Turo allows private car owners to rent out their personal vehicles on a peer-to-peer platform. But Turo has eligibility requirements for the types of cars that can be listed. What exactly are Turo’s car standards and qualifications?
This article will cover the key criteria Turo has for permitted vehicles including factors like model year, mileage, vehicle type, title status, maintenance records, and more. We’ll outline the inspection process and discuss how classic car eligibility differs. Understanding Turo’s car qualification rules is crucial for successfully listing approved vehicles that attract renters.
Table of Contents
Overview of Turo Car Sharing
Here’s a quick look at how Turo’s car sharing marketplace works:
- Car owners list their personal vehicles for rent on Turo’s platform
- Travelers browse available listings and book directly from owners
- Owners earn income by setting their own daily or weekly rental rates
- Turo’s system handles insurance, messaging, and payments
- Renters pick up and return vehicles to owners locally
By screening both vehicles and renters, Turo facilitates trusted peer-to-peer car sharing. But Turo has definitive vehicle requirements in order to list cars on their marketplace.
Turo’s Car Eligibility Rules
Turo has core eligibility criteria for permitted vehicles on its platform:
Vehicle Type
- Must be a passenger automobile, truck, van, or SUV
- No commercial vehicles, RVs, or motorcycles currently
Model Year
- 2005 or newer in most markets
- Some regions permit earlier model years
Mileage
- Under 130,000 miles in most markets
- Under 150,000 miles in some markets
Title Status
- Must have a clean title with no salvage history
- No outstanding liens or loans
Maintenance Records
- Documentation of recent regular service required
- No major accident history or unrepaired damage
Vehicle Inspection
- Must pass Turo’s minimum eligibility inspection
- Check for emissions, recalls, functionality, cosmetics
Turo reviews submitted information and documents carefully to confirm vehicles meet all criteria. Listing standards enable high quality, trusted transactions.
Permitted Vehicle Types
Turo currently allows these general vehicle categories, subject to meeting other requirements:
- Passenger cars
- SUVs
- Trucks
- Vans
- Wagons
Within these categories, specific models permitted include:
Cars: Coupes, sedans, sports cars, convertibles, hybrid/electric cars
SUVs: Sport utility vehicles, crossovers, 4×4 vehicles
Trucks: Pickup trucks, work vans
Vans: Mini-vans, passenger vans, cargo vans
Wagons: Sport wagons
As of now, Turo does not allow listing of:
- Commercial-use vehicles
- High-occupancy vehicles over 12 passengers
- RVs and motorhomes
- Trailers
- Motorcycles and powersports vehicles
Turo focuses on mainstream consumer vehicles suited for personal and family travel. Other niche segments may be added over time.
Model Year Requirements
To list your car on Turo, it must meet these minimum model year requirements:
- 2005 or newer in most U.S. regions
- 2006 or newer in New York and Michigan
- 2008 or newer in Canada
- 2010 or newer in the UK
However, some exceptions exist allowing older vehicles:
- Special 1990s and 2000s era sports and classic vehicles may qualify in many regions through Turo’s “Turo Go” service.
- The minimum model year is 2003 in some U.S. markets like Atlanta, Denver, and Phoenix.
- Australia allows vehicles back to 2000 model year.
- 1990 and older classics can list in limited regions like Los Angeles.
Contact Turo to check precise model year eligibility for your area if unsure. Newer mainstream vehicles have the widest listing eligibility.
Mileage Limits
In addition to model year, vehicles must be below these maximum mileage limits to list on Turo in most regions:
United States
- 130,000 miles or less across most U.S.
- 150,000 miles or less in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland
Canada
- 160,000 km or under
United Kingdom
- 80,000 miles or under
Germany
- 150,000 km or under
France
- 130,000 km or under
Mileage eligibility varies slightly in some markets. Contact Turo to verify requirements. Lower mileage vehicles typically rent most easily.
Title Status Rules
Turo also places restrictions around vehicle title status and ownership:
- Must have a clean, valid title with no salvage or rebuilt history
- No outstanding liens, loans or leases
- The registered owner must list the vehicle themselves
- Private party ownership – no commercial or dealer listings
- Cannot be currently advertised for sale elsewhere
These title policy safeguards help build trust in ownership and condition for renters.
Maintenance Records
Turo requires owners provide maintenance records proving recent, ongoing service and safety checks. Required documentation includes:
- Vehicle registration or title showing ownership
- Current insurance card matching owner’s name
- Recent emissions test results
- Oil change and vehicle inspection stickers
- Repair invoices for major work
- VIN-stamped maintenance logs
Thorough documentation builds renter confidence in vehicle condition. Evidence of diligent servicing reduces disputes.
Inspection Process
To complete listing, owners must:
- Schedule a Turo eligibility inspection at an approved facility
- The mechanic performs around 130 checklist items examining safety, maintenance, functionality, recalls, appearance, and cleanliness.
- Any issues needing repair must be corrected to pass inspection.
- Once the vehicle passes, it can be listed on Turo.
- Annual re-inspections are required to remain active on Turo.
Passing Turo’s standardized inspection indicates your vehicle meets quality and safety standards for service.
Special Classic Car Eligibility
For antique, vintage, and specialty vehicles older than Turo’s typical model year requirements, special classic car eligibility exceptions may apply in select markets allowing owners to list them.
Classic car listing requirements include:
- 1990 model year or older
- Under limited lifetime mileage threshold
- Pass expanded classic vehicle inspection
- Limited guest age and driving history requirements
- Lower maximum rental mileage than regular vehicles
- Specific insurance – owners often need commercial policies
By permitting older classics in some regions, Turo provides access to unique, in-demand vehicles. But expanded vetting applies.
FAQ About Turo’s Car Requirements
Can any car qualify for Turo?
No, Turo has definitive vehicle requirements around type, age, condition, and maintenance that vehicles must meet through an inspection process. Commercial vehicles are ineligible.
What if my car doesn’t meet all Turo requirements?
You won’t be approved to list it unfortunately. Turo’s criteria exist to ensure quality and guest satisfaction. Listing on platforms without screening may be an alternative.
Can I list a modified or aftermarket vehicle?
Potentially, if it meets eligibility criteria. But Turo may impose lower mileage limits or require commercial insurance coverage on modified or specialty vehicles.
Does Turo allow salvage or rebuilt title cars?
No vehicles with salvage, junk, rebuilt, total loss or other branded titles are permitted on Turo’s platform currently.
How strict is the vehicle inspection?
Inspections are very thorough, with around 130 checklist items reviewed. Any identified issues must be repaired in order to pass and list.
Do all Turo regions have the same requirements?
Mostly similar, but some regions like Los Angeles permit older model years. Canada and Europe also have slightly different eligibility rules. Refer to Turo’s website for specifics.
Conclusion
Turo maintains defined vehicle requirements and inspection protocols to ensure quality listings that travelers can book with confidence. While not every vehicle qualifies, Turo’s standards enable positive hosting and guest experiences resulting from well-vetted cars. Owners should review all eligibility criteria closely before attempting to list their car. With a permitted vehicle, Turo provides an amazing platform to earn rental income.
