We have all struggled to find a taxi from time to time, but you will not have to look far in the used car market to find an old taxi come next January. Car history website Motorcheck.ie is warning that new taxi regulations will see a surge in older ex-taxis entering the used car market. This is because from January 2011, taxi and hackney licences will only be renewed for vehicles that are less than nine years old.

It is estimated that up to 10,000 vehicles could be affected when the new regulations come on board, with many being sold into the private market. Motorcheck Managing Director, Shane Teskey, is warning potential buyers to be on their guard. He says that while many taxis being sold will be sound, some sellers may try to pass the ex-taxis off as private cars. He also says that a simple on line check with motorcheck.ie will quickly show if a vehicle has ever been registered as a taxi or hackney.