buying an ex-taxi?

vibe666

i've been driving an automatic 1998 Mercedes e240 (a lot like this one, same colour & wheels etc.) that i have on loan from my local garage whilst my car is in getting repaired and it's a great car (imho), very comfortable and with plenty of poke when needed, leather seats etc. and 132k miles on the clock and is in good nick as far as i can see for a car of it's age.

i was thinking of buying it as a second car so myself and my wife have one each as she's about to have our first child and we'll both be needing our own cars from now on, but i was putting some shopping in the boot yesterday and noticed that it had the gubbins from a taxi meter in a box in the back and on closer inspection, you can see it used to be a taxi by various little bits and bobs visible on the car.

so, am i mad even considering buying an ex-taxi? and if i'm not, what would be a reasonable price to offer for it if i was to go ahead?

someone has told me that the gearboxes can be dodgy on them and that there are other issues to worry about with them, so i'm not so sure if it's worth a gamble or not.

the garage said if i did want it, they'd give me a 3 month warranty on it anyway and they've been very good to me so far with my other motor and very reasonable in general with work i've had done with them and i've found them to be a really nice, honest bunch of guys which is (in my experience) very rare for irish mechanics.

I Was VB

vibe666 wrote: »

i've been driving an automatic 1998 Mercedes e240 (a lot like this one, same colour & wheels etc.) that i have on loan from my local garage whilst my car is in getting repaired and it's a great car (imho), very comfortable and with plenty of poke when needed, leather seats etc. and 132k miles on the clock and is in good nick as far as i can see for a car of it's age.

i was thinking of buying it as a second car so myself and my wife have one each as she's about to have our first child and we'll both be needing our own cars from now on, but i was putting some shopping in the boot yesterday and noticed that it had the gubbins from a taxi meter in a box in the back and on closer inspection, you can see it used to be a taxi by various little bits and bobs visible on the car.

so, am i mad even considering buying an ex-taxi? and if i'm not, what would be a reasonable price to offer for it if i was to go ahead?

someone has told me that the gearboxes can be dodgy on them and that there are other issues to worry about with them, so i'm not so sure if it's worth a gamble or not.

the garage said if i did want it, they'd give me a 3 month warranty on it anyway and they've been very good to me so far with my other motor and very reasonable in general with work i've had done with them and i've found them to be a really nice, honest bunch of guys which is (in my experience) very rare for irish mechanics.

They rust quite badly for a car of its age and marque so check the bottom of doors and sills, wing arches and boot locks. Electrics can be a nightmare.

As for buying a ex taxi, they're working cars so by thier very nature they get a harder life than its non taxi counterpart. So check big things like tyres, brakes, suspension all of which get a hammering around town.

Usually id endorse such a purchase, but a 98 E240 ex taxi just dosent sit right. In saying that if they're prepared to do a 3 month warranty on it, it cant be that bad.

colm_mcm

It'd want to nearly be for free to be fair.

Mate bought a new shape e240, minter of a car, small miles, big spec. Got it for half nothing because of the high tax compared to an e200k

Old model e's are unpopular, so I can't see this being worth over €750 myself. Have a look in the bangeromics thread.

Buy an e39 instead.

Fey!

How long was it taxiing for? That mileage sounds reasonable for a non-taxi of that age; my mothers '98 e39 520, which she has been driving for the last 7 or 8 years, has similar mileage from her normal commute, so I'd have expected a taxi to be much higher.

To put it into perspective, it's an average of about 10,000 miles a year.

vibe666

i don't know how long it was a taxi for (is there an easy way to find out other than asking?), but he did say they were looking at selling it about 6 months ago for €2000, so i'd imagine they're looking somewhere between €1500 and 2k for it, but it doesn't sound like it's worth anything like that going by what you guys are saying.

i might head over to the bangernomics thread and see what's doing the rounds there, there's always bargains to be had.

Trhiggy83

ya the resale value of an ex taxi is always less than the market price. I would haggle strongly using the fact that it was an ex taxi and that you wont be able to shift it later without losing your shirt (which is a possibility) to be fair

Best of luck

vibe666

vibe666 wrote: »

i don't know how long it was a taxi for (is there an easy way to find out other than asking?), but he did say they were looking at selling it about 6 months ago for €2000, ..........

