Buying a used taxi saves thousands compared to new models. But you need to know what separates a reliable workhorse from an expensive mistake. Drivers across Armagh, Newry, Banbridge and beyond face the same challenge: finding a vehicle that won’t drain profits through constant repairs.
A used taxi already has miles on the clock. That’s expected. What matters is how those miles were accumulated and what maintenance happened along the way. Every detail tells you something about the vehicle’s future reliability.
Service History: Your First Priority
Full service history separates well-maintained taxis from neglected ones. Ask to see every service record, not just recent ones. Regular servicing every 10,000 miles shows the previous owner cared about longevity. Gaps in the record raise red flags.
What to Look For in Service Records
- Main dealer servicing follows manufacturer schedules precisely and uses genuine parts
- Independent garage work can be excellent if receipts detail replaced components
- Major service milestones like timing belts (every 60,000-100,000 miles) and brake fluid changes (every two years)
- Missing services mean expensive repairs are coming soon
Check who performed the work. Receipts should detail what was replaced and when. Look for major service milestones—timing belts need replacing at specific intervals, as do coolant and brake fluid. Missing these services means bills are heading your way.
Mileage and Age: Finding the Sweet Spot
High mileage doesn’t automatically mean problems. Taxis rack up miles on motorways and main roads—easier on engines than short urban trips. A taxi running regular Newry to Dungannon routes often outlasts one doing constant short hops around Armagh city centre.
Age affects more than the odometer. Rubber components perish over time regardless of mileage. Hoses, belts, and seals degrade. A ten-year-old taxi with low miles might need comprehensive rubber replacement.
The Ideal Range
Most used taxis sit between three and seven years old with 80,000-200,000 miles. This range offers the best value. You avoid the steepest depreciation while getting a vehicle with plenty of working life left. A five-year-old taxi with 150,000 motorway miles often proves more reliable than a three-year-old with 50,000 city miles.
Where to Find Quality Used Taxis
Private sales cost less but carry more risk. You’re buying as-seen with no comeback if problems emerge. Dealers charge more but often provide warranties and have reputations to protect. Specialist taxi suppliers understand what professional drivers need.
Established suppliers like cabdirect.com offer road-ready used vehicles with full MOT, comprehensive 12-month warranties, and guarantees to pass council tests. That peace of mind costs more upfront but saves money when unexpected repairs would otherwise sideline you.
Where Northern Ireland Drivers Should Look
- Specialist taxi dealers who understand local council requirements
- Online marketplaces (but always view in person, never buy from photos alone)
- Word-of-mouth referrals from other drivers at ranks in Banbridge or Portadown
- Avoid taxi auctions unless you’re experienced, novice buyers often overpay for problems
Online marketplaces show hundreds of options, but you can’t properly inspect vehicles through photographs. Sellers manipulate images and omit damage. Always view in person before committing. If the seller refuses, they’re hiding something.
MOT History: Reading Between the Lines
Every taxi needs an annual MOT. The certificate shows if it passed, but the advisory notes reveal future costs. You can check MOT history online for free using the registration number.
Advisories warn about components nearing failure. “Brake pads worn but above minimum” means you’ll need new pads within 6,000 miles. “Slight oil leak from engine” suggests gasket problems developing. Multiple advisories indicate deferred maintenance.
Look at the pattern across several years. Consistent minor advisories are normal. Sudden appearance of multiple serious issues suggests the owner stopped maintaining the vehicle properly. Failed MOTs followed by quick passes might mean cheap fixes rather than proper repairs.
Body Condition and Rust
Taxi bodies take punishment. Passenger doors open thousands of times yearly. Boot lids slam repeatedly. Stone chips from constant road use expose bare metal. Check every panel carefully before committing your money.
Key Areas to Inspect
Rust spreads quickly once it starts. Look underneath the vehicle with a torch:
- Sills and wheel arches rust first in Northern Ireland’s damp climate
- Suspension mounting points need particular attention
- Surface rust can be treated, but structural corrosion means expensive welding
- Door shut lines should be even—uneven gaps suggest accident damage
Check door shut lines. Uneven gaps suggest accident damage or poor repairs. Open and close each door—they should move smoothly without scraping. Test the boot mechanism thoroughly.
