In 2025, new cars continue to rise in price and the secondary market remains a good alternative, but it is full of cars with a murky past. One of the riskiest options is former taxis. Let's find out what the catch is and how to recognize such a car when we buy it "used".
Do you know the saying: "Pioneer in the back, pensioner in the front"? That's exactly what taxis are about. It looks like a completely normal car, but in reality it is a set of mechanisms worn out by thousands of working hours.
A car used as a taxi may have traveled 150,000 kilometers per year. This is approximately 5 times the average mileage of an ordinary car. And it's not just about quantity – the nature of the equipment's operation over these kilometers is also important.
It's no secret that most taxi drivers treat rented cars worse than their own. That's why taxis often work in extreme conditions. Cold starts, short trips followed by long periods of idling, aggressive driving and skimping on maintenance - all this kills the car from the inside, although it may look good from the outside.
When buying a taxi, you risk getting a car that has traveled two or even three times more than the odometer reading. And given that owners often reduce the mileage, you may never fully know the true history of the car's operation.
How to recognize a taxi car?
Even if there are no traces of branded stickers on the car body, this does not guarantee that you have a car with a clean history. The past of a taxi is often revealed by small details - and this applies not only to the technical aspects, but also to the appearance of the car.
First of all, pay attention to the interior of the car. Worn upholstery on the driver's seat, a peeling armrest or a noticeably scratched door handle - all this can indicate intensive use. It is especially suspicious if the signs of wear are accompanied by modest mileage.
Ordinary owners do not have time to "wear out" the interior to such an extent for 60,000-70,000 km. Another characteristic feature is the traces of smartphone or tablet holders on the dashboard, deflectors and windshield. In taxis, such devices are constantly needed, which means that they have been actively attached and removed.
Particular attention should be paid to the right rear door and seat. This is where passengers sit most often, so in taxis they wear out faster than the rest of the interior. If you see disproportionately worn upholstery only on this side, this is at least a reason to think.
You should also watch out for worn sills, as people get in and out of taxis dozens of times every day. Minor scratches and dents on the edges of the bumpers are also normal for taxis. Due to busy schedules, taxi drivers often simply do not have time to park carefully.
The condition of components and assemblies often says more about the past of the car than the most convincing phrases of the seller. One of the most common signs is uneven tire wear, especially if the front tires are much more worn than the rear ones. This indicates excessive use and poor maintenance.
If you have even the slightest doubt, check the car at the nearest service station. Play in the steering, creaking, broken suspension, traces of welding and replacement of parts - all this indicates that the car has seen a lot during its taxi career. Moreover, an experienced mechanic will immediately understand whether it is just a one-time accident caused by a careless owner or whether the car has been systematically subjected to wear and tear due to regular and intensive use.
Last but not least, the documents. Study the history of the vehicle's registration using specialized online services. Frequent changes of owners, especially legal entities, are an alarming signal. As a rule, taxi companies do not keep cars in their ownership for a long time and after 2-3 years of intensive use they try to get rid of them as quickly as possible.
The service history can also say a lot. Suspiciously frequent visits to the car service, excessive repair costs (especially for the suspension and brake system) are most often signs that the car has been used more intensively and regularly than it should have been. Last but not least, see if the car has been repainted, changing its color from yellow to another.