Passenger transportation by taxi is a very popular service - the demand for this type of service is growing on an ongoing basis. To successfully work as a taxi driver, it is important which car is best for working in a taxi. There are quite a lot of cars of various classes on the market. What criteria should be used to select?
Service segment - in most cases, customers order economy class, but more and more customers prefer to overpay for a comfortable trip in business class. You need to understand which clients will be more numerous in your city, and choose a car that will correspond to the customer’s level.
Interior comfort for the driver and passengers - modern manufacturers add functions such as heated seats, seat adjustment and other options. It is also important that high-quality upholstery materials are used for the interior. Sometimes drivers prefer cars with a high-quality audio system.
Trunk volume - it plays an important role in the process of choosing a car. If your city is a transportation hub, then many customers will carry at least one bag with them. It is important to have a spacious luggage compartment to provide quality service.
Car maintenance - inexpensive car maintenance plays an extremely important role. The machine will be operated on an ongoing basis, which will affect the service life of transport nodes. It all depends on the operating style, but the car will need to be serviced and diagnosed frequently.
Fuel consumption is the last important criterion. Since fuel costs are the largest expense item, it is important that the engine consumes as little fuel as possible, even if this affects the dynamics. This is one of the reasons why many taxi drivers prefer small city cars.
Now let’s look at 10 options for cars that are suitable for working as a taxi.
Hyundai Solaris
Let's start with one of the most popular sedans on the Russian market. The trunk volume is about 450 liters, which is enough for 1-2 customers with bags. The 1.6-liter engine is dynamic enough to overtake other vehicles in the city.
Advantages:
- Good fuel efficiency, which is very important for taxi drivers.
- The high reliability of most components and ease of maintenance will make it possible to reduce the number of visits to service stations.
- It is possible to use 92 gasoline.
- The car is liquid on the secondary market, even if the car was used for a taxi.
- For the 2022 model, a large 8-inch display with a navigation system is installed.
Flaws:
- Stiff suspension and poor sound insulation.
- Low ground clearance and delicate front bumper.
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Daewoo Nexia
Due to the energy-intensive suspension, the car moves smoothly, regardless of the speed indicator on the speedometer. In any weather conditions, the car will start with half a turn. You can buy components without any problems, and repairs will be carried out at any service station. But before buying a Nexia, you should find out whether it is allowed to use this model as a taxi in your city.
Kia Rio
Another excellent sedan, which is one of the best-selling foreign cars in Russia for the period 2015-2020. This car is always in the ranking of the most popular cars, since the car was specially created for the CIS market. In the latest model, the manufacturer also took into account the peculiarities of the climate and roads of Russia.
Advantages:
- Affordable price - this is an inexpensive small class car.
- It has a reputation as a reliable vehicle.
- A good engine life extends the life of normal operation of the vehicle - it operates stably for 200 thousand km.
- A spirited engine with relatively low fuel consumption - 6.9 liters per 100 km.
- The latest model has an attractive design that customers will definitely like.
Flaws:
- Low sound insulation at high speed, as the wind blows into the wheel arches.
- Weak paintwork.
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Sedan or station wagon?
While I was on vacation, I talked with taxi drivers from other companies. One for Renault Logan, the other for Nissan Almera. But they both like Logan.
“An indestructible suspension,” says the Renault owner, very pleased that his competitor praised him. — Oil never runs out: the French make engines from titanium alloy, very high quality. Consumption up to ten liters per “hundred”. Especially good are the Logans, which were the first to appear in our country at the beginning of the 2000s. I have this one and I wouldn’t trade it for anything! I would buy such a car second-hand, even after several years in a taxi. What will happen to her? New cars are not the same anymore. They don't make million-dollar engines anymore.
The Nissan Almera driver praises his car for its simplicity and accessibility. Good reaction on the highway: “This is not a Volkswagen Polo, when you try to drive it up a hill - that’s the brake!”
But all cars, even of the same brand, have their own character. The ideal option is when the taxi driver is the owner of the car, he customizes it to suit himself, can fix it on the road, and constantly improves it. A taxi driver in Almere rents them for 12 hours from a company. He says that all cars are different, even in terms of fuel consumption. On one he constantly gets almost 12 liters per “hundredth”, and on the other - an acceptable “ten”.
What is more convenient for a taxi - a sedan, a minivan or a station wagon? Personally, I believe that in the entire history of automotive thought, nothing better than a sedan has yet been invented: in addition to comfort, there is somewhere to hide your tools, and the belongings of passengers. But I drive a station wagon nicknamed “vegetable truck” and don’t regret it. Especially in the summer, when every third order requires something to be transported. Furniture, seedlings, animals. One day I loaded three mountain bikes into the trunk of my Saksid.
