Phoenix is a paradise for car enthusiasts, with its year-round sunshine, open highways, and thriving automotive culture. From Barrett-Jackson auto auctions to weekend car meets at Scottsdale Pavilions, the city offers plenty of opportunities for gearheads to turn their passion into extra income. Whether you love working on cars, teaching driving skills, or renting out your ride, there are plenty of side hustles in Phoenix to fit your schedule and interests. Here are seven of the best ways to make money with cars in Phoenix.
1. Rent Your Car on Turo
If you have a unique, classic, or high-performance vehicle, listing it on Turo can be a lucrative way to earn passive income. Phoenix’s influx of tourists and car lovers means there’s demand for everything from sports cars to off-road-ready SUVs.
Pro Tip: Convertibles and rugged 4x4s are particularly popular among visitors exploring Arizona’s scenic drives like the Apache Trail or Sedona’s red rock country.
2. Teach Manual Driving at Manual Driving Academy
Teaching others how to drive a manual transmission can be a rewarding side hustle, especially in Phoenix, where car enthusiasts appreciate the value of stick-shift driving. Manual Driving Academy offers flexible scheduling and competitive pay, allowing instructors to set their own hours while helping students master an essential skill.
Requirements: You must own a manual transmission vehicle and have a passion for teaching.
Apply to become an instructor here.
3. Work at Local Car Shows and Auto Events
Phoenix is home to major automotive events like the Goodguys Southwest Nationals and the Phoenix Auto Show. Many of these events hire temporary staff for ticketing, event setup, and promotional roles. This is a perfect gig if you enjoy being around cars and networking with fellow enthusiasts.
4. Flip Car Parts for Profit
With a large community of car enthusiasts and modders in Phoenix, there’s demand for aftermarket parts and classic car restorations. You can source used or rare car parts from salvage yards, refurbish them, and resell them online through platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay Motors, or Craigslist.
5. Become a Ride-Along Instructor for Performance Driving Events
If you have experience in performance driving or track racing, you can work as an instructor for local track days and driving schools. Places like Apex Motor Club and Bondurant High Performance Driving School frequently need experienced drivers to coach participants.
6. Rent Out Your Parking Spot or Garage Space
If you have extra garage space or a secure driveway, you can rent it out to car collectors or enthusiasts who need a safe place to store their vehicles. Phoenix has a growing demand for vehicle storage, especially for classic and exotic cars that need protection from the desert heat.
7. Start a YouTube Channel or Blog About Cars
If you’re passionate about cars, consider creating content on YouTube or a blog. Topics like car maintenance tips, test drives, Phoenix car meet vlogs, or local car culture can attract a dedicated audience. Monetization options include YouTube ads, sponsorships, and affiliate marketing.
Pro Tip: Attend local car events like the Scottsdale Pavilions Car Show to feature unique vehicles and gain traction in the local car community.
Conclusion
Phoenix is a fantastic place to turn your love for cars into extra income. Whether you prefer passive income like renting out your car or more hands-on work like teaching stick shift, there’s an opportunity for every car enthusiast. One of the most rewarding options is becoming a driving instructor at Manual Driving Academy, where you can teach valuable skills while maintaining a flexible schedule.
Start your side hustle today by applying to become an instructor!