That's why they still have it

bazz26

€2k for a 13 year old petrol ex taxi E Class, they must be having a laugh.

Should be added to the dreamer of the year thread.

coylemj

That car is a V6 2.6 litre, it will drive like a dream like you say because the engine will be smoother than an inline 4 cylinder but you'll pay through the nose in petrol and car tax. Annual road tax is 1,120 vs. 551 for an E200K - 569 in the difference.

But take a look at donedeal, there's a few E240s in or around the 2K mark with various levels of trim and mileage and probably no ex-taxis!

mondeo

Ex taxi, you want to be crazy to buy it. Think of all the people who probably broke wind in the back seats, puke stains on the rear seats that were washed out yet not fully. Steering wheel bald as a chickens head from all the wax on wax off taxi driving. No thanks.

vibe666

it's actually in really good nick for the age, well looked after and everything in good condition, even if it hadn't been a taxi and if i hadn't found the taxi meter in the boot i wouldn't have guessed it had been one unless i was really looking.

VolvoMan

coylemj wrote: »

That car is a V6 2.6 litre

Something tells me that earlier ones (pre 1999 facelift) were 2.4.

It would still need to be mega cheap for me to go near it.

vibe666

VolvoMan wrote: »

Something tells me that earlier ones (pre 1999 facelift) were 2.4.

It would still need to be mega cheap for me to go near it.

how cheap?

VolvoMan

vibe666 wrote: »

how cheap?

500 quid.

kermitpwee

Imo its worth 1000 -1300 if it has a good test on it. Cant see why people think its worth 500

Gophur

kermitpwee wrote: »

Imo its worth 1000 -1300 if it has a good test on it. Cant see why people think its worth 500

13 years old, with dubious mileage (suspiciously low, even without it's taxi history) and used as a taxi. High motor tax, poor reputation and now subject to an annual NCT, €500 is a about what it's worth.

unkel

There's a lot of negativity here

OP likes it and trusts the garage that might sell it to him. And trusts them to stand over the warranty. The car might only have been a taxi for a short period of time.

What NCT is left? If it is long, a grand and a bit is a fair price for the car imho (provided the car is not rusty and the electrics are working ok at the mo)

kermitpwee

Gophur wrote: »

13 years old, with dubious mileage (suspiciously low, even without it's taxi history) and used as a taxi. High motor tax, poor reputation and now subject to an annual NCT, €500 is a about what it's worth.

So if you had a E class merc that was an ex taxi with a good test and in good to very good condition you would sell it on for 500 quid?

The Bishop Basher

I sold a 00 E240 about 6 months ago for €3000. It had 100k on it.

The rust is easily spotted so check out the boot lid, wheel arches, doors etc.

The issue with the gearbox is down to a small part worth about €10. If it fails, the gear box is knackered and the car is a write off.

Don't let people scare you regarding fuel consumption. I was getting the same MPG as I got from a C180 only with a lot more poke.

The tax is obviously a major running cost.

I'm also in the minority in that I wouldn't let the fact that a car was used as a taxi put me off it. On the contrary they are usually well maintained as they have to be. A taxi man can't afford to have his car off the road every second week needing repairs so they tend to look after them. Just make sure you verify the mileage.

As for the interior, i'd rather have an ex taxi then a car that's been hauling small kids around. Again, taxi drivers keep their cars clean. Kids will destroy and interior in 2 weeks.

In short, you like the car, if you are happy to pay the tax, go for it. I would be looking to pay approx €1000, €1200 at a push.

Gophur

kermitpwee wrote: »

So if you had a E class merc that was an ex taxi with a good test and in good to very good condition you would sell it on for 500 quid?

What a strange, strange question!!!!!

(How would I ever come into possession of such a thing?)

L-M

kermitpwee wrote: »

Imo its worth 1000 -1300 if it has a good test on it. Cant see why people think its worth 500

I dunno how so many people thank'd you're post, no way it's worth over a grand.

kermitpwee

Gophur wrote: »

What a strange, strange question!!!!!

(How would I ever come into possession of such a thing?)

You said it's worth 500 so if you had it would you let it go for 500? It's a simple question.

kermitpwee

Limerick man wrote: »

I dunno how so many people thank'd you're post, no way it's worth over a grand.

