Black cab | Motoring discussion | Back Room Forum

Tue 9 Sep 2014 09:59

Black cab - dan86

My car I use for commuting (2001 toyota avencis) is coming to the end of its life so have been looking for something to replace it with.

Was looking on ebay when I see a 1996 LtI fairway (black cab) for sale full service history 9 months tax and 6 months mot for £900.

But trying to find a company to insure it has come up with dead ends looking on Google. Just wondering if a ex black cab is a good buy?

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Tue 9 Sep 2014 10:08

Black cab - gordonbennet

Rust is a big issue with these, but if you want one then Adrian Flux and other specialist brokers should provide cover.

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Tue 9 Sep 2014 10:13

Black cab - dan86

Thanks will have a look. The one I was looking at has had two front wings replaced a couple of years ago according to the advert. For some reason I see the advert n thought it would be a. It different, also this one had don't 600k miles so the engin is proven. I tend to buy cheep cars and run then for a year to two years and do basic maintenance on them and run them untill they un economical to repair.

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Tue 9 Sep 2014 10:23

Black cab - gordonbennet

Worth a poke nose.

www.fairwayownersclub.com/Fairway_Taxi_Forum/index...p

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Tue 9 Sep 2014 11:32

Black cab - dan86

Thanks gb. Will have a look at that later when I get in from work. For some reason I just fancy owning a ex black cab don't know y but I know they were built to last maybe that's why.

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Tue 9 Sep 2014 12:23

Black cab - RobJP

Thanks gb. Will have a look at that later when I get in from work. For some reason I just fancy owning a ex black cab don't know y but I know they were built to last maybe that's why.

As you say, they were built to last. This one has already done that - to the tune of 18 years, and 600,000 miles.That's why it is cheap.

If you are happy to accept the possibility of a terminal failure at any point, then go for it. If not, then look elsewhere. For me, I'd want any car with that sort of mileage for £500 or less. Bangernomics, basically

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Tue 9 Sep 2014 12:44

Black cab - dan86

I doubt I'd buy it but just see n thought it would be different. High millage doesn't scare me as long as it has been looked after. I love playing the game of banganomics. Bout a 91 bmw 325i saloon a few years ago for £500 it had done nearly 1m miles and ran as smooth as when it was new. Would probably still had it if a dippy volvi drive hadn't fallen asleep at the wheel and veard in to me.

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Tue 9 Sep 2014 14:57

Black cab - Sofa Spud

If your commute is in London or another big city, don't be surprised to see people trying to flag you down!

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Tue 9 Sep 2014 16:55

Black cab - Manatee

this one had don't 600k miles so the engin is proven.

Assuming you mean "this one has done 600k miles so the engine is proven", then that is the best example of positive thinking I have ever come across!

Nothing to stop you making a lower offer?

I have to say buying cheap has never worked for me. Instead of throwing it away a few weeks later when it breaks, I justify spending on repairs on the basis that it will still only have cost me what a good one would have...then it breaks again, and again...

Other than the novelty value, does it have anything else going for it? I don't think they are especially economical.

This is a fun read.

www.baconsdozen.co.uk/londontaxi.html

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Tue 9 Sep 2014 22:03

Black cab - dan86

Apart from the novelty no it doesn't have anything special about it but I couldn't find anywhere online to do a search for insurance amd wonder if people knew of any insurance companies that delt with them. We have two cars in the household and I just buy old cheep cars that I think will last me a couple of years with as little maintenance needing as possible apart from basic serviceing.

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Tue 9 Sep 2014 22:05

Black cab - dan86

Apart from the novelty not really just seem like it would be fun to own a old cab. My commute is in London so that would be fun.

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Wed 10 Sep 2014 17:07

Black cab - piggy