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How do I check if a car is a taxi?

I’m thinking about buying a used Toyota, but it looks pretty worn out. I think it may have been a cab at some point, but I’m not sure. What’s the best way for me to check if a used car was a taxi?

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Matthew Macgugan · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Nowadays, nearly any car could be used as a rideshare vehicle—so it’s much more common to find cars that were used as taxis! Luckily, you can usually use these tips to tell if your car was ever used as a taxi:
  • Holes or patchwork. Taxis are often fitted with accessories like calculators or trip-trackers that help them handle business. As a result, former taxis usually have holes or patchwork where those devices were previously attached.
  • Worn parts. Since taxis are often put under heavy use, it’s common to see
    signs of advanced wear
    around the steering wheel, gear selector, and door handles.
  • Common taxi vehicles. Taxis need to be reliable, affordable vehicles. So it’s common for taxi companies to use commuter-geared models of Toyotas, Hyundais, and Fords. Be extra careful when you’re looking at mainstream Toyota models like the Camry or Sienna,
At the right price, a former taxi vehicle can still make a reliable car for your morning commute. But you should take extra care to keep up with maintenance. Otherwise, you could break down on the road!
To make sure you’re covered for mechanical breakdowns, get a roadside assistance membership with
Jerry
. Jerry’s leading roadside assistance membership protects you with its nationwide network of 55,000+ service providers for as little as $4.16 a month.
Good luck!
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