Peer-to-peer car-sharing platforms like Turo are shifting how Americans think about car ownership. A recent nationwide survey uncovered key insights into public perceptions, including motivations for using car-sharing services, trust issues, and the influence on car buying and selling behaviors. This exploration sheds light on how these platforms are reshaping car culture and mobility today.
Key Takeaways
- 30% of Americans have rented a car through a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform, with millennials (36%) leading compared to Gen Z (29%) and Gen X (24%).
- 39% of Americans use car-sharing platforms at least biweekly or monthly, with Gen Z (43%) being the most likely to do so.
- Convenience (63%) and cost savings (62%) are the top reasons Americans prefer peer-to-peer car-sharing platforms, while trust and transparency (68%) dominate preferences for traditional rental agencies.
- 27% of Americans purchased or considered leasing a car model after a positive car-sharing experience.
- 17% of Americans sold a car they previously owned following their experience with car-sharing.
- 20% of Americans decided against purchasing a car due to the availability of peer-to-peer car-sharing platforms.
Who Uses Car-Sharing Platforms and How Often
- 30% of Americans have rented a car through a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform, with millennials (36%) leading compared to Gen Z (29%) and Gen X (24%).
- Among them, 81% described their experience as positive, 15% felt neutral, and 4% had a negative experience.
- Men (37%) were more likely than women (22%) to have rented a car using a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform.
- 39% of Americans use car-sharing platforms at least biweekly or monthly, with Gen Z (43%) being the most likely to do so.
- Only 6% of Gen Z and 8% of Millennials use car-sharing platforms at least weekly.
- Among Americans who use peer-to-peer car sharing, 66% have not encountered any issues. However, for those who have (34%), the most common problems were:
- Vehicle not as described (13%)
- Delay in pick-up or drop-off (10%)
- Damaged vehicle (9%)
- 32% of car-share users admitted to exceeding the speed limit during their rental.
- 50% of car-share users reported responsible behavior, with Gen Z (64%) being the most likely to say so.
Car Sharing vs. Traditional Rentals
- Convenience (63%) and cost savings (62%) are the top reasons why Americans prefer peer-to-peer car-sharing platforms, while trust and transparency (68%) dominate preferences for traditional rental agencies.
- 42% of users believe cars rented through peer-to-peer platforms are properly maintained.
- 20% of Americans decided against purchasing a car due to the availability of peer-to-peer car-sharing platforms.
- 17% of Americans, including 18% of Gen X users, 17% of millennials, and 13% of Gen Z, sold a car they previously owned following their experience with car-sharing.
- 27% of Americans, including 33% of Gen X, 26% of Gen Z, and 24% of millennials, purchased or considered leasing a car model after a positive car-sharing experience.
- 24% of millennials decided against purchasing a car after using a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform compared to Gen X (16%) and Gen Z (11%).
Risks and Rewards of Renting Out Your Car
- 78% of Americans encountered at least one issue after renting out their car, with the most common problems being late returns (26%) and excessive wear and tear (21%).
- 75% of Americans say they would not feel comfortable renting out their car on a peer-to-peer platform. By generation:
- Baby boomers (80%)
- Gen X (83%)
- Millennials (74%)
- Gen Z (64%)
Methodology
We surveyed 1,001 Americans to explore consumer behaviors, attitudes, and trust around peer-to-peer car-sharing platforms like Turo. Of the respondents, 47% were women, and 53% were men. The generational breakdown was as follows:
- Gen Z: 16%
- Millennials: 53%
- Gen X: 25%
- Baby Boomers: 5%
The survey was conducted in January 2025.
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