Kia K5
The second sedan from KIA is also well suited for taxi work. The updated 2022 model has received an attractive design, which makes it possible to use the car for business class clients. The car has a comfortable interior and modern equipment. The elegant design makes the transport stand out in the general flow - customers come for a ride with you.
Advantages:
- For the latest model, the reliable and new N3 platform was used.
- The aerodynamics of the body have been improved, which will make it possible to develop speed faster.
- It is possible to select a driving mode.
- The powerful power unit is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission - the engine is fuel efficient.
- The interior is focused on the driver - all controls are easily accessible.
Flaws:
- A new car is quite expensive.
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Main selection factors
Do not think that the most important point in choosing a future taxi is the price. Better watch out for indestructibility, because you will have to cover hundreds of kilometers in difficult traffic conditions.
Taking a premium model is not an option: the payback period will be too long and maintenance will be expensive. You need a budget model that can handle city and suburban roads.
What should an ideal taxi be like:
- belong to the middle segment - it looks good, and the costs will pay off quickly;
- be comfortable, because you will have to spend many hours in a row behind the wheel;
- with a seat adjustable to the height and dimensions of the driver;
- with roomy passenger seats, since people of different heights and builds will have to be transported;
- with a reliable frame and sufficient ground clearance, because the quality of the roads is sometimes quite deplorable;
- with a large trunk to accommodate the cargo carried by the passenger;
- with inexpensive repair work, since you will have to pay for it from your own profit;
- with low fuel consumption in urban areas;
- the model must be suitable for the taxi service with which you are going to cooperate.
Most clients want to get to their destination quickly and cheaply, without paying attention to comfort. But there is a category of people who prefer business class. There are significantly fewer of them, but the prestige of the taxi model is important to them. There is no way to do without air conditioning and modern acoustics.
Let's consider the pros and cons of models that cope well with the role of a taxi.
Toyota Camry
Camry is rightfully considered the king of sedans. It belongs to the category of luxury business class cars, which can have a positive impact on the taxi driver’s income. The car is valued for its spacious interior and good engine life. The trunk volume is 540 liters, which is quite enough for most customers.
Advantages:
- Excellent driving characteristics and reliability of most components and assemblies.
- High-quality paint and varnish coating and the liquidity of the car on the secondary market.
- Inexpensive to maintain and a versatile vehicle.
- Low fuel consumption for this type of power unit.
- Spacious and roomy interior.
- The model is quite common, which simplifies the process of finding parts for repair.
Flaws:
- The engine tends to consume oil.
- The automatic transmission can fail after 150 thousand km.
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Nissan Leaf
The Nissan Leaf electric car is one of the first electric cars used as a taxi car. The car has a compact shape, but at the same time roomy and functional. This model will help you save money, since electricity is cheaper than fuel. There is also no need to change filters, spark plugs or oil. The battery can hold a charge for 280 km. The trunk volume ranges from 330 to 370 liters, since batteries take up a lot of space.
Positive sides
- Equipped with various modern technologies.
- Compact and, at the same time, spacious interior.
- This is a more environmentally friendly car.
- Service and design at a high level.
Negative sides
- The car is expensive.
- Not enough space in the luggage compartment.
Volkswagen Polo
There was a time when some dealers offered promotional details to buyers, presenting this car as an ideal option for a taxi. They even made a characteristic coloring with checkers. Polo has proven itself to be a reliable partner when it comes to taxi driving, and the new 2021 model is even better.
Advantages:
- High level of safety - full-size airbags for the front row of seats, power-assisted braking system, engine protection, and so on.
- The car is perfectly adapted to the climatic conditions of Russia.
- High level of comfort - electromechanical power steering (depending on driving speed), electric lifts for all doors, Climatic air conditioning, Autoban-blinker system for comfortable control of direction indicators.
- The interior is well made - a height-adjustable seat, many additional sections, high-quality mats and adjustable headrests.
Flaws:
- The design is too simple - this is an economy class car.
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Bottom line
In the case where the driver himself is hired by a taxi company, the employer will present the applicant with a number of strict requirements, including for the car. The segment occupied and the payment for the services of the future driver depend on the brand and model. If the applicant expects high pay, he should acquire the appropriate model of car.
The requirements for private cab drivers are no less strict, because the payment for the service depends on the quality of the ride and the car. In addition, people in any case prefer high-quality models.
