Jason Wyatt
People keep asking: Is Turo still a solid way to make money? The short answer—YES. But it’s not a guaranteed cash flow. Some people make thousands a month, while others barely break even. It all depends on how you run the business.
If you’re thinking about getting into Turo, you need to understand:
- How much you can actually make
- The hidden costs nobody talks about
- How to scale up for real profits
Let’s break it all down with real numbers and strategies to help you maximize your earnings.
How Much Can You Make on Turo?
Example: A 2022 Mercedes GLA in Atlanta
I found a 2022 Mercedes GLA listed in Atlanta for $74/day. Let’s say a renter books it for three days:
- Revenue: 3 days x $74 = $222
- Turo’s Cut (25% on standard plan): -$56
- Your Payout: $166
Now, let’s assume it gets booked 10 times a month (which is realistic for a well-priced luxury car).
- Monthly Revenue: $74 x 30 days = $2,220
- Turo’s Fee (25%): -$555
- Your Earnings: $1,665
Expenses for the Mercedes GLA
- Car Payment (Assuming Good Credit): $560
- Insurance: $150
- GPS Tracker: $75
- Maintenance (Oil Changes, Cleaning, Misc.): $570
- Total Expenses: $1,355
Profit from One Car
- Earnings: $1,665
- Expenses: -$1,355
- Net Profit: $310 per month
Scaling: How Many Cars Do You Need to Make $100K?
Let’s add a 2024 Ford Fusion into the mix.
Example: A 2024 Ford Fusion
- Rental Rate: $48/day
- 3-Day Booking Revenue: $144
- After Turo’s Cut (25%): $108
- Monthly Revenue (10 bookings): $1,080
- Monthly Expenses (Loan, Insurance, Maintenance, GPS, Misc.): $750
- Profit: $330 per month
Now Let’s Scale Up
| Number of Cars | Monthly Profit per Car | Total Monthly Profit | Annual Profit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Car | $310 | $310 | $3,720 |
| 2 Cars | $320 | $640 | $7,680 |
| 4 Cars | $325 | $1,300 | $15,600 |
| 8 Cars | $330 | $2,640 | $31,680 |
| 12 Cars | $350 | $4,200 | $50,400 |
| 20 Cars | $360 | $7,200 | $86,400 |
| 25 Cars | $370 | $9,250 | $111,000 |
If your goal is to make six figures, you’ll need around 25 cars consistently booked. This is doable, but it takes capital, organization, and market research.
Hidden Costs Nobody Talks About
Making money on Turo isn’t just about listing a car. There are hidden costs that most people don’t consider.
1. Car Cleaning & Detailing
- You can clean it yourself, but that takes time.
- Professional detailing costs $20–$50 per wash. If your car is booked 15+ times a month, that adds up.
2. Unexpected Repairs
- Renters will drive your car hard.
- Turo has protection plans, but you’ll still deal with repairs, wear & tear, and downtime.
- Common expenses: Brakes, tires, oil changes, alignment, cosmetic damage.
3. Location-Based Costs
- Some cities have higher demand, meaning higher prices.
- In low-demand areas, you might get fewer bookings.
- Parking/storage fees—Where will you keep the cars when not rented?
4. GPS & Security
- A GPS tracker is essential in case someone takes off with your car.
- Costs range from $25–$150/month per car.
How to Get More Bookings & Higher Profits
Turo is competitive. To maximize your earnings, you need high demand and repeat bookings.
1. Price Your Car Right
- Check the Turo calculator to estimate earnings.
- Look at competitor listings in your city.
- Use dynamic pricing—lower rates on slow days, higher on weekends.
2. Offer Extras
- GPS rental, phone chargers, child seats = extra fees.
- Airport pickup/drop-off = higher demand.
3. Get Great Reviews
- Provide a clean, well-maintained car.
- Be responsive and professional.
- Deliver a smooth experience, and renters will book again.
4. Target the Right Customers
- Luxury cars = business travelers & high-income renters.
- Economy cars = budget-conscious daily rentals.
- SUVs & vans = family trips & group travel.
Turo vs. Other Car Rental Businesses
| Factor | Turo | Traditional Rental Business |
|---|---|---|
| Startup Cost | Low | High (Fleet Purchase) |
| Flexibility | High | Low (Fixed Overhead) |
| Earnings Potential | Moderate to High | High (If Scaled) |
| Risk Level | Moderate | High (Loan Commitments) |
| Ease of Entry | Easy | Difficult (Business Licensing) |
Turo lets you start with one car and scale up, but it’s still a business.
Final Thoughts: Should You Start a Turo Business?
Turo can make you real money, but it’s not completely passive.
✅ Pros:
✔ Low startup cost
✔ Flexible earnings potential
✔ No rental office or employees needed
❌ Cons:
✖ Vehicle depreciation & maintenance costs
✖ Risk of damages & downtime
✖ Need to actively manage listings
Is Turo Worth It for You?
- If you have extra cars, it’s a no-brainer.
- If you buy cars specifically for Turo, run the numbers first.
- If you want $100K+ profit, plan to scale to at least 20 cars.
Get Started Today
1️⃣ Download my Turo Profit Spreadsheet – Plug in your numbers & see if it’s worth it.
2️⃣ Check Turo’s Calculator – See how much your car could make.
3️⃣ Start with One Car – Learn the ropes before scaling up.
If you found value in this, like, share, and comment. Let’s get this money.
