly rental terms. This can be a convenient way to get started quickly, without a long-term commitment or upfront cost.
- Car lease: several providers offer lease options designed specifically for rideshare drivers. These tend to run for shorter terms – often between six and 18 months – compared to standard leases. Leasing may suit drivers who want regular access to newer vehicles without the responsibilities of ownership. Note, however, that if you have a novated lease through your employer, most agreements do not allow for commercial use of your car. Driving for Uber or other rideshare platforms may breach the lease terms or void your insurance, so always check the fine print.
- Rent-to-buy: rent-to-buy allows you to lease a vehicle then purchase it at the end of the term. It’s a way to spread out the cost while working towards ownership, though the overall price may be higher than other forms of finance.
Can I finance my car through Uber?
While Uber doesn’t provide car loans or financing itself, it does partner with third-party providers like Karmo and Splend through its Vehicle Marketplace to help drivers access cars. Depending on your city, you may be able to choose from short-term rental or rent-to-own arrangements to suit your situation and budget, with rental terms ranging from as little as 7 to 14 days and rent-to-own options often running for a minimum of six months.
You’ll need to arrange the agreement directly with the provider, and once your vehicle is ready, it must be added to your Uber profile – though some partners can assign the vehicle automatically to your account if you give consent to link your Uber profile.
Uber finance vs car loan
Deciding whether to use Uber’s Vehicle Marketplace or finance your own vehicle depends on your budget, how often you plan to drive and whether you're in it for the short or long term. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of each option to help you choose what’s right for you:
Uber Vehicle Marketplace (rental, lease or rent-to-own)
Pros
- You can access a vehicle quickly, often within a few days, with no credit check required by many providers.
- Most rental options include registration, insurance and maintenance, helping reduce upfront costs and simplify ongoing expenses.
- All vehicles listed meet Uber’s eligibility criteria, and you can see which services (like UberX or Comfort) each car qualifies for.
- Most partners allow personal use, meaning you can drive the car outside work hours for day-to-day tasks.
Cons
- Your vehicle choice is limited to what Uber’s rental partners have available in your city – and may not be available at all, depending on where you live.
- While personal use is generally permitted, you may need approval for extended travel or non-rideshare use, such as a long road trip.
- Most rental agreements come with weekly kilometre limits, which can be restrictive for high-mileage drivers.
- Weekly kilometre limits and ongoing rental fees can add up quickly, making long-term renting more expensive than buying – you won’t have any ownership or equity in the vehicle at the end.
Secured car loan
Pros
- Taking out a car loan allows you to own the vehicle outright, giving you full control over how and when you use it.
- There are no restrictions on how much you use the car or what for, so you can drive the car for work, errands, road trips or anything else without limitation.
- You have access to a wide range of makes, models and price points, allowing you to choose a vehicle that best suits your budget and preferences.
- Financing a car is often more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you plan to drive full-time or keep the car for several years.
Cons
- The application and approval process can take time, so it’s not the fastest way to get on the road.
- Your credit history and financial stability may affect your ability to qualify, especially for lower interest rates.
- You’ll be responsible for all ongoing costs, such as maintenance, servicing, insurance and roadside assistance – as well as any wear and tear caused by passengers.
- You’ll need to ensure the car meets Uber’s vehicle requirements, which can vary by city and service type – so not every vehicle you finance may be eligible to use on the platform.
What are the car requirements for Uber drivers?
