Buying an Ex-Taxi - worth the risk?
Discussion
Hi Everyone,
I'm in the market for another car.
I've been toying with the idea of a plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), mainly on the basis that many of the journeys I make are very short (eg driving to the Gym and Supermarket etc). During the summer, particularly when the evenings are lighter, I tend to cycle.
I like the idea of a PHEV - the ability to pre-heat the car and subjecting the petrol engine to very short runs both appeal to me.
I've found a car that I really like the look of which pretty much ticks all the boxes, though am in a bit of a dilemma.
On checking the MOT, it would seem that the car has been MOT'd every 6 months for two years of its life, which indicates that it's been used as a private hire vehicle. While this isn't a huge issue for me, I am concerned about future resale value of the car (which is on the market for £20 K) - and ability to trade it in when I decide to replace it.
Am I being overly cautious regarding saleability / tradability of the car (based on it likely having been a former taxi), and would I be mad to consider buying a 4 year old PHEV?
Thanks in advance for your help.
I'm in the market for another car.
I've been toying with the idea of a plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), mainly on the basis that many of the journeys I make are very short (eg driving to the Gym and Supermarket etc). During the summer, particularly when the evenings are lighter, I tend to cycle.
I like the idea of a PHEV - the ability to pre-heat the car and subjecting the petrol engine to very short runs both appeal to me.
I've found a car that I really like the look of which pretty much ticks all the boxes, though am in a bit of a dilemma.
On checking the MOT, it would seem that the car has been MOT'd every 6 months for two years of its life, which indicates that it's been used as a private hire vehicle. While this isn't a huge issue for me, I am concerned about future resale value of the car (which is on the market for £20 K) - and ability to trade it in when I decide to replace it.
Am I being overly cautious regarding saleability / tradability of the car (based on it likely having been a former taxi), and would I be mad to consider buying a 4 year old PHEV?
Thanks in advance for your help.
92203 said:
Hi Everyone,
I'm in the market for another car.
I've been toying with the idea of a plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), mainly on the basis that many of the journeys I make are very short (eg driving to the Gym and Supermarket etc). During the summer, particularly when the evenings are lighter, I tend to cycle.
I like the idea of a PHEV - the ability to pre-heat the car and subjecting the petrol engine to very short runs both appeal to me.
I've found a car that I really like the look of which pretty much ticks all the boxes, though am in a bit of a dilemma.
On checking the MOT, it would seem that the car has been MOT'd every 6 months for two years of its life, which indicates that it's been used as a private hire vehicle. While this isn't a huge issue for me, I am concerned about future resale value of the car (which is on the market for £20 K) - and ability to trade it in when I decide to replace it.
Am I being overly cautious regarding saleability / tradability of the car (based on it likely having been a former taxi), and would I be mad to consider buying a 4 year old PHEV?
Thanks in advance for your help.
I wouldn't personally. Clocking is rife with private hire stuff. I'm in the market for another car.
I've been toying with the idea of a plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), mainly on the basis that many of the journeys I make are very short (eg driving to the Gym and Supermarket etc). During the summer, particularly when the evenings are lighter, I tend to cycle.
I like the idea of a PHEV - the ability to pre-heat the car and subjecting the petrol engine to very short runs both appeal to me.
I've found a car that I really like the look of which pretty much ticks all the boxes, though am in a bit of a dilemma.
On checking the MOT, it would seem that the car has been MOT'd every 6 months for two years of its life, which indicates that it's been used as a private hire vehicle. While this isn't a huge issue for me, I am concerned about future resale value of the car (which is on the market for £20 K) - and ability to trade it in when I decide to replace it.
Am I being overly cautious regarding saleability / tradability of the car (based on it likely having been a former taxi), and would I be mad to consider buying a 4 year old PHEV?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Richard-390a0 said:
£2k for an ex-taxi not mad, £20k for an ex-taxi, madder than a sack full of badgers!
There was nothing to indicate it's been used as a taxi (eg holes in the dash, no smoking signs etc). I only found out when I was doing some research on the specific car (eg looking up its MOT history) later in the day.Sadly I don't think they'll accept £2K, but worth a try
The days of holes giving the game away with private hire cars are long gone. Meters can now operate via GPS, data heads replace radios, magnetic door signs, and magnetic or number plate brackets for the hire plate.
A savvy owner will also use a steering wheel cover, and gaffer tape over plastic kick plates etc, and remove prior to sale. Most are now autos, so gear knob wear is minimal. Brake pedal rubbers are also easy to replace.
As mentioned 2 mots per year, especially in the first 3 years after registration are a dead giveaway. But some authorities only require a test once per year.
A savvy owner will also use a steering wheel cover, and gaffer tape over plastic kick plates etc, and remove prior to sale. Most are now autos, so gear knob wear is minimal. Brake pedal rubbers are also easy to replace.
As mentioned 2 mots per year, especially in the first 3 years after registration are a dead giveaway. But some authorities only require a test once per year.
I get a taxi quite frequently when I go to football and I don't think I have ever been in one without some sort issue. From rattles, scuffed interior, knocking noises and seat belt faults. They have had an incredibly hard life with all sorts as passengers, I would avoid.
I also bet lots of
unless of course we are talking exec style Taxi's.
I also bet lots of
unless of course we are talking exec style Taxi's.Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff