Hi, I’m Anthony and I have a unique strategy for making money as a Turo host.

Become a Car Host Boss.

How to Make Money on Turo: My Strategy That Nobody Is Talking About

My approach challenges the high-cost, high-risk myth and provided me with a consistent, sustainable, and low risk way to make money as a Turo host.

The quick answer: profitability on Turo isn’t about flashy cars or high rental rates. It’s about consistent demand, managing depreciated assets, and not over-leveraging yourself financially. Focus on economy cars that are in high demand, have already depreciated, and rent consistently.

Renting out your car on Turo can be a great way to make extra income, but the approach most people think they need to take might be costing them more than they realize. The common perception is that high-end or luxury cars are the key to success on Turo; after all, they’re eye-catching and often rent for higher daily rates. However, while high-end cars may look profitable on the surface, they come with hidden costs, increased risks, and potential financial pitfalls that can quickly erode profits.

I’m here to tell you there’s a better way—one that’s lower in cost, lower in risk, and, in many cases, more profitable. My proven method focuses on buying affordable, depreciated cars that rent frequently and are easy to maintain. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at why high-end cars aren’t always the best choice for Turo, and I’ll guide you through a smarter, lower-risk strategy for making money on Turo by investing in practical, cash-purchased vehicles.

Why High-End Car Rentals on Turo Are Often a Bad Investment

High Initial Costs and Financial Risk
One of the biggest challenges with high-end vehicles on Turo is the financial commitment. Premium cars come with premium prices, and unless you’re sitting on significant disposable income, you’ll likely need a loan or lease to purchase them. Monthly payments on a luxury vehicle can be steep. If your car doesn’t rent as often as you’d hoped or needs repairs, you’re still on the hook for those payments. It’s a financial gamble that can lead to debt if the bookings don’t keep up.

Rapid Depreciation
Luxury cars may look like money-makers, but they also depreciate faster than people realize. New or high-end vehicles start losing value as soon as they hit the road, and frequent rentals only accelerate this process. Many hosts who invest in expensive vehicles think they’re making money, only to see profits eaten away when it’s time to sell. The high rate of depreciation makes high-end cars a riskier investment than they appear.

High-End Cars Attract Unwanted Attention
Expensive cars are magnets for attention—not all of it good. Turo hosts renting out high-end cars often report thefts or part-swapping incidents, where renters take valuable components or accessories, leaving the host with expensive repair or replacement costs. Luxury cars are also more likely to suffer from cosmetic damages like scratches and dents, which can quickly add up in repair costs.

The Smart Strategy: Low-Cost, High-Demand Cars

So, if high-end cars come with these hidden costs, what’s the alternative? My strategy is simple: buy depreciated, low-cost cars that you can own outright with cash. These cars may not have the glamor factor, but they offer consistent demand, lower costs, and fewer headaches.

Here’s How It Works:

  1. Choose Depreciated, Low-Cost Vehicles
    When you buy a car that’s already depreciated, you’re paying a fraction of the cost of a new or luxury vehicle. A used car that’s a few years old has already absorbed the steepest depreciation hit, so you’re getting more value for each dollar spent. Plus, lower-cost cars don’t require loans, which means no monthly payments.

  2. Buy with Cash to Avoid Monthly Payments
    This strategy involves buying cars outright. By paying cash, you avoid the burden of monthly payments altogether. When your car is rented, that’s profit in your pocket, not money going toward a bank loan. And if you hit a slow season or your car needs a week or two of repairs, you’re not stressed about making a monthly payment—you own the car free and clear.

  3. Focus on High-Demand, Reliable Models
    Forget the luxury sedans or sports cars; practical vehicles are the real moneymakers on Turo. Think economical, practical, fuel-efficient cars that people need for everyday purposes. Cars like a Corolla, Yaris, or Civic are popular choices in markets like Phoenix, Arizona. They’re affordable to maintain, have a reputation for reliability, and appeal to renters looking for a trustworthy ride for everything from road trips to family visits.

Why This Strategy Increases Profitability

Following this approach provides multiple benefits that ultimately lead to higher profits and less risk.

Lower Maintenance and Repair Costs
Low-cost cars that are a few years old generally have more affordable parts and repairs than luxury vehicles. Since these cars are made with everyday consumers in mind, their parts are readily available, and the maintenance process is simpler and less expensive. This means that when the inevitable maintenance or minor repair does pop up, it doesn’t take a huge chunk out of your profits.

Steady Demand Means Consistent Bookings
While luxury cars may attract one-off rentals, practical cars fill a more consistent need. People who book on Turo often want affordable, reliable vehicles for their travels or family visits. High-demand cars in this category tend to rent more regularly, providing you with a steadier stream of income. When you’re offering what people need, rather than what merely looks good, your bookings are more reliable.

Minimized Depreciation Impact
Since you’re buying a car that has already depreciated, you don’t take as big a hit when it comes time to sell. Low-cost vehicles that are a few years old will still have decent resale value if you ever decide to offload them. This allows you to maximize profits over time without the significant financial hit that comes with high-end car depreciation.

