Isn’t it interesting how some things can be both unpopular and popular at the same time? In today’s car economy, side hustles fall perfectly into this category. Many of us don’t talk about them much, thinking they’re niche, low-key, or maybe not worth the effort.

Yet behind the scenes, thousands of car owners are already making steady money with these “unpopular but popular” opportunities. They may not shine on social media headlines, but they are practical, creative, and surprisingly profitable.

Why “Unpopular but Popular” Exists

We call them unpopular because most people don’t openly discuss them, and they don’t always look glamorous. At the same time, they’re popular because they quietly attract a large number of drivers who value stable and flexible income. They’re the kind of side hustles that work for us when we don’t want a huge commitment but still want extra earnings. Think of them as hidden gems in the car economy—low attention, high reward.

Specialized Delivery Jobs

Not all delivery work is crowded with competition. While food delivery apps like Uber Eats or DoorDash are saturated, niche deliveries—such as transporting medical supplies, legal documents, or fragile goods—remain overlooked. Logistics companies in major cities often need drivers who can provide safe, fast, and reliable service. A single contract or medical equipment delivery can pay $20–$40, much higher than standard orders. This side hustle may not look flashy, but those who step in often find it consistent and profitable.

Parking Space Leasing

Many of us own cars but rarely think about the space they occupy. In dense urban areas like New York, London, or Tokyo, unused private parking spaces can generate significant income. Renting out a space near office towers or residential complexes can bring $100–$200 monthly. Some car owners even build steady partnerships with ride-sharing drivers who need safe parking near their service areas. It’s a silent side hustle—unpopular because people forget about it, but popular among those who enjoy passive income.

Seasonal and Event Rentals

Our cars can also shine during peak seasons or special events. Think about holidays, weddings, concerts, or sports matches when demand for stylish cars or short-term rentals suddenly spikes. A decorated sedan for weddings or a roomy SUV for a weekend camping trip can easily earn us $100–$300 per day. These jobs are not everyday income streams, but when they come, they feel like a windfall. Quiet most of the year, yet extremely popular when timing is right.

Advertising in Unexpected Forms

We often think of car advertising as full-body wraps, but small-scale placements—like digital screens inside the car or QR codes on rear windows—are becoming trendy in places like Los Angeles or Berlin. Local brands looking for targeted promotion love these methods. They may not bring massive monthly checks, but even $50–$100 extra for minimal effort adds up. It’s not a side hustle we brag about, but one that blends seamlessly into our daily driving.

Creative Community Services

One of the most underrated yet popular ideas is turning cars into small service hubs. Some drivers use their vehicles as mobile pet taxis, transporting pets safely to vet clinics or grooming salons. Others convert vans into mobile tutoring spaces, offering quiet study rooms for students. In suburban neighborhoods, some even set up “mobile convenience shops,” selling snacks or essentials from their trunks. These creative services meet niche needs that people are willing to pay well for, even though they don’t appear in mainstream hustle lists.

Quiet but Rewarding

Lykkers, the car sideline economy proves that success doesn’t always come with big headlines. Some of the best opportunities are hidden in plain sight—quiet, steady, and surprisingly rewarding. The “unpopular but popular” hustles show us that it’s not about chasing trends, but about finding reliable ways to turn our vehicles into income. So maybe it’s time we stop underestimating these quiet side hustles. After all, they could be the most dependable way to keep our wheels rolling and our wallets growing.