Taking on delivery work can help make ends meet. It usually starts small: a few extra bucks to cover bills or provide pocket change.
But what’s the best car for delivery gigs?
Most folks start with their existing daily driver. But if your everyday car is a lease, then high-volume delivery work is a bad idea.
Going over a lease-mileage cap can be costly. Meanwhile, if you own the vehicle, the depreciation won’t cause financial pain until you sell it.
The Economics of Delivery Cars
Smart delivery drivers keep their costs as low as possible.
The goal is to boost revenue and reduce expenses on a per-mile basis. Here are our top two tips:
Maximize fuel economy.
- Avoid vehicles that guzzle gas or need expensive fuel. A turbocharged car that needs premium fuel affects your bottom line.
- On the other hand, hybrids and diesel-powered cars can work in your favor.
- If you plan to carry large items, avoid hybrid sedans that cannot fold down the rear seat. The Prius V wagon (shown above) combines lots of cargo space and fuel economy.
Time your purchase and resale.
- Delivery pros should learn when to get in and out of a vehicle on good terms. Study a model’s depreciation curve.
- Roll up thousands of reliable miles, but then sell when the car is still in demand and before possible repairs.
- If you’re covered by the vehicle’s drivetrain warranty, the biggest potential repair costs won’t come out of your pocket.
The Best Delivery Cars: Five-Door Hatchback
Five-door vehicles are more versatile than four-door models. They come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny compacts to big wagons.
Are you doing mostly last-mile - opens in new window or tab. deliveries? Then, smaller is probably better.
Yes, big SUVs can haul more cargo but are far less fuel-efficient. The money you spend on fuel cuts into profits. And the higher cost of tires and maintenance are a factor.
Here are our suggested best cars for delivery drivers:
Toyota Prius Family
A Prius liftback has a ton of cargo storage, especially when the rear seats are folded.
- The original Prius liftback
- The Yaris-based Prius C compact
- The bigger (but less fuel-efficient) Prius V
In any case, 50 miles per gallon is possible. Saving at the pumps should get you over any stigmas about the ultimate nerdy hybrid.
Ford Fiesta and Focus
Ford Focus
The five-door subcompact Ford Fiesta - opens in new window or tab. and Ford Focus - opens in new window or tab. hatchbacks are well-suited to delivery work.
Ford sells a version of the Fiesta in Europe made for the job. Stick to cars with manual transmission.
Beware: The dual-clutch automatic - opens in new window or tab. has faced issues. One-liter EcoBoost Fiestas are tough to find but a hoot to drive.
Volkswagen Golf and Jetta Sportwagen Diesels
The diesel-powered VW Sportwagen is fuel efficient and durable.
The VW diesel scandal was a disaster. But the affected models didn’t disappear completely.
The automotive giant had to buy back thousands of cars, fix them, and offer them for resale.
You can find fantastic deals on Volkswagen TDIs - opens in new window or tab.. They make some of the best cars for delivery drivers.
The diesel fix may have lowered their fuel efficiency a bit. Yet, they’re still fun to drive. And they make for a very capable delivery vehicle.
Best Used Electric Delivery Cars
Nissan Leaf EV
The first generation of electric cars had limited range. But they can work well if your delivery radius is local.
The latest models go more than 200 miles per charge but are only starting to show up on used markets.
In either case, fuel costs are a fraction of what you pay at the pumps.
Having access to a charge between trips is a good idea. If that’s possible, then think about a first-generation Nissan Leaf - opens in new window or tab..
If not, the Chevrolet Volt is a plug-in electric hybrid with a back-up gas engine.
There are good deals on first-generation Volts that give 40 miles of all-electric range before going into a hybrid mode that still sips gas.
Start your search for the best cars for delivery drivers by looking at eBay’s selection of late-model hatchbacks with less than 36,000 miles (and priced under $15,000). Here they are - opens in new window or tab..
Business owners wanting to convey a marketing message might also think about a classic delivery sedan - opens in new window or tab..
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.