While you'll need to meet Uber’s driver criteria, your vehicle also needs to comply with a basic standard. The exact specifications vary depending on the city you’re driving in and the type of Uber service you want to offer. However, some core rules apply across the board. We’ve reviewed the Uber car requirements for each Australian state and territory capital – here are the key standards that apply everywhere:
- Must have a five-star ANCAP safety rating or fall under Uber’s vehicle exemption policy
- Must be in excellent working condition and be a four-door car or passenger van
- Must have working windows and air conditioning
- Must be no older than the maximum age for the Uber vehicle option chosen
- Must be no more than 12 seats (eight seats in Darwin and Hobart), including the driver’s seat
- Must be able to pass a vehicle inspection
- Must be registered and CTP-insured and have at least third party property damage insurance
- Must be free from damage such as scratches, scuff marks and indentations like hail damage
- Must be free from commercial branding (which Uber classes as graphics or wraps greater than 20cm × 20cm)
- Must not be a taxi, ex-taxi, ex-driving school, branded, government or rebuilt vehicle
There are also specific requirements for each Uber class:
- Must be no older than 15 years (as measured by the manufacture date) in Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, and no older than eight years in Adelaide
- Must seat four to seven passengers (plus the driver)
Available in: Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney
- Must be no older than 15 years (as measured by the manufacture date) in Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, and no older than eight years in Adelaide
- Must be a four-door SUV or large passenger van
- Must seat six to seven passengers (plus the driver)
Available in: Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney
- Must be no older than 15 years (as measured by the manufacture date) in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, and no older than eight years in Adelaide
- Must seat four to seven passengers (plus the driver)
- Must be an eligible zero-emissions vehicle
Available in: Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney
- Must be no older than 15 years (as measured by the manufacture date) in Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, and no older than eight years in Adelaide
- Must seat four to seven passengers (plus the driver)
- Must be easily accessible for passengers
- Must be able to accommodate folding wheelchairs, collapsible scooters, walkers and other assistive devices
- Drivers must have a minimum 4.7 rating and have completed over 100 trips
- Canberra, Hobart and Perth: must have a Passenger Transport Vehicle (PTV) Authorisation (OD-C)
Available in: Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney
- Must be no older than seven years (as measured by the manufacture date)
- Must seat four to seven passengers (plus the driver)
- Must be on Uber’s list of eligible vehicle models
- Drivers must have a minimum 4.85 rating and have completed at least 20 trips
Available in: Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney
- Must be no older than seven years (as measured by the manufacture date)
- Must seat four to seven passengers (plus the driver)
- Must be a fully electric vehicle on Uber’s list of eligible vehicle models
- Drivers must have a minimum 4.85 rating and have completed at least 20 trips
Available in: Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney
- Must be a minivan or people-mover that comfortably seats six or seven passengers (plus the driver)
- Must have rear sliding doors
- Must have sufficient luggage space without folding down any rows of seats
- Must be on Uber’s list of eligible vehicle models
Available in: Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney
- Must be no older than seven years (as measured by the manufacture date)
- Must seat four to seven passengers (plus the driver)
- Must be a high-end car on Uber’s list of eligible vehicle models
- Drivers must have a minimum 4.85 rating and have completed at least 20 trips
Available in: Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney
What is the best car for Uber?
According to 2022 data from Uber, the most popular models among Australian Uber drivers are the Toyota Camry, Toyota Corolla, Mazda 3, Mitsubishi Outlander and Toyota RAV4. Which is another way of saying the most popular cars for Uber are already the most sold passenger vehicles in Australia that aren’t a ute.
However, the right choice for you depends on how often you drive, the services you want to offer and how much you’re willing or able to spend on a vehicle.
As well as ensuring the vehicle meets Uber’s requirements for things like vehicle age, seats and safety, factors to consider when choosing a rideshare vehicle include:
- Reliability: the fewer issues your car has, the more time you’ll spend earning on the road. Trusted brands like Toyota and Mazda are popular for a reason – they’re durable, low-maintenance and generally efficient vehicles.
- Size and passenger space: a sedan or small SUV with ample legroom will give your riders a more comfortable experience and may qualify you for Uber Comfort or UberXL (if it seats six or more). Larger vehicles can also carry more luggage, which is ideal for airport runs.
- Comfort: quiet cabins, climate control and space can boost rider satisfaction. Comfort-focused options like the Camry or RAV4 often get higher rider ratings than smaller models.
- Fuel efficiency: if you’re driving full-time, fuel is one of your biggest expenses, so choosing a vehicle with good mileage can make a real difference. Alternatively, driving a hybrid or EV can save hundreds per month in petrol – though these vehicles are often more expensive to buy and insure.
- Upfront cost and value: there’s a trade-off between cost and earning potential. A cheaper car may limit you to UberX, but it’s also more affordable to purchase and insure. A more expensive car may give you access to premium fare types, but only pays off if you’re driving enough to cover the difference.
