Why do people hate it when their car model is used as taxi

[OTO]

I can't understand this. Why do people who own low-end cars (myself included) complain when their cars are used as taxicabs?

This was Honda's strategy; they let you sign an agreement barring you from using their cars as taxicabs, and fool you into that "prestige" bull$hit that's nonexistent in the first place.

Take the Vios owners. When Vioses (Vioii?) were used as taxis everyone complained. What's the big deal? Did the car suddenly lose its "prestige"? Did it have it in the first place? In thailand the Altis is used as taxi...

I think pinoys put too much emphasis on the "projection of outward looks", pakitang-tao.

It isnt just Pinoys that are obsessed with prestige. A lot of nationalities are conscious about it too.

As for the cabs well you have to understand that a lot of local cabs are ill maintained, smell bad, look bad and driven by lousy drivers. This isnt the case in Europe where the E Class and 5 Series are used as cabs. They're normally well maintained, smell good, look good and driven by average to above average drivers.

I've been to Bangkok recently and ALL the taxis I saw & ridden were well maintained, smell good (or no stench at all), look good and driven by average to above average drivers. I'm guessing they have a law forcing them to be at their best.

Having a no-taxi clause also helped in keeping depreciation on Hondas low. SiRs go for high 400s and low 500 levels. That's astonishing for an econobox. It also allows Honda to charge a premium above other Asian brands.

Brand equity helps out too. In such a tight market you have to find ways to differentiate yourself as a cut above the rest and Honda has done a superb job at that. I think Toyota got that part seeming I don't see Toyota Altis' as cabs.

The funny thing about this thread is that a lot of people here talk like they're not Filipino.

As for a Ferrari/Lambo taxi I believe some owners let paying customers ride their cars for charity. The famed Nubergring has two BMW M5s (E60) as taxis.

Our local (general Filipino) perception will only change if the taxis we have will improve in appearance, cleanliness, driver competence, etc.