Well if its running well and is in good condition it's worth 1000-1300 euro. The reason i say this is that I have bought a lot of cars in the 250-1400 euro bracket and there is a lot of rubbish out there so Imo its worth a grand or a little more. It seems to me that people expect to get a very good car for SFA just because it has high tax.

cadaliac

Swanner wrote: »

I sold a 00 E240 about 6 months ago for €3000. It had 100k on it.

The rust is easily spotted so check out the boot lid, wheel arches, doors etc.

The issue with the gearbox is down to a small part worth about €10. If it fails, the gear box is knackered and the car is a write off.

Don't let people scare you regarding fuel consumption. I was getting the same MPG as I got from a C180 only with a lot more poke.

The tax is obviously a major running cost.

I'm also in the minority in that I wouldn't let the fact that a car was used as a taxi put me off it. On the contrary they are usually well maintained as they have to be. A taxi man can't afford to have his car off the road every second week needing repairs so they tend to look after them. Just make sure you verify the mileage.

As for the interior, i'd rather have an ex taxi then a car that's been hauling small kids around. Again, taxi drivers keep their cars clean. Kids will destroy and interior in 2 weeks.

In short, you like the car, if you are happy to pay the tax, go for it. I would be looking to pay approx €1000, €1200 at a push.

What is the part worth €10?? I'd agree with all the rest in your post also btw.

vibe666

thanks for the tips guys, i think i have enough to go on now anyway.

if anyone's interested i can take some pics?

L-M

kermitpwee wrote: »

Well if its running well and is in good condition it's worth 1000-1300 euro. The reason i say this is that I have bought a lot of cars in the 250-1400 euro bracket and there is a lot of rubbish out there so Imo its worth a grand or a little more. It seems to me that people expect to get a very good car for SFA just because it has high tax.

It's not that people expect, people do, it's the way our tax system has priced our second hands cars for years. Especially with people cutting corners in everyway they can to save money, I'd literally bite the hand off someone who offered me anything over 750 for that car. It's a model that renowned for being ****e, it's 15 years old and the tax for a year is more than the car worth. If you were looking for something as a second car the 2.0 is perfectly acceptable, Also it's an ex taxi.

Gophur

kermitpwee wrote: »

You said it's worth 500 so if you had it would you let it go for 500? It's a simple question.

With respect, it's not a simple question, it's a stupid question.

I've never had such a car, and the chances of me ever having one are practically nil, so your question does not arise.

My estimation of it's value remains the same. If someone else feels it's worth more, then so be it.

pcardin

kermitpwee wrote: »

So if you had a E class merc that was an ex taxi with a good test and in good to very good condition you would sell it on for 500 quid?

Of course not. He'll be selling it for €3000 and sing a different song. :pac:

kermitpwee

Gophur wrote: »

With respect, it's not a simple question, it's a stupid question.

I've never had such a car, and the chances of me ever having one are practically nil, so your question does not arise.

My estimation of it's value remains the same. If someone else feels it's worth more, then so be it.

With respect you have dodged the question that I have posed. My question is in no way stupid. You say it's worth 500euro, my question is hypothetical if you had the car would you sell it for 500 euro? Surely if you had the car and you feel its only worth 500euro then you would be willing to sell it for 500 euro? It's a simple question and in no way stupid. If you don't want to answer it then don't but don't tell me that I am posing a stupid question. The Op wants to know what it's worth and my question has added to the debate on what it's worth. You have said that you have never owned such a car and never will yet you know that it's only worth 500 euro:rolleyes:

Gophur

kermitpwee wrote: »

With respect you have dodged the question that I have posed. My question is in no way stupid. You say it's worth 500euro, my question is hypothetical if you had the car would you sell it for 500 euro? Surely if you had the car and you feel its only worth 500euro then you would be willing to sell it for 500 euro? It's a simple question and in no way stupid. If you don't want to answer it then don't but don't tell me that I am posing a stupid question. The Op wants to know what it's worth and my question has added to the debate on what it's worth. You have said that you have never owned such a car and never will yet you know that it's only worth 500 euro:rolleyes:

Given that
1. I never had such a car,
and
2. Unlikely to ever have such a car,

it is a stupid question.

As for all the amateur psychologists telling me what I would do, etc? How do they know?

The true answer is we will never know!

The Bishop Basher

cadaliac wrote: »

What is the part worth €10?? I'd agree with all the rest in your post also btw.

