Buying Tips for Used Taxis

A used taxi can be a practical investment, particularly if a high premium is placed on value and functionality. Provided the buyer makes the right choice, buying used taxis can be the right option. Find out the most important things to consider before making your decision. Here are some of the key things to keep in mind:

Expect some mileage.
Taxis cover more miles in a shorter time than privately used cars, so it is reasonable to expect a high mileage on majority of units. However, the mileage on these cars should not worry most buyers since taxis are built to be tougher and more resistant, particularly if they are made by the top manufacturers.

Instead of focusing on the mileage, it is a better idea to study the unit’s age, make, model and service history. The car’s record will reveal more about the car than a physical or visual inspection would. Check the history for tuneups and other maintenance work done since the car was bought. It will also record any repair work done as a result of an accident, flood or misuse. Other documentations such as bills and invoices from reputable garages and repair shops will be helpful in assessing the condition of the taxi.

Know what you are looking at.
When buying used taxis, make sure to check the unit personally or at least bring a trusted mechanic to assess its physical condition. Look for integrity in the body and the engine and check for signs of damage and abuse. Minor bodywork is often negligible – at least for a reasonable price tag – so make sure the chassis and body are still intact and in good or at least passable condition.

Check for rust, scratches, dents and leaks, particularly in the area around the steering box. If there is some evidence that the unit was recently painted over, check for evidence of rust, holes and other damages.

Check the driver’s side as well. The driver’s compartment is often more worn out than the front and back passengers’ seats but this is to be expected. What is important is that the other components work and whatever repairs are necessary can be fixed at a reasonable cost.

Test drive the unit to get a feel of how well it performs on the road. Mechanical and electronic problems and issues that are not easily observable can often be identified by simply using the vehicle. Observe how the car runs, how the suspension performs and how it responds when you use the brakes, clutch and steering wheel.

Before deciding on your purchase, keep in mind that you will be using that unit to earn, which means it has to be good enough to give you a respectable return on your investment. Look for a car that has a good potential in terms of reliability and performance.

Buy from a dealer or private seller?
Buying from a dealer may give you more consumer protection than buying from a private individual but you may enjoy a better deal. Try to weigh the value of the used taxis you are considering and compare carefully to determine if the deal is advantageous to you.