Taxi services in Russia today are in great demand - never before has it been so convenient to use this type of public transport! The cost of the trip is low, there are more than enough applications for ordering - Yandex.Taxi, Vezet, Uber, Citymobil, etc. For many car owners, working or working part-time as a taxi driver has become extremely profitable, because now you can complete all the documents, sign a contract and start driving in just a couple of hours.
Any responsible taxi driver who wants to earn decent money and be in good standing with clients and taxi aggregators understands that they need to provide their service efficiently - drive carefully, have a decent car that is clean, comfortable, and has enough free space. However, the budget for a car is usually limited, so you have to choose the best car based on price/quality. We’ll tell you in this article which one a novice cab driver should choose.
Selection parameters
Let's start with the factors that determine car models. Probably the most important indicator will be their reliability. After all, for a taxi it is important to find a vehicle that can withstand many long trips not only around the city, but also in rural areas.
So, the selection parameters will be as follows.
Prestige car
There is no need to choose a very expensive and high-status car; you should choose something in between. Average in price, quality and appearance. Such a car can quickly pay for itself.
Car comfort
Due to the fact that a taxi driver has to drive a car all day long, comfort plays an important role in choosing a car. You should carefully study the seat adjustments and devices that will help the driver relieve fatigue. It is also important that the car is spacious, because passengers come in different sizes: tall or overweight. They should also be comfortable in the car.
Car cross-country ability
The quality of the road surface leaves much to be desired both in the city and in rural areas. This means that the frame in the car must have high strength.
Trunk volume
In a taxi, it is desirable to have a large and roomy trunk, since people often move from place to place or travel. They usually take with them a lot of luggage that needs to be stored somewhere.
Car service
You should choose those car brands for which it will be easier to find the right spare part later. And the price will be more reasonable. After all, with constant use, the machine will sooner or later require repair work.
Saving on fuel
It is better to stick to those cars that have lower fuel consumption. Since fuel costs take up a large share of all taxi driver expenses. And by choosing a more economical model, you will get more income.
Service area
You must choose a car taking into account what class you will be servicing. When applying for a job as a taxi driver, you should immediately discuss this issue, because there are business class cars.
Most clients prefer a comfortable taxi, quickly delivered to the appointed place and at a not very expensive price.
Now let’s look at the top 10 cars that are suitable for working in a taxi in almost all respects.
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.
Hyundai Solaris
This car is the leader in the ranking of the most popular taxi cars. Hyundai Solaris has been used as a taxi car in Russia for quite some time. It is practical, has a powerful engine, as for a car of this class. There were no complaints about the build quality. The vehicle also boasts low fuel consumption and its functionality.
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The car comes in two trim levels: with 1.4 and 1.6 liter engines. Both engines run on gasoline. The maximum engine power is 123 horsepower. The luggage compartment has a volume of 454 liters.
Positive sides
- A price accessible to everyone.
- Car practicality and reliability.
- The service is not very expensive.
- Low fuel consumption.
- Excellent design and comfortable pleasant interior.
Negative sides
- Small passenger seats. Tall people may feel uncomfortable.
- Ground clearance is only 16 cm.
- Average road illumination with low beam.
Ford Tourneo
A large, roomy minivan that is suitable for transporting up to 8 passengers or medium-sized cargo. 2.2-liter gasoline engine , and fuel consumption for vehicles in this category is quite modest - up to 6.5 liters per 100 kilometers of driving.
For taxi needs, it is recommended to buy a five-door model to conveniently accommodate passengers' cargo. The width of the minivan is only 1.8 meters, so the car can be used even in small towns with narrow streets. The drive is only front-wheel drive, and an automatic transmission with 5 gears is used to control speeds. Price – from 2.5 million rubles.
Pros:
- Very high spaciousness (due to the use of a minivan body).
- Good maneuverability and maneuverability, moderate fuel consumption.
- There is a climate system, low cost of Ford spare parts.
Minus – mediocre automatic transmission.
Kia Rio
This car is also perfect for a taxi. The Kia engine can be available with volumes of 1.4 and 1.6 liters. Kia's engine power is 107 horsepower, which is very good for cars with a medium engine capacity. The gearbox can be manual or automatic. The basic equipment of the car includes electrical accessories, two airbags, an ABS system and a fairly spacious trunk. When driving, the engine runs quite quietly. Fuel consumption is 7 liters per 100 km.
With the extended configuration, the car is additionally equipped with an EPS system, power steering, and an on-board computer. But such a car model will undoubtedly cost more.
Positive sides
- Average cost of the car and inexpensive maintenance.
- Low fuel consumption.
- Quiet engine operation.
- Availability of different types of equipment.
Negative sides
- There is a need for frequent polishing of the car body coating.
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.
Renault Logan
This is a high quality car made in France. It has a simple design and an average cost, accessible to everyone. Renault is a reliable and advanced car, adapted to the Russian climate. It is equipped with enhanced interior heating, as well as an air flow distribution system. Trunk volume – 510 l.
There are models with different types of automatic transmissions. There are cars with an automatic transmission and a manual transmission. There can also be cars with a gasoline engine and a diesel one. Fuel consumption with a diesel engine will be lower. The engine capacity is 1.6 liters. Its maximum power is 113 horsepower.
Positive sides
- Maneuverability, when driving in the city and practicality.
- You can choose the appropriate package according to the buyer's taste.
- Wide and comfortable interior.
- Inexpensive maintenance and spare parts are readily available.
- Quite spacious trunk.
No negative aspects have been identified.
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.
