Hello everyone,
What a valuable thread, I thank each and everyone of you for the valuable contributions. However it seems a bit old back in 2011 and I found only another thread about three wheelers but that is not totally relating to what I'm going to ask so thought of picking this old thread instead. (The new one: http://forum.autolanka.com/topic/17766-how-much-you-paying-for-three-wheelers-reflect-of-the-issue-of-public-transportation/)
I'm also considering to buy a three wheeler to be used in Colombo as it has come to a point that I hate driving cars in Colombo now. Also what I though of using it for hires when I'm using it for my journeys and also in the days I'm not working and if it turned out good might even do it part-time.
So just to highlight the major concerns discussed in this thread so far;
1. They will soon restrict or ban three wheelers at least in Colombo
We were discussing it back in 2011, and now its 2016 and although there are some effort to restrict buying three wheelers from tax increases I don't think this will happen anytime soon unless they came out with some proper public transport system to Colombo such as underground/over ground metros etc. Also they won't ban it as there are many people depending on it as their daily income to run their families and without finding some solution to that it is unlikely that any government will ban it. But they will come up with rules to make it less affecting the traffic such as the driving in the left lane which we have now etc. So I say this is not something that I or anyone who has a three wheeler should worry.
2. Safety
Yes, safety issue is there but if someone drives it very carefully, at low speeds through the traffic, one can minimize the chances of such accidents although you can not totally avoid it. I see most accidents are caused by the errors of three wheel drivers themselves such as not looking before quickly turning, stopping all of a sudden when they see a hire etc.
Although I'm aware of these would like further comments on these as to see your viewpoints now.
The other thing is now that the taxes for three wheelers are sky rocketed and the price for a 4 stroke Bajaj is Rs. 664,950. 00 as per http://www.dpmco.com/ site.
So if I buy one soon paying this much will there be a high chance that the government will re-consider these tax increases and drop it or reduce it as they did for electric cars early this year as lot of people made a noise about it but I guess those were the car sale owners etc who made their voice heard but in this case I doubt there is someone who can make it coming from three wheel section.
My questions as I'm totally new to three wheelers and hires.
1. I decided if I go for a one it will be the new Bajaj 4 stroke. Is it good?
2. Any idea about the finance help I can get for this not paying all upfront?
3. Will I be able to drive it out of the showroom as it is? Or do I have to do the roof etc myself?
4. I have a license to drive cars and motor bikes now but do I need to take another class for three wheelers? If so how can I get it done, through a learners school? How long the process will be and will I have to sit down for written exams again? The license I have now was taken in 2001.
5. Once bought can I do hires as I wish or do I have to get another license to do hires.
6. For highers whats the best place to get a taxi meter and where to fix it? Also where to get stickers such as 'Meter Taxi'
7. What are the places with good mechanics to do repairs and services?
8. For not getting wet from rain, are there any better options than loosely hanging tent clothes from both sides?
9. Any idea about the regular services and the maintenance side of it?
10. Other than fixing doors any security advice to make it harder to steal if I had to park it for a while? May be a secret switch to cut off electricity?
I know there are lot of questions, but I appreciate your help on this as this will help me and will be helpful for others who wish to do the same.
Thank you all in advance
Have a nice day