The Turo platform has a strict gatekeeper: most vehicles must be under 12 years old and have fewer than 130,000 miles to be listed. This creates a high-profit "sweet spot." By sourcing the oldest, cheapest, and most reliable cars that still qualify, you can build a fleet that pays for itself in months, not years.

While other hosts chase new Teslas and luxury brand vehicles, the smart money is in well-maintained 2013–2015 Toyota Camrys and Corollas.

The Financial Golden Rule: Zero Depreciation

In the car rental world, depreciation is a silent killer. A new car loses value the moment a guest puts miles on it. An older Toyota has a "Depreciation Shield."

  • The Value Floor: A 10-year-old Toyota has already finished its heaviest value drop. If you buy a 2014 Camry for $7,500, that car will likely still be worth $6,500 in two years, regardless of how many Turo trips it takes.
  • Loan-Free Scaling: Because the buy-in is so low—often under $15,000—you can often pay cash or take out tiny, short-term loans. The average annual loan cost for these "Value" assets is often below $3,000, compared to $9,000+ for a new SUV.
  • The ROI Math: The formula is simple: Net Earnings / Total Investment. A car earning $8,000 a year that only cost you $8,000 to buy is a 100% return. A new $40,000 car earning $15,000 is only a 37% return.

The Maintenance Equation: Predictable and Cheap

Toyota’s reliability isn't just a marketing slogan; it’s a business moat. In 2025, Turo implemented stricter maintenance standards: if your "Maintenance Rating" drops, your car is unlisted.

  • The $1,100 Advantage: A Toyota Camry costs about $4,581 for maintenance over its first 10 years, beating the industry average by over $1,100.
  • Failure Rates: The chance of a major repair in the first decade is only 12.28% (4.4% better than the competition). This allows you to budget a flat $75/month for maintenance and actually stick to it.
  • DIY-Friendly: Unlike newer German or high-tech EVs, these Toyotas are simple. A host who handles their own oil changes and brake pads can keep annual maintenance costs under $750.

The Guest Demand: The "A to B" Market

A high daily rate doesn't matter if your car is sitting empty. The older Toyota captures the consistent, high-volume segment that powers the marketplace.

  • The Utilitarian Guest: These travelers aren't looking for a "Tesla experience." They need a clean, cold-A/C, reliable tool to get from the airport to their hotel.
  • Airport Delivery is the Multiplier: Offering airport delivery for a 2015 Corolla is a license to print money. These "Budget" listings often see $600 to $950 in monthly revenue because they are the first cars guests see when they sort by "Price: Low to High."
  • Platform Favorites: Turo’s own data shows that compact, high-ROI cars like the Toyota Prius c (194.4% ROI) dominate the charts. A decade-old sedan is simply the most affordable path to these numbers.

The Exit Strategy: The 12-Year Cutoff

The ultimate goal with this strategy is the "Clean Exit."

Since Turo generally won't let you start a new listing for a car over 12 years old, your mission is to run the car until it hits that age limit.

  1. Buy at Year 9 or 10.
  2. Run it for 2–3 years until it hits the platform age limit or 130,000+ miles.
  3. Sell it privately. Because it’s a Toyota, there will always be a teenager or a commuter willing to pay $5,000 for it.

If you bought it for $7,000 and sold it for $5,000 after earning $20,000 in rental income, your "Cost of Ownership" was only $2,000 for three years of business.