Finally got to test drive a Gen III

So when you going to get it then

I know what you mean about the door shelf being a little low for your elbow to rest on but I've not found it too much of a problem. I've taken to resting my left elbow on the center console, if for no other reason than to stop it rattling.

I have my two way radio stuffed in the tray under the gear shift and the aerial mag mounted on the driver side rear roof. The coin dispenser fits a treat hooked on the plastic side of the tray on my side next to the two way radio.

According to the meter man the meter apparantly went in a treat and he was easily able to pick up the speed pulses. The radios here are only 5 watt but the data signal gets a good 30 - 50 mile range and hasn't interfered with the cars electronics. It does like to set off Range Rover & BMW alarm systems from 10 foot away though.

Are you the only Prius cab in your area or are there a few others? I'm the only one in my immediate area with a gen2 like yours in Leeds that I have seen. I did get a few other drivers in our company interested in changing to a Prius but with all the negative stuff about the brakes one got a Merc and the other opted for an Avensis. So I'm still the only member of my exclusive Prius club.

 

Just curious, how many miles do you guys put on your taxis in a year? 9 years seems impossible for a taxi.

I can understand why you guys would want to use the Prius with the cost of petrol over there. Our only trip to the UK was an outstanding golf trip to Scotland.

Wonderful golf, wonderful people, and we even found good food. No, I didn't try the haggis (I will next time). But I really liked the Black Pudding at breakfast. I asked the waiter what it was made from and he was hesitant to tell me. I told him I wasn't squeamish and he told me it was blood sausage. I found that very interesting and told him it was quite good.

Back to the petrol cost. When we were there in 2007, the exchange rate was really bad (for us), about $2 per pound, very expensive trip. To fill up or little Peugeot before returning it was about $80.

Next time I'll try to rent a Prius.

 

I guess it depends on the driver and their circumstances. I personally put about 35k - 40k miles per year on a car. I have the car on finance over 5 years and by that time it will be pretty much due replacement. Legally in the UK we can hand a car back just over half way through the finance agreement - no questions asked. Now I will see how my Prius goes and if it is problem free by the expiry of the warranty (only 60k miles over here!) then I will probably keep it. If it turns out to be a pig, then I will hand it back as soon as I'm able.

Regarding the 9 years age limit on cabs. In my local area we already have that limit and they are looking at reducing it to 7 years. It depends on the local authority. Not all cab drivers use their cabs as hard as I do, some are part time and maybe just work weekends. Also, in my area we are subject to very harsh yearly (until the taxi is 3 years old) and then six monthly safety and emission checks. They check everthing! You will fail if there is a scratch on your body work longer than 2 inches, no holes in the upholstery or carpet, no broken trim or sharp edges etc etc. In addition to the national yearly safety test called an MOT (ministy of transport) test which all cars here must have.

So at first 9 years sounds quite lax but if you can still keep your taxi running and passing its compliance test at that age then you're doing well. Though I do know of a few guys who have Ford Mondeos running at 8 & 9 years old with massive mileages.

 

Oh and I do a contract with the local government taking school kids to school. On top of the full Police checks I require I also need to send the local government proof that my car is fully serviced as required by Toyota!

 

I did edit my original post, you should check it out.

I think the average taxi over here in our major metro areas does MANY more miles than you guys. I believe they're closer to 100k miles per year, utilizing at least two drivers and basically running the cars 24/7. I think they expect to get 3 years out of a car. I believe there are regulations that taxis can not be more than 4-6 years old, at least in the major metro areas. I'll try to look it up.

 

The company I work for (well own a share in actually ) run about ten wheelchair/7 seater large cabs. Basically it's a Mercedes Vito Van converted to look like a London Taxi inside. It's OK and serves a purpose, but we "double man" them and keep them for three years or 300k miles. They run 24/7 and will do about 100k miles a year. Amazingly, when we sell them at the end of the three years we get a good price as that type of vehicle is in demand in other towns/cities where they regs aren't as strict.