Chevrolet Aveo
This subcompact sedan can also serve as a primary taxi vehicle. General Motors still maintains its status as one of the best car manufacturers in the world. The car has a harmonious design. High popularity is also due to its affordable cost.
Advantages:
- A durable and corrosion-resistant body means the driver will spend less on car maintenance.
- Modern equipment and economical fuel consumption.
- Spacious trunk and properly tuned energy-intensive suspension.
- The car is affordable – even a middle class person can afford it.
- Good driving characteristics and spacious interior.
Flaws:
- Poor sound insulation and aerodynamics.
- Some drivers have safety concerns.
People's rating
Not all cars are in great demand among taxi drivers. We present to your attention the TOP 5 best models according to experienced drivers:
- Hyundai Solaris;
- Renault Logan;
- Kia Rio;
- Nissan Almera;
- Ford Focus.
The reasons for its popularity are obvious:
- reliability;
- simple and affordable maintenance;
- modest cost;
- good technical filling;
- nice and modern appearance.
It is not possible to choose a winner among the listed folk heroes. Every car is loved by drivers.
It is easy to notice that most of the representatives of the list are economy or comfort class.
Lada Largus
The budget sedan continues to occupy high places in the car popularity ratings among taxi drivers. When a passenger transportation specialist decides to provide such services, he is looking for an inexpensive and reliable car. This machine has these characteristics.
Advantages:
- Attractive and practical appearance of the car.
- Low fuel consumption due to the presence of an engine with a small “appetite”.
- A practical and affordable car - ideal for small businesses.
- Availability of standard technologies of modern transport - heated windshield, rear view camera, cruise control, light and rain sensors.
- In the new model, the window regulators were moved to a more convenient location.
Flaws:
- Low power engines, weak dynamics.
- Not all clients want to drive in Lada.
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Chevrolet Aveo
This car is very compact and quite attractive. The driver's seat is located high, so he will have a clear view of everything from all sides. It can be adjusted according to the taxi driver's preferences. The luggage compartment volume is 540 liters. The machine boasts reliability and economical operation.
More advanced equipment includes 6 airbags, parking radar, cruise control and 6 speakers.
Two types of engine: 1.4 l. and 1.6 l. They are both petrol engines. Chevrolet engine power is 115 horsepower.
Positive sides
- Reliability and efficiency.
- Presentable appearance.
- Excellent interior design and high comfort.
Read on topic: SUV rating
Negative sides
- Difficulties in car repairs.
Skoda Octavia
This is another car that is often taken for taxi work. Many dealers and even taxi companies offer to purchase or rent this car for ongoing provision of services. This car belongs to the economy class category, but thanks to its attractive design, this vehicle will be ordered by clients of different classes.
Advantages:
- Stylish and modern interior and exterior design.
- Comfortable interior and high-quality sound insulation.
- Good indicators of maneuverability and dynamics.
- Spacious trunk and modern equipment.
- Affordable car price and liquidity in the secondary market.
Flaws:
- Not suitable for business class customers.
- Front-wheel drive only.
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Working in a taxi
Perhaps the most loyal aggregator for beginners and experienced taxi drivers today is Yandex.Taxi.
Drivers with licenses from countries such as Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan are hired.
A category B driver's license, at least 3 years of experience, and at least 21 years of age - this will be enough to get a job with them.
Yandex offers motorists who want to monetize their free time, or unemployed people with a driver’s license, to earn money while having a flexible schedule and the ability to determine their own production rate during the day.
Link to the registration page in the service - https://taxi.yandex.ru/driver-partner/
Renault Logan
Many drivers buy this car to work as a taxi driver because of the good price-quality ratio. The cabin has everything necessary for drivers and passengers. The latest Octavia model pleases with modern equipment and spaciousness.
Advantages:
- High reliability - at first the machine practically does not require additional attention.
- Very cheap maintenance, which boils down to changing the oil and timing belt.
- Very roomy interior and trunk.
- The interior material is wear-resistant.
Flaws:
- After use for more than 5 years, it becomes difficult to sell.
- The suspension is sensitive to irregularities.
Skoda Rapid
This model has also taken root well in taxis. If a car is so popular in the field of passenger transportation, this means it has such qualities as reliability and efficiency. Rapid is indeed often found in taxi fleets.
Advantages:
- The reliability of most components makes it possible to reduce maintenance costs to a minimum.
- You can choose between manual and automatic transmission.
- Good adaptation of the car to the Russian climate.
- Unpretentious and durable power unit.
Flaws:
- The cost is quite high for a sedan.
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