View configurations
Daewoo Nexia
This car is of high quality and affordable. It was released in Germany, jointly with South Korea. The car's cast suspension helps it move smoothly, regardless of the speed of the car. Nexia is equipped with excellent sound insulation.
The car has a reliable body and a strong bumper that can withstand impacts of varying strength. Repairing it will not be difficult, since there are no problems finding spare parts. The car engine comes in two types: 1.5 l. and 1.6 l. Maximum engine power is 109 horsepower.
Positive sides
- The cost of a car is affordable for everyone.
- Nice pendant.
- High body strength.
- Availability of necessary spare parts.
Negative sides
- In large cities, this car is not given permission to work in a taxi.
Volkswagen Polo
This is one of the popular taxi cars. The appearance of the car has a strict and modern look. The interior design is minimalist, but quite comfortable. The driver's seat has many different adjustments. The passenger seats can also be adjusted to accommodate clients of different sizes. The trunk volume is 460 liters.
The Volkswagen engine has a power of 110 horsepower. And its volume is 1.4 and 1.6 liters. The engines run only on gasoline.
Positive sides
- Spacious and comfortable interior.
- High engine power.
- Minimalist interior design.
- Ground clearance – 17 cm.
Negative sides
- The bumper is very low.
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.
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Negative sides
- Difficulties in car repairs.
Machine requirements
For convenience, we will divide all the requirements for a taxi car into two sections: legal and actual. Legal requirements are established by law. Each vehicle in a taxi service must have the following elements:
- identification lamp;
- color scheme;
- specific color (different from region);
- taximeter.
Actual requirements depend on a number of parameters. Let's look at each class separately.
Start class:
| Model | Year of issue |
| Chevrolet Lacetti | From 2004 |
| Lada Vesta | From 2016 |
| Chevrolet Aveo | From 2010 |
| Nissan Almera | From 2008 |
| Renault Logan | From 2007 |
| Datsun On-Do | From 2014 |
Economy class:
| Model | Year of issue | Equipment |
| Chevrolet Cruze | From 2011 | Airbag included |
| Ford Focus | From 2010 | |
| Volkswagen Polo | From 2011 | |
| Hyundai Solaris | From 2011 | |
| Kia Rio | From 2012 | |
| Skoda Rapid | From 2013 | |
| Chevrolet Cruze | From 2011 |
Comfort class:
| Model | Year of issue | Equipment |
| Hyundai Elantra | From 2015 | Airbag and air conditioning included |
| Skoda Octavia | From 2015 | |
| Kia Ceed | From 2018 | |
| Kia Cerato | From 2012 | |
| Hyundai i40 | From 2012 | |
| Honda Civic | From 2015 | |
| Honda Accord | From 2015 | |
| Ford Mondeo | From 2014 | |
| Citroen C3 | From 2012 | |
| Nissan Teana | From 2014 |
Comfort+:
| Model | Year of issue | Equipment |
| Volkswagen Passat | From 2015 | Airbags, audio systems, electric windows |
| Lexus ES | From 2015 | |
| Kia Optima | From 2016 | |
| Toyota Camry | From 2016 | |
| Hyundai Sonata | From 2017 | |
| Hyundai Equus | From 2016 | |
| Volvo S80 | From 2014 |
Business Class:
| Model | Year of issue | Equipment |
| BMW 5 | From 2016 | Airbags, audio systems, chargers |
| Mercedes-Benz E-class | From 2016 | |
| BMW X3 | From 2016 | |
| Audi A6 | From 2016 | |
| Jaguar XF | From 2016 |
Premium:
| Model | Year of issue | Equipment |
| Rolls-Royce Phantom | From 2016 | Everything you need for a luxurious life |
| Audi A8 | From 2016 | |
| Mercedes-Maybach S-class | From 2016 | |
| BMW 7 | From 2016 | |
| Jaguar XF | From 2016 | |
| Bentley Mulsanne | From 2016 | |
| Bentley Continental | From 2016 |
Minivans:
| Model | Year of issue |
| Ford Galaxy | From 2014 |
| Citroen C4 Picasso | From 2014 |
| Volkswagen Caddy | From 2014 |
Lada Largus
This Russian-made car is also well suited for working in a taxi. It has a spacious interior and a spacious trunk. There are two car models. One model has seating for 5, the other for 7. Some Lada Largus models can use not only gasoline, but also methane as fuel. High noise insulation.
The engine in the Lada Largus has a power of 102 horsepower. And its volume is 1.6 liters.
Positive sides
- The car is well equipped.
- Spacious trunk.
- Spacious and comfortable interior.
- Different models have different car equipment.
Negative sides
- There is little space for rear seat passengers.
- Small ergonomics.
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.
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.
Toyota Camry
A good business class car made in Japan. The appearance of the car has an attractive design. The car is made of high quality material. The salon is spacious and comfortable. Equipped with six airbags. Toyota's trunk volume is 493 liters. Ground clearance or ground clearance is 15.5 cm.
The engine has high power and can have the following volumes: 2 liters, 2.5 and 3.5 liters. The maximum engine power is 250 horsepower. All engines are gasoline only. The machine has low fuel consumption even at high speed. The body is treated with special corrosion protection.
Positive sides
- Presentable design.
- Reliability. Since the car is large enough, you should approach the issue of choosing a car more seriously.
- Business class car.
- Powerful engine.
Negative sides
- Small ground clearance.
In order to work as a taxi driver, you need a car that is comfortable and functional. It must be reliable and have a wide trunk. It should be comfortable not only for the driver, but also for the passengers, and they can be of very different sizes. You also need to study models that will help you save money: with a powerful engine and low fuel consumption. And since the range of cars is large, you should carefully study the issue of purchasing a car for taxi work.
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/
