This summer I was ubering in a 2009 Mazda5 with over 200,000 miles and I had several solid 5-star weekly reports. And I'm talking 30-60 trips per week. The Mazda5 was very roomy and looked cool from the outside...I think people liked that.
On the flip side, I've gotten down rated several times in my very good condition BMW.
What I have noticed is that tips go up in a nice/cool car. Currently driving a 2006 Sonata, which is nice and roomy as well as clean/decent in the interior, but it's nothing special, and tips are basically non-existent. Kind of a cab-like experience for the rider.
Will be interesting to see if tips go up when I put my aftermarket wheels (with winter tires on them) on in 2 months. I also plan on re-painting my wheel covers something that gets attention, like sparkly/metallic silver or chrome, because they are scuffed up from too much contact with curbs. In my opinion attractive wheels can really increase the curb appeal of a car.
Just got a new car this week. It's so much nicer than my old clunker. Will my rating go up? I've been averaging about a 4.85. I've often thought I've been down-rated because of my old crappy car.
What kind of car did you get? C'mon man spill the beans!
But the main benefit to you will be that YOU have a pleasant experience being in your new car and a enjoying it and the warranty.
This intangible effect is valuable. If he is happy he will treat pax better and they will give him higher ratings.