Taxi Driver Online

I have been thinking about buying a 8 seater minibus (9 seates with driver!) and am wondering in peoples opinion what is the best?

I was thinking along the lines of a Ford Tourneo or a VW Transporter but really just want something that is going to last for about 250,000 miles without always breaking down.

My price range would be up to £6,000 if I can get the finance for that which should be no problem.

I have had a look on ebay and on autotrader and there are a few around all in different condition. Looking on autotrader there are two tourneo's which look ok, both cheap at £2,500 and £2,250 with mileage around 115,000 but you can never tell what they are going to be like in the long run. Would like to know if anyone would look at these fro this price or would you run a mile?

I have also seen the deals in the taxi mags from Fowlers and all the rest saying buy a new minibus from only £70 per week, but not sure if they are good or to stay away completely. Can anyone provide and info?

Can anyone tell me what they think is the best type of minibus to get and why?

Not too sure Fowlers have had many good write up on here.

If you can get the Ford for under three grand, with only 115,000 on it, then I would go for that. Then keep the other three grand for the repairs.

Why not buy a new one and use the £6,000 for a deposit. Get one with at least a two years warranty and work like a c*** during those two years.

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IDFIMH

stay away from FOLWERS

Had a 2 Merc Vito from new over 200k between them and apart from some niggles under warranty at first they have both performed superb. I do airport work so mostly motorway work but get around 35-40 mpg if I keep the speed around 65, they will cruise all day at 75-80 mph if you want to.

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you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.

whats your LA's age limits?

2004 tourneos = £8000+ on ebay


£3000 wont buy you much

i went with the Ford...

I've had a 2005 Vito from new and now with 125K on it,I've got to tell you:
It drives a treat and it's reliable.
However, the first rust patches came through at 4 days old
It's been sprayed over 3 times and now going in for the 4th
the build quality is lousy
Mercedes turn their noses up at any question you raise
and the only thing worse than my local agents inability is their diss-interest.
I'm now waiting for the phone call to tell me when my new vehicle will be ready..
A VW Shuttle
bernardmansell.com are doing some good deals on new vehicles

If you can Find a good COIF Minibus for £6000 (Plus Vat of Course) that will do 250,000 miles without always breaking down let me know..reply to Norris Mcwhirter, the Guiness book of records, UK

Sorry....saw the Minibus bit..never noticed the 8 passenger seat part...its a big MPV you want

The type of vehicle I have been looking for is a minibus able to take up to 8 passengers with luggage so that I can do local and airport runs.

I thought about the Tourneo because so many are using them and they look a great vehicle. However, after talking to a mechanic he said that my ex-boss's 07 plate Tourneo was always in for repair for somthing or other and what with the chat with the other Tourneo owner it has put me off them slightly.

My plan now is that I am thinking of a 12 seater Ford Transit and then to remove 3 seats so that I can drive it private hire and with the seats removed it will give me loads of luggage space. Have been told these are great reliable vehicles, but as with any vehicle you can have trouble so I am looking for the one that gives me the least hassle. Had a look round a 16 seater version the other night and they look ok with easy to clean floors and because it is not executive or anything then it does not have to been anything like a Merc etc.

Anyone got any comments on the Ford Transits??