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Crown Vics have ceased production. It'll only be a matter of time until they're only seen in smaller towns as taxis (much like they still had 82-91s and 92-97s in my college town in 2010. I thought I'd break down every time I got in one.
Except that there aren't 13-year-old Camrys in the taxi fleet.
Probably not. Probably not many 13-year-old Crown Vics in the taxi fleet, either.
I forgot... about 10 years ago I used a taxi several times. An auto mechanic recommended it. Privately-owned. It was a Lincoln Town Car; sometimes they are used as taxis. It was very clean inside for a taxi.
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"Comfort" and "taxi" don't go together. If you want comfort, you order up a limo.
Agreed. And I may plan to ride in one later this year. Always have wanted to ride in a 60-, 90- or 120-inch stretch Lincoln Limousine.
I think I might have seen a LTC taxi maybe 3 or 4 times. A bit expensive compared to the once-readily-available used Crown Vics that were then suitable for taxi duty.
And you're right, I suppose there aren't many 13-year-old Crown Vics in the taxi fleet. So the ones that smell of burning oil, barf, cigarette smoke, and armpit are generally around 5 to 8 years old. The precious few Camrys of the same vintage generally don't smell of burning oil or cigarette smoke (smoking in taxis was banned before they were entered into service and Camrys weren't used by chain-smoking cops or other municipal employees before being thrown into the taxi fleet), so at least they hold a slight advantage over the Crown Vics when it comes to not assaulting one's olfactory senses.
Oh yeah, when I hop in the back of one of those 13-year-old police-cruiser-grade Crown Vic taxis that smell like burning oil plus a decade's accumulation of barf, cigarette smoke, and armpit, the first thing I think to myself is "comfort!"
LOL. Gotta love the rock-hard stab-proof seat backs when you accidentally bang a knee into it. And the heavy duty vinyl upholstery! That stuff has always been impressive, but not in a good way.
LOL, I can only imagine the number of Goddammits I've shared with everyone within earshot as I thrust my kneecap into the granite slab that constitutes the front seatback while trying to stuff myself into the back of a former police cruiser Crown Vic. It's a rite of passage, especially after a night at the pub.
I think I might have seen a LTC taxi maybe 3 or 4 times. A bit expensive compared to the once-readily-available used Crown Vics that were then suitable for taxi duty.
I was surprised when the drive pulled up in Town Car. More expensive, as you said. It was in good condition, though, inside and out.
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And you're right, I suppose there aren't many 13-year-old Crown Vics in the taxi fleet. So the ones that smell of burning oil, barf, cigarette smoke, and armpit are generally around 5 to 8 years old. The precious few Camrys of the same vintage generally don't smell of burning oil or cigarette smoke (smoking in taxis was banned before they were entered into service and they weren't used by chain-smoking cops or other municipal employees before being thrown into the taxi fleet), so at least they hold a slight advantage over the Crown Vics when it comes to not assaulting one's olfactory sensibilities.
One of my Aunts rode in a taxi not long ago. I don't know if it was a CV. Next time I call her, I'll ask what the interior was like. I think the taxis out here are generally in better condition in the rear compartment.
Could be any number of reasons "why." Generally, automakers like to sell more cars to fleets to use excessive manufacturing capacity, or to try and boost sales.
Back when the Ford Taurus was the sales volume leader in the US, Ford steadily became increasingly aggressive in selling them to fleets to retain that #1 sales slot (and accompanying bargaining rights) despite the fact the competition was catching up or suprpassing it.
Now, I am not saying that is why Camry is showing up in more fleets... but Toyota has been very aggressive in chasing sales targets (both as a company and for Camry as a model)...
Oh, and again, there is no basis to make a judgement call on whether a Camry is better or worse than an Accord based on the two companies aggressiveness with selling to fleets.
Could be any number of reasons "why." Generally, automakers like to sell more cars to fleets to use excessive manufacturing capacity, or to try and boost sales.
Back when the Ford Taurus was the sales volume leader in the US, Ford steadily became increasingly aggressive in selling them to fleets to retain that #1 sales slot (and accompanying bargaining rights) despite the fact the competition was catching up or suprpassing it.
Now, I am not saying that is why Camry is showing up in more fleets... but Toyota has been very aggressive in chasing sales targets (both as a company and for Camry as a model)...
Oh, and again, there is no basis to make a judgement call on whether a Camry is better or worse than an Accord based on the two companies aggressiveness with selling to fleets.
Honda is playing smart though. As soon as Camry gets a fleet image, it's done for.
Same thing happened with the 2000-2007 Taurus. They are worth nothing because a lot of people think of them as rental cars.
Most cabbies are independent contractors. The driver owns the car and probably uses it as his personal vehicle as well. Seems to make sense that many would buy a quality car like the Camry since they are also using it as their personal car.
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