As a taxi driver, you need a car that is spacious enough to comfortably carry passengers and luggage, offers good reliability and low operating costs, and is reasonably affordable to buy and insure.
As a result, we put together a list of the 10 best cars for drivers you can buy today for you and have done some of the hard work for you.
1. Toyota Prius
Prius is almost synonymous with minicab drivers today, and things have changed a little. As well as its incredible reputation for reliability and efficiency, the Prius also has the ability to travel at low speeds in zero-emission battery mode – a real benefit given the amount of city driving minicabs do. Besides plug-in hybrid models, seven-seat ‘Plus’ models are also available, enhancing its appeal.
In addition to being smooth and easy to drive, the Pirus has a respectable amount of passenger space in the back. As the new Prius has just been launched and Toyota has decided it will not be sold in the UK, there are still plenty of used models available through carwow that fit the bill.
2. Skoda Octavia Estate
You can also get 60 mpg or more with one of the frugal 2.0-litre TDI diesel engines in the Octavia, which has a strong reputation for reliability. You’ve got a car that’s comfortable on airport runs as well as pootling around town, thanks to an easy, relaxing driving experience and impressive levels of motorway refinement.
3. Volkswagen Touran
There have only been a handful of new people carriers sold since the rise of the SUV, which has all but ended the MPV market.
One of these contenders is the VW Touran, and fortunately it’s a great vehicle, with a spacious cabin, low operating costs, and an easy driving experience. In addition to seating a driver and six passengers, the Touran offers cabbies additional opportunities.
4. Mercedes C-Class
Despite its maker’s best intentions, the Mercedes C-Class makes an excellent choice for taxi drivers because of its wide array of features.
Mercedes launched a new C-Class model in 2021, and while the company seems to be concentrating on hybrids and electrics at present, the 2.0-litre diesel C200d is still available, and is rated at 62.9mpg. With a C-Class, you may even be able to attract riders who have paid an additional fee for a ‘premium’ car, potentially boosting your income. Mercedes Benz S550 is used as New York Fleet and services.
5. Skoda Superb Estate
While the current Octavia was launched in 2019, it is a thoroughly modern car, but the Superb has been around for four years longer, so some of the kit is missing, and the infotainment system is a little older. Although we have experienced some bugs and crashes with the newer system, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
6. SEAT Alhambra
With seating for seven and a third row of chairs that adults can occupy in relative comfort, the Alhambra is seriously spacious – even more so than the Touran.
A pleasant driving experience, frugal diesel engines, and sliding rear doors help the Alhambra stand out.
7. Ford Mondeo
It’s comfortable, easy to drive, has some nice equipment in Titanium trim, and should prove reliable for private hire. In addition, there is a hybrid version, which, while not as ubiquitous as the Prius, offers the same fuel-saving, emissions-reducing benefits. Oh, and you can also get an estate for fares with more luggage space.
8. Hyundai Ioniq hybrid
The Ioniq was an important car for Hyundai for two reasons: first, it pioneered a platform that could accommodate petrol-electric hybrids, plug-in hybrids, or pure electric drivetrains, a formula that has been replicated by many other automakers since. The second reason was that its name drew attention to Hyundai’s line of electric vehicles, including the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6, which compete with the best of today’s electric vehicles.
The Ioniq earns its stripes when it comes to taxis by offering similar qualities to the Prius, making it worthwhile to buy when wondering what taxi to buy. It’s affordable to buy, uses little fuel, is dependable, offers decent passenger space, and is easy to drive around town because it’s inexpensive to buy, uses little fuel, and has a strong reputation for reliability.
9. Ford Galaxy
Despite its slightly old-fashioned design, the Ford Galaxy has a petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain under its bodywork that makes it one of the few full-size people carriers available from new.
With 7 seats, good interior space, and passenger-friendly options like a panoramic sunroof, the Galaxy is a truly appealing ride.
10. MG 5
It’s true, the electric MG 5 might not be the best choice for lengthy airport runs due to its 250-mile range, but for cabbies in London, it’s a good choice. Aside from the fact that it is exempt from the Congestion Charge until December 2025, it saves you £15 a day, which amounts to almost £4,000 a year if you drive it five days a week into the centre of town.
MG 5 is the only electric estate car available for sale right now, aside from the extremely expensive Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo, while also offering nice value for money.
The New York Black Limo is on top of the list, average budget businessmen and travelers like to hire as their first priority to tour the cities and states.
