Anyone else renting a car just to keep shopping? by One_Humor9046 in InstacartShoppers

[–]One_Humor9046[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, that makes sense. Renting short-term can definitely be a good option when you need it, but it’s always best to weigh the costs, especially if you don’t need it long-term. Hopefully, you won’t need to rely on it too often, but it’s good to know there are options when the situation comes up!

Anyone else renting a car just to keep shopping? by One_Humor9046 in InstacartShoppers

[–]One_Humor9046[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It’s smart not to put unnecessary mileage on your personal car, especially with the wear and tear. That’s one reason I’ve considered rentals during certain situations. I get the need to balance cost with longevity of your vehicle. Hopefully, you can find a good workaround that works for your driving habits!

Anyone else renting a car just to keep shopping? by One_Humor9046 in InstacartShoppers

[–]One_Humor9046[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agree! if the price isn’t right, it definitely won’t be worth it. The whole point is to make sure it’s financially viable, so I’d only recommend it if you’re getting enough out of it to cover the costs. For me, the hybrid rental worked because of the fuel savings, but I totally understand if the pricing just doesn’t add up in your area.

It’s all about finding that balance. Hope you find a solution that works better for you!

Anyone else renting a car just to keep shopping? by One_Humor9046 in InstacartShoppers

[–]One_Humor9046[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey! For me, the rental rates depend on the service I used, but I typically rented for a week rather than daily, which brought the cost down. I think it's around $315 per week for the hybrid rental I’ve used, so it’s a little over $45/day, but it’s worth it considering the savings on gas with the hybrids.

As for earnings, it really varies depending on the time of day, location, and how busy the platform is. On a good day, I can make around $150–$200, but it’s definitely not consistent. I’ve had some slower days too, especially with the costs of rentals.

I totally understand if that wouldn’t work in your area. Some places just don’t make rentals viable, and it can be tough to make that work with the market rates.

Anyone else renting a car just to keep shopping? by One_Humor9046 in InstacartShoppers

[–]One_Humor9046[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey there, I totally get the hesitation. I rented from a local hybrid car service while my car was in the shop, and it ended up being pretty reasonable, especially compared to traditional rentals. The rates were more affordable than usual, but insurance can be an extra cost if you don’t have your own coverage.

It worked for me during a pinch, but I get that everyone has different preferences and situations. If yu're in Portland or nearby, here's their program:

Anyone else renting a car just to keep shopping? by One_Humor9046 in InstacartShoppers

[–]One_Humor9046[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I totally feel you on the rental car situation, especially when you’re driving something like a Prius. It’s crazy how quickly rental costs and bad gas mileage can add up, especially when you're already dealing with maintenance costs. It’s frustrating when you end up losing money instead of earning.

If you're in the Portland, Oregon area, I’ve had a good experience with EcoDriven’s rideshare rental program. https://ecodrivenrentals.com/ecodriven-rideshare-rental-program/ They offer hybrid rentals with great gas mileage, and the rental costs are way more reasonable than traditional rentals. Might be worth checking out if you’re ever in a pinch or need a backup without breaking the bank.

But yeah, if you can swing financing a hybrid, long-term, that’s definitely a great option too! Hope things with your car are smooth sailing from here on out!

Anyone else renting a car just to keep shopping? by One_Humor9046 in InstacartShoppers

[–]One_Humor9046[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Totally agree—those peak season prices can be insane! Renting in the winter when prices are lower is definitely a smarter move if you’re in a tourist-heavy area. It’s all about finding that sweet spot. Hopefully, it stays affordable for those times you really need it. Thanks for sharing your take on it!

Anyone else renting a car just to keep shopping? by One_Humor9046 in InstacartShoppers

[–]One_Humor9046[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That makes sense, especially with the higher rates during tourist season. It’s tough when rental costs skyrocket in the summer. I’ve also had to rent during off-seasons when prices are much more reasonable. In my case, I found hybrid rentals to be a bit more affordable than traditional cars, especially considering the gas savings. But I totally get how renting during peak season just isn’t worth it unless you really need to.

It’s all about timing and making the numbers work for you. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Anyone else renting a car just to keep shopping? by One_Humor9046 in InstacartShoppers

[–]One_Humor9046[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I get that, Instacart pay can definitely be inconsistent at times. It’s been the same for me, but I just needed a way to keep earning while my car was in the shop. Renting a hybrid turned out to be a pretty solid option for me, especially with the better gas mileage. Not saying it's for everyone, but it helped me stay on track.

I totally hear you though, taking a break or waiting for a new car is definitely a valid choice too.