When starting out as a taxi driver or assembling your fleet, your choice of vehicle is probably one of the most important decisions. Here are some things to take into consideration and some of the best cars out there.
Things to consider before buying a vehicle
Before you begin your search, you may need to check if any special rules and guidelines apply to the area in which you plan to set up your business. If you are planning on driving in London, Manchester or Bristol, you may not be able to use certain cars.
- Since 2018 all new taxis in London must be zero emissions capable.
- Manchester made the decision in 2001 that private hire vehicles need to be either white or silver.
- Bristol has made it a bit complicated for drivers who own a Vauxhall Zafira, Toyota Auris, or Lexus IS300. These models can’t be used as private hire vehicles unless certain modifications are made.
The most popular taxi car brands in the UK
One of the best-selling taxi brands in the UK is Skoda. Particularly the Skoda Octavia is very popular with drivers and taxi businesses. The spacious car is equipped with a SatNav and is so efficient that it can even offer better insurance rates in some cases. There is a choice of upgrades for the driver area and the boot, which can help stay organized.
Highly popular among cabbies is also the Vauxhall Insignia, which offers an efficient diesel motor. The Ford Mondeo is one of the more popular cars for a good reason. It offers a spacious boot and a decent engine as well as several gadgets that can make driving easier and more comfortable. A more luxurious option, perfect for airport transfer, is the Mercedes V-Class with a large boot and 8 seats.
Despite these cars being extremely popular among drivers, what kind of car you should get, depends on your personal needs. Spending some time doing research and refining your taxi search can help you find a car that is comfortable to drive, will last for many years, and help generate a good income.
Insurance
Insurance plans can also add to the cost of setting up a business. Therefore, it’s extremely important to do as much research as possible and study the plans of different insurance companies. It can make sense to pay more in the beginning and then look to reduce your premium over time. Unfortunately, premiums will likely be higher for new business owners than for those who have already been working in the industry for a while.
There are many good options and cars for new drivers just starting out.