Interior Wear and Functionality
Drivers spend eight hours daily in their taxis. Worn seats cause backache, and broken climate control means summer misery. During your inspection, test everything: switches, windows, heating, air conditioning, radio, and USB ports.
Seat condition reveals how the previous owner treated the vehicle. Ripped upholstery and broken seat adjusters show neglect. Stains are cosmetic but suggest poor cleaning habits. Deep wear on the driver’s seat bolster is normal after 100,000 miles.
Check all the small things. Do both sun visors work? Does the interior light function? Are there cupholders? These details seem minor until you need them every single day. Replacing dashboard components costs more than you’d expect.
Smell the interior with fresh awareness. Musty odours indicate water leaks—a serious problem. Cigarette smoke lingers despite cleaning. Strong air freshener might hide something worse. Trust your nose.
Conversion Quality and Wheelchair Accessibility
Purpose-built taxis need thorough conversion checks. Ramps should operate smoothly without binding or jerking. Test them repeatedly. Hydraulic systems can leak, and repairs could be costly.
Safety and Compliance Checks
- Wheelchair restraints must meet safety standards—check for wear on straps and buckles
- Anchor points should be solid with no movement or rust
- Failed restraint systems mean the taxi can’t work until fixed, losing you income daily
- Council compliance varies. Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council have specific requirements
Passenger seating configuration affects your earning potential. Some conversions comfortably seat six passengers, while others feel cramped. Sit in different positions to gauge space. Remember, comfortable passengers leave better tips and request you again.
Engine Performance and Warning Lights
Test drives reveal problems that paperwork can’t. The engine should start immediately without hesitation. Listen for unusual noises—knocking, ticking, or whining sounds indicate wear. A smooth idle matters because you’ll spend hours stationary at ranks around Dungannon or Newry.
Acceleration should be progressive and responsive. Hesitation or jerking suggests fuel system issues or transmission problems.
Warning lights tell you everything. The dashboard should illuminate briefly when you turn the ignition and extinguish once the car is started. Any light staying on, especially engine management, ABS, or airbag warnings, needs investigation before purchase. Sellers who say “it’s just a sensor” are usually wrong.
The Test Drive Checklist
Take a long test drive covering different conditions. Motorway speeds on the M1 towards Banbridge, urban stop-start traffic through Armagh city, and hills around Newry all stress different components. The gearbox should shift smoothly. Brakes should feel firm and responsive. Steering shouldn’t wander or pull to either side.
Paperwork and Legal Checks
V5C registration documents must show the seller as the registered keeper. If they claim to be selling for someone else, walk away. It’s either stolen or they’re hiding something. The document should be original, not a replacement.
Outstanding finance ruins deals. A vehicle with unpaid finance can be repossessed even after you’ve bought it. HPI checks cost £20 and reveal finance agreements, insurance write-offs, and stolen vehicle records. Never skip this check.
Local Licensing Considerations
Taxi licence plates and council approvals transfer differently across regions. Some local authorities require new inspections regardless of previous licensing. Factor these costs into your budget:
- ABC Council areas (Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon) have specific taxi licensing requirements
- Newry, Mourne and Down District Council requires separate inspections
- Mid Ulster District Council (covering Dungannon) has its own testing standards
- Check when the current MOT expires—vehicles sold with two months left might be hiding problems
Ask why they’re selling. Genuine answers include upgrading to newer models or retiring from the trade.
Final Thoughts
Your taxi generates income. Buying the wrong vehicle means constant repairs, failed MOTs, and lost earnings. A thorough inspection takes three hours but saves thousands in future costs.
If possible, take someone experienced with you. Veteran drivers spot problems instantly that newcomers miss. Their expertise is invaluable, and most will help for the lunch price. The right used taxi serves you reliably for years, turning every mile into profit.
