Starting a Turo business can feel overwhelming, especially if this is your first time renting out a car. Many beginners jump in without research and quickly realize they’ve picked the wrong car, set the wrong prices, or missed key steps — resulting in low bookings and lost money.
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The good news? With careful planning, smart vehicle selection, and the right tools, you can build a profitable Turo business from scratch. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, show real examples using RentScout, and give actionable tips to get started the right way.
Step 1 – Research and Choose the Right Car
The foundation of a successful Turo business is choosing a car that performs well in your city. Not all vehicles are created equal: some have high demand but low ROI, others may cost little but rarely get booked.
RentScout is an essential tool here. It provides real-time data for any car in any U.S. city, including:
- ROI (Return on Investment)
- Revenue
- Demand percentage
- Depreciation
- Maintenance cost
- Major repair probability
- Protection plan used by other hosts
Example: A Tesla Model 3 (2021) in Phoenix can earn around $1,014 per month with 64% demand. RentScout calculates realistic ROI factoring in depreciation and maintenance, giving you a true picture of potential earnings.
Tip: Don’t focus only on revenue. Always consider potential losses from depreciation, maintenance, and other costs. A high-earning car on paper might not be profitable in reality.
Step 2 – Set Up Your Turo Account Properly
Once you’ve selected a car, your account setup can make or break your success:
- Register an LLC: Protect yourself legally and manage taxes efficiently.
- Complete all details: Add accurate car specs, a compelling description, and policies.
- High-quality photos: Clean, well-lit, and attractive images make a huge difference.
- Offer delivery options: Airport delivery can increase bookings, even if free.
- Set your availability: Ideally, keep your car available 24/7 to maximize opportunities.
This setup is as important as picking the right vehicle. A poorly presented car gets fewer bookings, no matter how desirable it is.
Step 3 – Understand Costs and Maximize ROI
It’s not just about revenue — you need to understand all costs:
- Upfront costs: purchase price, registration, and insurance.
- Ongoing costs: maintenance, cleaning, and Turo fees.
- Depreciation: How much value your car loses each year — some models drop faster than others.
- Major repairs and maintenance: EVs usually cost less to maintain, but gasoline cars may require more upkeep.
RentScout helps you analyze all these factors in one place. For example:
| Model | Avg Monthly Revenue | Demand | ROI | Depreciation | Maintenance Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | $1,016 | 73% | 69% | Medium | Low |
| Tesla Model Y | $1,150 | 69% | 74% | Medium | Low |
| Chevy Bolt EV | $650 | 51% | 45% | High | Low |
| Toyota Camry | $940 | 64% | 45% | Medium | Medium |
| Honda Civic | $973 | 68% | 42% | Medium | Medium |
Tip: Use RentScout to compare multiple cars in your location — you can see which cars are most profitable before investing.
Step 4 – Provide 5-Star Service
Even the best car won’t get repeat bookings if service is poor. Focus on:
- Cleanliness: Cars should be spotless for every rental.
- Communication: Respond quickly and professionally.
- Maintenance: Keep your car in top condition to avoid negative reviews.
- Extras: Include a navigator, USB chargers, or other small conveniences.
Remember, Turo reviews influence future bookings. A strong rating and happy customers lead to higher occupancy and better ROI.
Step 5 – Continuous Learning and Optimization
Turo is a competitive market. Successful hosts:
- Monitor performance regularly (RentScout helps track metrics).
- Adjust prices based on competitors and demand trends.
- Watch YouTube tutorials, follow Turo bloggers like Aubrey Janik, and learn from experienced hosts.
- Experiment and improve service — even small adjustments can increase bookings.
Conclusion
Starting a Turo business requires research, smart car selection, and excellent service. By using tools like RentScout, you can make informed, data-driven decisions and avoid costly mistakes.
Remember: success on Turo is not luck — it’s research, strategy, and attention to detail. Start small, track performance, and grow smartly.
👉 Install RentScout for free on Google Chrome and analyze real ROI before buying your next Turo car. Make smarter, data-driven decisions today!