When you are looking to purchase a taxi for your taxi firm or company, one of the core questions you will need to ask at the beginning is whether it is worth buying a new one or one that has been used.
Depending on where you are located, your local authority may insist that you own a new vehicle. If this restriction does not impact you, there are some key points to consider when weighing up the advantages of buying new or preloved vehicles.
So, without further ado, here are some of the pros and cons of buying new and used taxis.
New Taxis
Newer taxis are designed to emit lower levels of CO2, meaning that the overall running costs will be lower, and this can also mean reduced rates and road taxes.
Pros
If you are wanting to make a taxi yours, buying it brand new is the way to do it, as you can have additional features installed and if you want to be very daring, why not opt for a cab that isn’t black?
Newer models are also equipped with the most modern safety features, so you and your passengers will be safe when driving on the road.
With a new taxi, there is less chance of it breaking down and there is also the manufacturer’s guarantee. This means if there is a fault with the car, it will be covered, and depending on the type of taxi you have or where you buy it from, some manufacturers can offer warranties that can last 7 years.
Cons
So, what are the cons of purchasing a new taxi?
They are more expensive. Another element is that owning a brand-new car has its production costs and, if you are a taxi driver who is concerned about the environment, this may weigh heavily on you.
Used Taxis
You may be considering looking at purchasing a used taxi. This doesn’t mean you have to compromise on quality and if you purchase your taxi from a reputable dealer, you will have a car that has a full service history and may still be under warranty.
Pros
A pro of owning a used taxi is the cost. You can make a substantial saving on a better model you could if you purchase it first-hand. If you were to head to a website like cabdirect.com, you may be able to find a very good condition second-hand taxi for a fraction of the price.
You will also likely have more choices about the type of car. There have been thousands of types of taxis on the road over the last 10 to 20 years, so, take your pick.
Cons
However, buying a used taxi can equate to less control over how the car is designed, fewer safety measures and, as a general rule, it may not be as reliable. If the car breaks down, it will be unlikely to be covered by a manufacturer’s warranty and you will be responsible for paying for repairs.
Along with this, older vehicles have less fuel efficiency and therefore may equate to higher running costs.
