Thread Starter
#1
Hello everyone!
I am back with another thread. And a unique one at that! We are, finally after a lot of haggling with Dad last year (and the decision was made yesterday), starting a Taxi service/business, with a fleet of privately owned cars (in our name) and drivers. My uncle (Dad's brother) is also in this business for 4 years and now, and with his support and motivation, my Dad has also decided to start one. My uncle has not supported us financially, rather he has promised to buy the taxi cars if the business doesn't start well (which was my Dad's largest worry). My uncle currently own 9 cars for his taxi service and is making good money! (Hope he isn't reading this! )
Now, coming to the topic, we need some cars to start the Taxi service, which would be majorly managed by me. We need a total of 3 more cars, in addition to the Liva I am using. My Liva would be used in the Taxi service and I am also looking for a new car for me (Link - http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/car-shopper/22028-new-diesel-car-need-help.html#post447494).
Your Budget: A total of 10 lakhs for downpayment and Rs. ~10k EMI per car. Would be better if I can get capable cars at lesser price. The on-road price should not exceed Rs. ~25 lakhs. This is the limit though.
New or Used: New. I would have looked for used if my uncle would have not supported. But, as he is ready to buy the cars from us if this plan doesn't go well, we are looking for new ones only.
Your Location: Faridabad, Haryana. We can do a deal in Gurgaon, Noida, Delhi and nearby dealers also.
Top Priorities: Reliability (as the running would be extreme), Torquey engine is preferred over powerful (as there may be full load conditions in any part of India), Good A.S.S. (should have reputed dealers spread over India, with good reputation), Spacious (because it will be used as a taxi. Rear seat comfort is important, as is the boot space), Firm ride quality (as it would be used on the highways mainly). We are expecting these qualities from all the 3 cars. Features would be appreciated but not going for the top-end versions, for sure.
Monthly Running: Initially it would be less. In some time, if the business picks up, then I expect ~4k+ kms per month running per car.
Type of Fuel: Diesel preferred. Not going for CNG/LPG versions.
For What Purpose: Taxi usage. Creature comforts not necesarry.
Seating Capacity: 5 healthy adults for sedans, 7+ adults for MPV
Type of Segment: 2 cars from the Compact Sedan/Mid-size sedan segment, one from Premium MPV segment
Now some questions:
1. Would a petrol be as frugal as a diesel? My experience says that both type of engines can cover long distance but a diesel is better suited to "long-distance-at-short-interval" type of travel. Plus, diesel is the cheaper fuel.
2. Would I get additional discount on buying 3 cars at the same time? If so, then how much approx.?
3. Is it better to go for mid/top variants? I think lower variants would be better if they come with ABS at least, if not airbags.
Currently, we have decided on one 7+ seater MPV and two 5 seater mid-size/compact sedans. Which cars fit my budget and Also, waiting for your comments whether the decisions I am taking are correct. If you guys have any better suggestions, then please feel free to pour them in.
PS. My 100th post.
Regards,
Nikunj
I am back with another thread. And a unique one at that! We are, finally after a lot of haggling with Dad last year (and the decision was made yesterday), starting a Taxi service/business, with a fleet of privately owned cars (in our name) and drivers. My uncle (Dad's brother) is also in this business for 4 years and now, and with his support and motivation, my Dad has also decided to start one. My uncle has not supported us financially, rather he has promised to buy the taxi cars if the business doesn't start well (which was my Dad's largest worry). My uncle currently own 9 cars for his taxi service and is making good money! (Hope he isn't reading this! )
Now, coming to the topic, we need some cars to start the Taxi service, which would be majorly managed by me. We need a total of 3 more cars, in addition to the Liva I am using. My Liva would be used in the Taxi service and I am also looking for a new car for me (Link - http://www.theautomotiveindia.com/forums/car-shopper/22028-new-diesel-car-need-help.html#post447494).
Your Budget: A total of 10 lakhs for downpayment and Rs. ~10k EMI per car. Would be better if I can get capable cars at lesser price. The on-road price should not exceed Rs. ~25 lakhs. This is the limit though.
New or Used: New. I would have looked for used if my uncle would have not supported. But, as he is ready to buy the cars from us if this plan doesn't go well, we are looking for new ones only.
Your Location: Faridabad, Haryana. We can do a deal in Gurgaon, Noida, Delhi and nearby dealers also.
Top Priorities: Reliability (as the running would be extreme), Torquey engine is preferred over powerful (as there may be full load conditions in any part of India), Good A.S.S. (should have reputed dealers spread over India, with good reputation), Spacious (because it will be used as a taxi. Rear seat comfort is important, as is the boot space), Firm ride quality (as it would be used on the highways mainly). We are expecting these qualities from all the 3 cars. Features would be appreciated but not going for the top-end versions, for sure.
Monthly Running: Initially it would be less. In some time, if the business picks up, then I expect ~4k+ kms per month running per car.
Type of Fuel: Diesel preferred. Not going for CNG/LPG versions.
For What Purpose: Taxi usage. Creature comforts not necesarry.
Seating Capacity: 5 healthy adults for sedans, 7+ adults for MPV
Type of Segment: 2 cars from the Compact Sedan/Mid-size sedan segment, one from Premium MPV segment
Now some questions:
1. Would a petrol be as frugal as a diesel? My experience says that both type of engines can cover long distance but a diesel is better suited to "long-distance-at-short-interval" type of travel. Plus, diesel is the cheaper fuel.
2. Would I get additional discount on buying 3 cars at the same time? If so, then how much approx.?
3. Is it better to go for mid/top variants? I think lower variants would be better if they come with ABS at least, if not airbags.
Currently, we have decided on one 7+ seater MPV and two 5 seater mid-size/compact sedans. Which cars fit my budget and Also, waiting for your comments whether the decisions I am taking are correct. If you guys have any better suggestions, then please feel free to pour them in.
PS. My 100th post.
Regards,
Nikunj
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