Buying a used car can be an excellent way to save money. However, it is important to know what you are actually buying. Some used cars may have been taxis or old rental cars – vehicles that, due to heavy use, have more wear and tear and are worth less money.
Sellers don’t always disclose all information about a car’s past. This can make it difficult to make informed decisions when buying a car.
Fortunately, there are various signs which may indicate that a vehicle for sale has already been used by taxi services and that we are able to identify.
In a statement sent to ZAP, teaches us techniques to identify whether a used vehicle has already been used as a taxi and why this matters.
More wear than regular cars
Os taxis and TVDE vehicles face very specific driving conditions that differ greatly from private vehicles.
They often do 12-hour shifts, where engines run for long periods. This constant use prevents the engine from resting, which naturally leads to greater wear and tear over time.
“Taxis accumulate kilometers very quickly, often covering three to four times more kilometers than a private car from the same year. Driving in slow motion for a long time prevents the engine from reaching the ideal temperature, leading to the accumulation of carbon residues in the combustion chambers”explains Matthew Buzelautomotive specialist at automotive data company carVertical.
A Frequent stop-and-go driving in urban areas puts stress on the suspension and clutch, accelerating their wear. Although taxis are generally well maintained, routine maintenance does not prevent all problems caused by heavy use.
Certain models are more likely to have been used as taxis, such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Classo Toyota Priuso Hyundai IONIQo Toyota Corollao Skoda Octaviaand the Skoda Superb. More and more hybrid and electric vehicles are used to transport passengers. However, there are other signs that the car was once a taxi.
History of frequent maintenance
Taxi companies often follow strict maintenance schedules to ensure their vehicles stay on the road for as long as possible. If a car’s maintenance records are more frequent than usual, it could be a sign that the car was used as a taxi.
While regular maintenance is undoubtedly a positive factor, a Excessive maintenance may indicate more intensive use.
High mileage
An unusually high mileage for the car’s age is a strong warning sign. Due to their constant use, taxis accumulate kilometers quickly – they often travel 3-4 times more kilometers than private cars.
“Checking the mileage is essential when purchasing a used vehicle, because the mileage can be a strong indicator of the vehicle’s condition. In fact, high-mileage vehicles, such as old taxis, are more likely to have their mileage falsified to appear more appealing to buyers,” explains carVertical’s Buzelis.
Excessive interior wear
It is common for a vehicle previously used as a taxi to show significant interior wear and tear due to daily use. You Buyers should carefully inspect the cabinbecause excessive wear and tear may indicate that the vehicle has had high mileage and many passengers.
Key areas to check include the steering wheel, gear lever, and pedalswhich may be more worn than expected for the age of the car.
Os seats, especially the rear ones, should also be examined carefully. In a private vehicle, the rear seats usually show minimal wear, but in an old taxi, they may have visible signs of use.
Other indicators include holes or glue residue on the instrument panelwhere taximeters or other devices may have been installed. Buyers should also inspect the rear door panels and front seat backs, as frequent use by passengers can create scratches and damage to materials.
Body color
Many taxis are purchased or painted in specific colors to be easily identifiable. If a car is an unusual color, it may have been painted with the aim of hiding its original color and taxi history.
It is important to carefully examine the paintwork and check for irregularities, especially around doors, as an uneven tone or texture may indicate previous repairs. Caution is also advised with vehicles that have vinyl coverings, as sellers use this more economical method to change the appearance of the vehicle and hide latent problems.
Condition of paintwork in certain areas
It is important to check the condition of paint around rear door handles and entry pointsbecause these areas may have more scratches or paint wear due to constant use.
It is also worth checking whether there are darker spots or marks on the roof, which may indicate that a taxi sign has been fitted. Similar signs of commercial use may appear on doors, where stickers or decals are often applied.
The passenger compartment may be damp
Before selling their vehicles, taxi companies usually deep clean the interior, sometimes removing the seats and carpets to pressure wash them. Any Humidity or a strong smell of cleaning products inside the vehicle could be a sign of an old taxi that has just been cleaned..
Experts advise against buying old taxis
Old taxis can be a good buy, especially because are usually cheaper than other cars. But it is crucial to know that you are buying a taxi and to be aware of the risks.
AND much more likely that these cars will need repairs due to accelerated wear. Furthermore, the resale value of old taxis is usually lower, which could harm the new owner in the future.
Vehicle history reports are an extremely valuable tool for those purchasing second-hand vehicles.
Buyers looking to purchase an old taxi should make it a priority to have a professional inspection carried out to carefully assess its condition. This step can help identify hidden signs of wear and potential mechanical problems that may not be noticeable at first glance.
However, in most cases, it is more advantageous to invest in a vehicle with no history of taxi service. Opting for a private car can offer more reliability and peace of mind, by reducing the risk of excessive wear and the need for unexpected future repairs – advises carVertical.
