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Buying Prius ex-taxis

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by muskox3437, Sep 19, 2017.

  1. muskox3437

    muskox3437 New Member

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    There are three ex-taxis for sale in my area. A 2008 for $500, a 2004 for $1000, and a 2008 for $1700. They are all registering high mileages, in the 400,000 km or so.

    The 2008 needs three tires, a fan, and a twelve volt battery. The others claim they are drive aways.

    Should I even look at an ex-taxi with these very high kilometrage figures. If so, what should I really be paying attention to when I get to look at the car.

    I have no background with hybrid cars and am considering a changeover from my 95 Volvo because of soaring gas prices.

    Bob
     
  2. fotomoto

    fotomoto Senior Member

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    There's used cars and then there's used-up cars. When a taxi company gives up on one of their own, it's moved into the latter category.
     
    #2 fotomoto, Sep 19, 2017
    Last edited: Sep 19, 2017
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  3. magnumrtawd

    magnumrtawd Member

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    RUN ! dont walk away!
    Or, the 1000$ one for a demolition derby.
     
    Raytheeagle likes this.
  4. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    taxi's are well taken care of.
     
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  5. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    taxi's get better maintenance than most cars.
     
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  6. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    taxi's are gently driven, and lovingly cared for.
     
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  7. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    taxi's generally have low wear city miles.
     
  8. MilkyWay

    MilkyWay Active Member

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    I've seen taxi cars that are completely destroyed but I guess it depends on the driver and company.

    With Uber/Lyft your rating depends on the cleanliness of your car --- so if you have a brain --- you keep it vacuumed, you wash it regularly, and armorall the dash and door jambs regularly as well....And putting 50k a year on it, assuming no accidents, will remain pristine.

    Long story short don't be afraid of the miles, but make the call on how it looks. If it is clean take it --- if it is trashed then pass.
     
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  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    step away from the car...
     
  10. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    For those prices, you should go check them out. You can always resell them for the same price
     
  11. Jayw13702

    Jayw13702 Active Member

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    I run a taxi, however I do so in the uk so things may be a little different here.
    I’m an owner/driver, it’s in my interests to make sure my car is in top condition, otherwise I’m not working and so not earning. Actually at that point it’s costing me money.
    Would I buy an ex-taxi, if the car looked straight and there was evidence it had been looked after (receipts for part replaced/ servicing etc.) the 2008 one I wouldn’t look at, sound like someone’s trying to offload without spending money.

    Go and look at them, drive them and see if you can live with a high miler car


    2010 Gen 3
     
  12. Jayw13702

    Jayw13702 Active Member

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    As an addition, my oldest taxi was a 2004 gen 2 that I sold on privately, it currently has 434,000 km (270,000 miles) and it looks like it’s done half of that, and still returns 50ukmpg


    2010 Gen 3