Did you know that a properly selected taxi car can significantly increase your profits? We present a ranking of ten models that offer the best ratio of operating costs to potential earnings in 2024.
From spacious vans to hybrids, these vehicles will not only minimize fuel costs but also ensure the comfort and satisfaction of your customers.
Learn the details and choose a vehicle that will help you maximize profits in your daily work.
The ranking was created based on my many years of subjective experience in the taxi industry and my passion for motoring. At the outset, it is worth mentioning what criteria were adopted when selecting cars.
Criteria for Choosing the Best Taxi Car
I include cars available as used, post-lease or from the first owner, aged 3 to 8 years. I have chosen models that are easily available in Poland, with the possibility of buying on credit or leasing.
In the fuel consumption report I only include petrol units due to the slow move away from diesel and the increasingly complex design of diesel engines.
I established these criteria because statistically, each car loses the most value in the first 2-3 years, but at the same time, due to the warranty requiring regular servicing, its history is well documented and its technical condition is very good.
This reduces the risk of purchasing a car that will be a bottomless pit.
I have determined the age of the car to be a maximum of 8 years because older vehicles start to generate additional costs, for example due to corrosion in the brake system, oxidation of aluminium elements or aging of rubber elements.
In this subjective ranking , I include cars that are good for taxi work due to low operating costs, earning potential, low failure rate and ease of repair.
1. Toyota Prius Plus
Fuel consumption: 5.0 l/100 km
Trunk capacity: 502-2000 L
Number of places: 5+2
Purchase Cost: PLN 115,000
The Toyota Prius Plus is the deserved king of taxis. It is spacious, has few failures and has very decent fuel consumption. This is a car that is almost ideally suited to a taxi, which is confirmed by the choice of this model by many companies around the world as fleet cars. The Prius in its basic version offers the taxi driver a very spacious tool for making money.
Why pay extra for the Plus version? For those two extra seats and more space. Although it will be difficult to fit six adults comfortably, you will appreciate this car when you need to transport a family with a lot of luggage.
The Prius Plus is a car that, when properly maneuvered around town, is comparable to a large station wagon, but offers much greater functionality.
2. Toyota Corolla Hybrid
Fuel consumption: 5.1 l/100 km
Trunk capacity: 596 L
Number of places: 4
Purchase Cost: PLN 97-100k
Hundreds of taxi drivers around the world can't be wrong - the Toyota Corolla Kombi is probably one of the best cars in terms of value for money.
Although the amount of legroom is not impressive, in most cases a taxi carries one or two passengers.
The hybrid version of the Corolla Kombi burns little fuel, and the electric engine supports the combustion engine in the most difficult operating conditions, which translates into longevity.
3. Chrysler T&C / Dodge Caravan
Fuel consumption: 12.3 l/100 km
Trunk capacity: 566-934 L
Number of places: 7
Purchase Cost: PLN 85-90 thousand
The Chrysler Town & Country, also known as the Dodge Caravan, is one of the most versatile vans on the market, offering plenty of space and comfort for relatively little money.
Even though there are a lot of hard plastics inside, this van is very functional in the context of working as a taxi. The ability to easily hide the seats in the floor and a spacious trunk make it an ideal choice for airport transfers or serving hotel guests.
4. Skoda Octavia III Estate
Fuel consumption: 4.5-6.5 l/100 km (depending on engine)
Trunk capacity: 610-1740 L
Number of places: 5
Purchase Cost: PLN 60-80 thousand
The Skoda Octavia Kombi is a car that is much more spacious than the Golf, with a larger boot and a better price. The Octavia is the perfect choice for taxi drivers who don't like hybrids. It is simple, reliable, and economical to run.
5. Mercedes Vito/V-Class
Fuel consumption: 7.5-8.5 l/100 km
Trunk capacity: 990-4200 L
Number of places: 7-9
Purchase Cost: PLN 150-250 thousand
The Mercedes Vito is the king oflarge taxi vans , especially popular in Europe. It is expensive, but it offers reliability, space and prestige that is irreplaceable when you want to attract business customers.
Fuel consumption, especially in the version with a 7- or 9-speed automatic, is very decent for such a large vehicle.
6. Skoda Superb
Fuel consumption: 5.0-7.0 l/100 km
Trunk capacity: 625-1760 L
Number of places: 5
Purchase Cost: PLN 90-130 thousand
The Skoda Superb is the perfect car for a taxi. Although it is more expensive than the Octavia, it offers more legroom and a larger boot, especially in the Kombi version. The Superb is also one of the most comfortable cars in its class, ideal for transporting passengers on longer routes.
7. VW Passat Estate
Fuel consumption: 7.8 l/100 km
Trunk capacity: 586 L
Number of places: 5
Purchase Cost: PLN 110-130 thousand
The Volkswagen Passat is one of the most popular mid-range cars in Europe. It is reliable, spacious and comfortable, making it an excellent choice for a taxi.
Its popularity is a double-edged sword, however – while the Passat holds its value, it is also one of the more desirable cars on the used market, which drives up its price.
8. Mercedes E-Class
Fuel consumption: 6.0-8.0 l/100 km
Trunk capacity: 540-1820 L
Number of places: 5
Purchase Cost: PLN 150-200 thousand
The Mercedes E-Class is another symbol of luxury and prestige. It is one of the most popular taxi cars, especially in Europe. It is expensive, but it offers everything a taxi driver needs – from comfort to reliability.
9. Kia Optima / K5
Fuel consumption: 7.5 l/100 km
Trunk capacity: 510 L
Number of places: 5
Purchase Cost: PLN 90-110 thousand
The Kia Optima is an exotic choice in our market, but extremely popular in Asia and Russia. In Moscow, every third taxi is a Korean sedan. The Optima offers solid build quality, reliability and comfort, which make it an attractive choice for taxi drivers.
Although it is an even less popular option in Poland, it is worth considering this model due to its durability and availability of spare parts. If you have the opportunity, look for the station wagon version, which provides even more luggage space. The hybrid is also worth considering.
10. Dacia Lodgy
Fuel consumption: 5.0-7.0 l/100 km
Trunk capacity: 827-2617 L
Number of places: 5-7
Purchase Cost: PLN 70-90 thousand
Dacia Lodgy is a budget choice that, despite its low price, offers exceptional space and functionality. With a spacious boot and the ability to carry up to seven passengers,
It's ugly as night, but Lodgy will work great as a taxi, especially when serving larger groups, such as families with children or tourist groups.
Compared to the other models in this list, the Dacia Lodgy is cheaper to buy and maintain, making it an ideal choice for aspiring taxi drivers looking for an affordable and reliable vehicle.
So, how to decide which car to choose for a taxi?
Choosing the right taxi car is a key step that can significantly impact the profitability of your business.
The above ranking includes models that differ in price, comfort and functionality, but they have one thing in common - these are cars that will prove useful in everyday taxi work.
Depending on your needs, budget, and preferences, any of these cars may prove to be a good choice.
Remember that a well-chosen car is not only a tool for work, but also an investment that will allow you to maximize profits and minimize costs. By choosing any of these models, you can be sure that you are choosing a vehicle that will serve you and your passengers for years.
Consider what your priorities are – space, comfort, prestige, or perhaps low operating costs – and choose the car that best meets your expectations.
No matter which model you choose, each has its own unique benefits that can contribute to the success of your taxi business.
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