Free Cars?

[jgibson2[$]]

Maybe this belongs in Shopping, but is it really possible to get a car free or low cost (some sites say you can get paid) if you're willing to drive a mobile advertisement?

I have a 23 year old who wants to know.

[pippadaisy[$]]

OMG, I TOTALLY would as long as it wasn't a pr0n site or cigarettes.

[jgibson2[$]]

Hey, so would I, but my son thought of it first and he drives a lot more miles than I do and parks in spots more exciting to advertisers.

But how do you get hooked up?

[theworm[$]]

They love advertising on Snorkies because they're so buildboard like. I would love a black and white "got milk" Snork!

[emeleel]

Yes, there are real companies that do that, but you have to live in certain demographic areas (gotta have enough eyes available for it to be any good) and you have to commit to driving a certain amount of miles. And I bet they don't kick in on gas.

[phoenixx[$]]

Yes it is. In 95% of these programs you have to have your own car already. the much more rare 5% will furnish a car you do not own and restrict when and where you drive it - generally those cars are "eyecatching" models like Bugs, Scions, PT Cruisers, etc. Whether you have your own car or theirs, you do not get to pick what you "sell". Your entire car is wrapped in an ad. They pay to take it off when done. It is extremely hard to get a spot as an ad car. They are looking for certain cars, certain cities, certain age groups and a certain number of highway miles for more exposure. You make between $500 and $1500 per month. You do your own gas, car payment, insurance, etc. - they just send you the check for whatever amount the ad you end up with has agreed to pay for.

[jgibson2[$]]

I know we live in the right area, because I've seen the cars. I'm pretty sure my son drives enough miles - and I probably don't. Any idea how to find a legit company? All I've seen are web sites that charge a fee - call me a cynic.

[cristina1]

Did you see this page?

http://www.leaseguide.com/articles/freecar.htm

[jgibson2[$]]

Thanks! I'll have to check that out.

[phoenixx[$]]

I have a list somewhere, but you can actually write companies directly and inquire who they lease through, or if they have considered the idea. Everyone from Red Bull to clothing to magazines does it.

But if I have time today I'll find my list - I was trying for this a while back and got some inquiries even up here in the sticks, but when I looked at the money to driving to risk factor I decided not to follow through. If I were much younger I probably would have done it though - great extra income just for looking a little silly.

[theworm[$]]

$500 a month would pay for my gas and tolls to commute. I would dress up Snorky for that.

[MiracleMax]

I'd love to do this. Where I have to drive for work, it would probably work out great, except for the fact that I park in a garage. Other than that, they would probably love the exposure I could give. I may have to look into it.

[drmomentum[$]]

Here's a picture I took of one of these cars that Red Bull had out there. There were 2 of them in the parking lot at Target that day:



This was just outside of Providence, RI.

It's in my Flickr photostream.

[theworm[$]]

I could deal with the ad, but I'm not sure I could have that giant can on the Snork. That's just wrong.
Now, I know someone here who would jump at the chance to drive t he Weiner mobile!

[jgibson2[$]]

I found one near me. I think they're legit - they're not asking for money.

I'm going to get Dan to fill out the application ASAP. May not help him get a new car, but they'll wrap whatever he buys and help pay for it.

[mjfrombuffalo[$]]

I certainly don't want to be in any way associated with having a giant can.

[jgibson2[$]]

I haven't seen any giant cans around here. There is one VW beetle that advertises a local VW dealership - I suspect that's an employee. It's pretty local, so if I can catch the driver, I'm going to ask.

[Joubert[$]]

Yes. You typically have to be in a major metro. I used to make my remote employees drive "wrapped" vehicles, but there are programs out there. Google hard -- they are legit and tend to be edgy marketers with young brands.

One word of caution: there are tons of rules on where the vehicles can be (e.g., not outside the local strip club) and who is responsible for maintenance and repairs and other stuff. My limited understanding is that they are even more restrictive than leases.

[jgibson2[$]]

He's leaning now toward just buying what he wants and investigating having it wrapped. He better not be parking outside any strip clubs! His fiance would kill him.

[lynnzop[$]]

Got a link today from About.com newsletter you might want to read further if you are interested in more info.

http://advertising.about.com/od/aska...kadwrapped.htm

Also, someone recently told me that Snorky's would make the perfect advertisement for Legos. All you'd need to do is put two disks up on top.

[theworm[$]]

Snorky is a beautiful car! And I like legos.

[MiracleMax]

That someone would be me, she might as well tell you. Just put two round storage containers on top & paint the same color as the vehicle. Viola, instand Lego! I love Legos too, but am not a fan of the car. I usually yell out "brick on wheels" when I see them, almost like the slug-bug game, mostly to annoy my Dad b/c he loves them. I just think they're a little to boxy for me.

[theworm[$]]

Max!!! Snorky does NOT look like a brick! He looks like a lunchbox! Kids!