How should you prepare and present your taxi for maximum resale value?
- Perry Richardson
- Jul 13
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 14
Selling a taxi requires more than just listing it online and waiting for offers. The presentation of the vehicle plays a crucial part in how quickly it sells and the price it achieves. Buyers tend to make decisions based not just on age and mileage, but on how well the cab appears to have been looked after.
We have a look at what sellers can do to improve the appeal and potential value of their cab before putting it on the market.
Clean inside and out
First impressions matter. A professionally cleaned taxi will always stand out. This means a full exterior wash, polish and wax to bring out the best in the paintwork. Pay attention to small areas that are often missed, like around door handles, fuel caps and number plates.
The interior should be spotless. The driver’s area needs a good clean, but even more important is the passenger compartment. Stains on seats, sticky window switches or tired-looking panels are instant red flags to buyers. Rear seat trims often show scuffs and scratches from luggage and mobility aids, but many of these marks can be improved using a hot air gun or plastic restorer.
Floors should be vacuumed and mats cleaned or replaced if they are worn. If the cab smells of smoke, strong food or damp, that can be a deal-breaker. A neutral air freshener and a deep clean of the seats and roof lining can make a big difference.
Fix obvious faults
Visible damage, even if minor, gives the impression that the cab has been neglected. Replace missing trims, repair or touch up any scratches and check that all lights are working. Worn tyres should be replaced, and any cracked wheel trims or alloy damage sorted.
If warning lights are showing on the dashboard, have the issue fixed before listing the cab. Buyers will either walk away or try to use it to knock the price down. MOT advisories should also be dealt with. Buyers now check the vehicle’s history online using the V5C log book number, and multiple advisories over the years show a pattern of poor upkeep.
Keep paperwork in order
A cab with a clear service history stands out. Gather all invoices, logbooks and MOT certificates. If regular servicing was done at a licensed garage, make sure it’s recorded properly. Cabs with a full and traceable service history always fetch more than those without.
Print out a current MOT history from the Government website and make it available during viewings. If the vehicle has recently passed an annual inspection with no advisories, that’s a strong selling point.
Check the little things
Small items can make a big impression. A sticky sliding door, slow electric window or faulty interior light might seem trivial, but buyers notice. Make sure the cab’s wheelchair ramp and restraints are all present and in good working order.
Take a walk around the cab and check for anything loose or misaligned. Panel gaps should be even. Mirrors should be intact and windscreen wipers working smoothly. Even the boot area should be cleared and cleaned.
Presentation on listings
If selling online, good photographs are essential. Take the time to find a clear background with good lighting. Photograph the cab from all angles, including close-ups of the interior, seats, dashboard, tyres and service book. Mention key details like mileage, service history, recent work carried out and any extras included.
Honesty also matters. If there are minor faults that haven’t been addressed, declare them. Buyers are more likely to trust sellers who are upfront than those who try to hide problems.
A well-presented taxi shows that it has been cared for. Buyers are more comfortable paying a strong price when the cab looks tidy, drives well and comes with a clear history. Putting in a few hours of preparation can make the difference between a slow sale and a quick one at the right price.
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