Motorcheck.ie estimates that up to 10,000 vehicles could be affected when the new regulations come into force and expects that many of these cars will be disposed of in the private market.
Commenting on the development, Shane Teskey, Managing Director at Motorcheck.ie, advises buyers to be extra vigilant when appraising cars with a 2001 registration or older. "Buying an ex-taxi is not necessarily a bad thing. Many of the vehicles being forced out of public service by these new rules will have been very well maintained and are capable of serving in a private capacity perfectly well."
However he cautioned that buying an ex-taxi does have its risks and he advises that anyone purchasing one ensures that it is thoroughly checked by a qualified mechanic before committing to a purchase.
"It's very important is that potential buyers are made aware that the vehicle was previously used as a taxi so that they can take the time to check that it's mechanically sound before committing to a purchase. Whilst we would hope that all sellers inform potential buyers about a car's past history as a taxi, we're only too aware that some unscrupulous sellers may try to take advantage by changing the car's tax status to a private vehicle before offering it for sale."