How to Get Started with the Low-Cost Turo Strategy

Ready to give this approach a try? Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started:

  1. Research Local Demand
    Not every car will rent well in every market, so it’s essential to research what’s popular in your area. For example, Nevada’s market is very different from Montana’s. Turo’s car reports aren’t always the best data for this type of strategy. Instead, I use the search function to research key metrics that reveal the types of cars frequently booked in a city.

  2. Find Reliable, Affordable Cars
    Once you know which types of cars are popular in your area, start looking for vehicles that fit the bill. Set a budget to buy the car with cash (if possible) and look for options that are mechanically sound and have good reliability records. A well-maintained car with reasonable mileage is ideal for Turo.

  3. Stand Out with Photos and Descriptions
    It’s important to stand out among the many car options in your area. The photos you take and the descriptions you write can be “make or break.” I’ve developed a system for attracting guests with photos and selling with descriptive copy, which has elevated my car to All-Star status while other similar cars in my area sat unrented.

  4. Streamline Your Process
    Although this isn’t entirely passive income, I’ve developed strategies and tactics that significantly reduce the time it takes to run this business. For example, create a well-thought-out communication strategy that guides the customer, reduces back-and-forth texting, and ensures clear expectations for the trip. This approach reduces your time investment, keeps customers happy, and increases trip profits.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls with the Low-Cost Strategy

Even with a smart approach, there are some pitfalls to avoid:

  • Avoid Over-Spending on Add-ons or Modifications
    Stick to the essentials. Adding extra features or modifications can increase maintenance needs and may not add enough rental value to justify the expense. Focus on keeping the car in good working order.

  • Avoid Variety
    Initially, I thought a variety of vehicles would be beneficial, but I quickly learned it’s advantageous to have a single type of car. The benefits included swappable parts (mats, tires, key fobs), the ability to swap cars if a renter was late, and a better buying process for that specific model.

  • Don’t Go It Alone
    When I started, I had valuable resources. A mechanic friend helped me in a pinch, and I had a friend renting high-end cars. By watching him, I learned what to avoid, and he provided me with valuable insights for getting started.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line: profitability on Turo isn’t about flashy cars or high rental rates. It’s about consistent demand, low upfront costs, and minimizing financial risk. By focusing on low-cost, depreciated cars, you create a Turo business that’s financially sustainable, dependable, and more resilient to market fluctuations.

With this approach, you can make money on Turo without over-leveraging yourself or worrying about expensive monthly payments. Practicality, consistency, and affordability are the keys to a successful Turo business. Ditch the glamor for reliability, and start building a profitable fleet today.

Do you want access to the blueprint, methods, & strategies that I used?

My program includes: 20 lessons including supplemental videos + bonus templates for communications + a resource center with insurance vendors and products.

Understand common mistakes and how to avoid.

Learn how to research your local market for great cars.

Our streamlined process, insurance vendors, & more.

Video tutorial on how we setup our Turo account.

2 case studies comparing luxury cars vs economy cars

A step-by-step guide to find, negotiate, & purchase a car.

Use our proven template to write your post description.

Use our communication script to make it easy.

Implement our strategy for generating 5-star ratings.

Here’s what others hosts are saying:

Listen to what these new Turo hosts are saying about our program.

“Anthony’s program was so successful for me, I bought a 2nd car and plan to buy a 3rd car to rent on Turo!” 

-Yesenia Catalano

“My 2 cars generated over $2,000 in just two weeks from using this program.” 

-Parker Daniel

“I’m not an entrepreneur, but I followed the program, launched my car, and in one week it was completed booked for the month.” 

-Nate

“Anthony’s insights into what works & what does not work were nuggets of gold.”

-Mark Griffin

“Thanks to Anthony, I now have a solid understanding of how to be a Turo host.”

-Andrew Hengel

Here’s what others have asked before joining the Car Host Boss program:

How much money can I expect to make as a host with one car ?

There is no guarantee that you will make any money renting your car on Turo. It all depends on your local market, your car, and your strategy. However, most hosts make around $300-500/mo per car.

How long does it take people to complete the program?

Everyone is different. The content is pretty easy to get through - many people have launched their Turo businesses in 30 days.

I’ve never created a business or a business plan. Is this for me?

Yes! The program was designed to act like a blueprint that takes the guess work out of putting your car on Turo.

Is this a step-by-step program on how to become a Turo host?

Yes. This program was designed to help new Turo hosts prepare and launch their Turo business. You will understand the process, the strategies, and the specifics of being a Turo host.

Can I really just copy and use all of your templates?

Yes. We provide all of our copy to take the guess work out of the process. However, we recommend that you modify it to meet your needs.

Can I cancel the subscription plan whenever I want to?

Yes! The subscription fee is billed on a monthly basis. As long as you cancel before the next billing cycle, you will not be charged.

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