Cheapest Cars in the Philippines You Can Use as Taxi or Ride Sharing Service: 2018 Edition

Want to enter the taxi or ride-sharing business? First, you'll need a car. There's a lot to consider when selecting a vehicle for such purposes: reliability, utility, fuel economy, ease of maintenance, and of course, affordability. If budget as a primary concern, don't worry, we’re here to help you out. CARMUDI compiled a list of nine of the cheapest options on the market that will let you get started on your path to becoming a transport mogul.

Nissan Almera  – PHP657,000

For a subcompact, the Almera certainly has size going for it, not to mention the styling is much improved this time around. The base 1.2-liter engine produces a respectable 78 hp and 106 Nm of torque. As one of the pricier entry level cars in the market, the Nissan Almera is all spades when it comes to utility and practicality. Dual airbags and ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake Force Distribution) come as standard safety features.

Toyota Vios – PHP629,000

It's the number one selling car in the country, and its reputation is well-earned. Affordability, fuel economy, availability of parts, and low maintenance costs make the Vios a hit not only among taxi operators, but also for those looking for a practical car. Now equipped with a Dual VVT-I engine, the Toyota Vios is even better than ever with 98 hp and 123 Nm.

Mitsubishi Mirage G4 – PHP584,000

For the price tag, the base Mirage G4 comes with a nice set of features that make it a great pick for a taxi cab. To start with, it comes with an electronic-type power steering with tilt adjustment, one-DIN in-dash MP3 player and tuner with AUX-in, USB port and two speakers. Safety features include driver and passenger airbags, which are a big plus. Additionally, the Mirage G4 can achieve excellent mileage with its 1.2-liter DOHC Mitsubishi Innovative Valve-Timing Electronic Control System (MIVEC) engine and five-speed manual transmission combo—drivers get 76 hp and 100 Nm for the money.

Suzuki Swift Dzire – PHP638,000

The good news for car buyers is that the Swift Dzire is as desirable as its name suggests. From styling to performance, the Dzire sends a refined, classy, and an overall pleasant vibe. A 1.2-liter engine helps this subcompact hit 82 hp and 113 Nm power numbers. Features-wise, this one comes with a 1-DIN audio system with CD player, 2 speakers, and multiple connectivity options. Like other cars on this list, the Swift Dzire also seats five passengers total, but what's surprising is that the base trim comes with dual airbags--aside from child-proof rear door locks, immobilizer, side impact beams and defogger--a clear winner in terms of safety for its price.

Hyundai Accent – PHP695,000

For taxi operators, the Hyundai Accent 1.4 GL MT packs enough features to help them get about their daily business in comfy fashion. The interior is spacious enough to seat five, with an available one-DIN AM/FM/CD/MP3 entertainment system with USB port, aux-in and four speakers. Take note that as the basic trim of the line, the GL MT doesn’t have advanced safety features such as airbags, Anti-Lock Braking System, and Electronic Stability Program. Equipped with a 1.4-liter MPi gasoline engine with Dual Continuous Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) mated to a six-speed manual, this front-wheel driver delivers a powerful 100 hp and 133 Nm of torque.

Kia Rio – PHP746,000

Beautiful inside out, the Kia Rio is one of the more refined choices you can have as a metered ride. For entertainment, you get a four-speaker sound unity with iPod, auxiliary and USB connectivity. In terms of safety, the Rio does come with an airbag, albeit for the driver only. A well-balanced size--not too small, with ample legroom and headroom for average sized adults--combined with a nimble 100 hp, 133 Nm performance courtesy of its Kappa 1.4 multi-point injection (MPI) engine, the Kia Rio is one comfortable and dependable transporter.

Tata Indigo – PHP535,000

Tata proudly marketed Indigo as the next standard for taxi cabs, even proclaiming that it could unseat the reigning king Toyota Vios from its pedestal. That hasn't happened yet, but that doesn't mean the Indigo isn't a worthy successor. If fuel consumption is what you're worried about, then you’ll be happy to know that the Indigo runs on diesel, which is considerably cheaper than gasoline. The 1.4-liter diesel engine and five-speed manual gearbox pairing allows the Indigo to supply its driver with 70 hp and 135 Nm of torque. And the price is not too shabby, either.

Volkswagen Santana (Ride-Sharing Only) – PHP686,000

At PHP686,000, the Santana is the most affordable Volkswagen to date. For a brand known for cars that never go below the PHP1 million mark, the Santana immediately raises a few eyebrows. The reason it's so affordable is that it's made in China, but because it's Volkswagen, you can trust quality to never be an issue wherever the car is made. The Santana's power comes from a 1.4-liter gas engine connected to a five-speed manual transmission, giving you 89 hp and 132 Nm on the road.

Chevy Sail (Ride-Sharing Only) – PHP791,888

Okay, a price tag close to PHP800,000 isn't exactly cheap, but if you want to keep those 5-star ratings coming, the Chevy Sail has got you covered, thanks to its obvious focus on spaciousness, comfort, convenience, and safety. Now all you have to worry about is finding a courteous chauffeur for your ride-sharing vehicle. The 1.3-liter VVT MPFI engine and five-speed manual lets you run an impressive 100 hp and 127 Nm of torque.