I can't remember but I can find out if you like. When I was selling mine I asked my mechanic if I was doing the right thing. He mentioned this gearbox issue on this model and said he sees them in regularly enough with the owners having to figure out whether they want to spend the 2 grand or walk away and start again. Most walk away.

kermitpwee

Gophur wrote: »

Given that
1. I never had such a car,
and
2. Unlikely to ever have such a car,

it is a stupid question.

As for all the amateur psychologists telling me what I would do, etc? How do they know?

The true answer is we will never know!

The true answer is you haven't a clue what the car is worth but have jumped on the bandwagon that it's only worth 500euro. Now that is an example of stupidity. Furthermore we would know the answer to the question I posed but you won't give an answer as you don't want to look foolish.

Gophur

kermitpwee wrote: »

The true answer is you haven't a clue what the car is worth ..........

I have an opinion. Last time I checked, I was entitled to one! Having such an opinion, if different to yours, does not make me "stupid".

As for not having a clue? I will defer to more intelligent sources before I'll answer that one!



The question as to what I would want, was hypothetical, and stupid/ridiculous, whatever, as it will never arise.

You, on the other hand, need to get a little less personal with others you may not necessarily agree with.

no1beemerfan

Gophur wrote: »

What a strange, strange question!!!!!

Gophur wrote: »

With respect, it's not a simple question, it's a stupid question.

I for one do not think its one bit stupid. Its a straight forward question and I could answer that IF I had one I wouldn't sell it for €500. Even though I've never owned one. Its not that hard to answer!

kermitpwee

Gophur wrote: »

You, on the other hand, need to get a little less personal with others you may not necessarily agree with.

Hold on a second here now. You were the first one to get personal here, you said my question was stupid so don't get up on your high horse with me. And before you say you were attacking my post let me explain this to you. You said that the question I posed was stupid, I posed the question so therefore in effect you are calling me stupid and you were the first poster to attack in that manner. If you want to keep the personal stuff out of it then stick to those rules yourself. At the outset you could have said that you thought my post was not relevant and it would have not been personal instead you called my post stupid.

gazmc18

Its not worth €1,400 lads not a chance.

The tax does affect its value. If it was a taxi too its pretty much worth nothing. Someone might give €500 for it.

3 months warranty is pretty impressive though.

VolvoMan

kermitpwee wrote: »

Imo its worth 1000 -1300 if it has a good test on it. Cant see why people think its worth 500

I knew I was being a bit harsh on my valuation, but 1000-1300 would be crazy money for it imo.

These cars have a dreadful repuation and with roadtax being the guts of a grand (at least) I wouldn't pay more than 750 for it.

EPM

kermitpwee wrote: »

Hold on a second here now. You were the first one to get personal here, you said my question was stupid so don't get up on your high horse with me. And before you say you were attacking my post let me explain this to you. You said that the question I posed was stupid, I posed the question so therefore in effect you are calling me stupid and you were the first poster to attack in that manner. If you want to keep the personal stuff out of it then stick to those rules yourself. At the outset you could have said that you thought my post was not relevant and it would have not been personal instead you called my post stupid.

And we'll leave it at that;)

L-M

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2252652

A grand, FSH, nct, and it's not sold... Case rested

Dermo123

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320720878663&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_500wt_1156

A 55,000 miler could not reach €1,000 on ebay. Anything with over 100K definitely is not worth more than €750.

unkel

Limerick man wrote: »

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2252652

A grand, FSH, nct, and it's not sold... Case rested

Not quite QED

You of all people should know that the same car can have several different values. OP's car is worth maybe €500 in the trade, €750 in a private sale but a lot more than that (possibly over €1,000) from a trusted / reputable garage with a 3 month warranty that you can rely on...

L-M

That depends on the car, an E240 is a wedding ring that most garages owners wouldn't want/touch.

Run_to_da_hills

My folks had ex taxi W201 Merc from the early 80's that must have had at least 500k up on the clock, they had it for 4 years before the engine blew up. With a replacement engine it would have gone for longer.

I wouldn't touch an E Class Merc ex taxi or not with a barge pole, they are over rated, soft as fcuk, crap electrics, rust, fuel pump gives trouble etc etc. JUst like VW anything they produced after the mid 90's is pure rubbish.