What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Taxing work

Could you advise me as to the best car to buy for use as a mini cab? I need an automatic to save on my clutch leg; however, I've been getting conflicting advise as to whether to go for a diesel or petrol or hybrid due to the fact that stop start small journeys can eat up the mpg on petrol engined but are potentially damaging to diesels (carbon discharge). Then there's hybrid (e.g. Prius) and potentially dud battery costs.

Asked on 24 July 2010 by DC, Croydon

Answered by Honest John
A Prius or the new Auris hybrid is a good idea. Toyota is seeing Prius IIs with as much as 400,000 miles on them. The ‘hybrid synergy drive’ system is very pleasant and easy to use in traffic, and I recently averaged 74mpg in traffic, though this later fell to about 60mpg. Toyota warrants its battery for 8 years or 100,000 miles. Diesel engines with particulate filters are unsuitable for this type of use.
Dear Honest John,

Please help me choose my next car. I would like it to have:
    Select a few terms below
Similar questions
A friend is thinking of changing her 3-year-old Ford Focus Diesel manual for another car. Could you advise what types of similar mid range cars are available (including the Focus) but with an automatic...
I'm still reviewing my options regarding the purchase of a used Toyota Prius (approximately two years old) for private use and work as a 'Private Hire' taxi. Unfortunately I can't afford the current model,...
Why are hybrid cars petrol and electric? Would it not make it more economical on fuel to have diesel/electric hybrids?
Related models
Decent combination of ride and handling that might suit some people better than a harder sprung Golf or a Civic. A few inches taller than a Golf of Focus so easier to get in and out.
Low CO2 emissions and zero car tax. Spacious cabin makes it a realistic family car. Plug-In version escaped London Congestion Charge.