Should we buy a car?

[DaveInPgh]

Etiquette is to tip the drivers. You can add it to your charge on the app, I believe, or just hand the driver cash (which I'm sure they prefer).

I assumed as much, but how much?

And curious if the $4 average included tip? And a ride as little as $1.10?

I would have to make a lot of quick $1.10 trips to make it worth my while to turn over the ignition.

[Leo]

That is a good question. We never tip on Uber or Lyft. I believe when they started, the ride sharing companies said tipping is not expected or required. Uber does not allow tipping in their app but you can do cash if you want. Lyft can add tip after the ride. I've done many Uber or Lyft rides and never tip. Plus Uber or Lyft drivers are paid more than a regular taxi driver from what I heard from driver themselves, so it's really different. I also know people who drove for Uber or Lyft for a while and there's only small percentage of people who tip, like 1 or 2 out of 10 rides. I guess I need to consider that etiquette though.

[DaveInPgh]

Thanks LEO for the info about tipping. Sounds like you are handling it as the company intended. If the drivers are making a higher wage, than perhaps it is acceptable to forgo a tip.

To me, if there is no pressure to tip, then it would make this service much more appealing to me.

I absolutely hate tipping.

[disneysteve]

We never tip on Uber or Lyft..

Read this:

https://www.thezebra.com/insurance-news/1074/should-you-tip-your-uber-driver/

[Cristen Wyght]

If you can't afford a second car, and you think it's cheaper to use Uber, then just use Uber

[Captain Save]

Regarding driver's availability. We live in Los Angeles and I think there are plenty of Uber or Lyft drivers any given time of the day.



I agree on your point but we have a different number. Here's mine. With a car that old, I would say maintenance is at least $1,000/ year. Parking in our apartment is $600 per year. She is a new driver so I’m guessing that her insurance will be more than $200/year. I’m guessing $500-$1,000/year. Gas is probably cheaper than $600 per year since she will only drive maybe 3-5k miles per year. DMV costs maybe $100/year.

To avoid that issue in the future.. make sure she gets a license now so that in 5 years or so her insurance can be a lot cheaper..

I tell this to my NYC friends all the time... its ok to not havea car in NY .. but you should get a driver's license so by the time you are settled down with a family.. .you 'd spend less on car insurance

[sv2007]

Get a motorcycle; they are a lot of fun besides providing transportation to/from work. In CA, they also get to lane split and ride in carpool lanes. Or a big scooter like Yamaha Majesty, nice big truck and windshield. Oh, cheaper than car too. you may even be able to fit the car/moto into 1 space.

[cypher1]

I have friends in Los Angeles with cars, and they say everyone overlooks the parking costs when moving there. Have you considered using a bicycle to save on commute costs? Great way to stay in shape as well.