What is the difference between a 6-seater and a 7-seater car?
3 Answers
In addition to some differences in seating, there are also differences in vehicle inspections. 6-seater cars are exempt from inspection for the first six years, while 7-seater cars require an inspection every two years. More details are as follows: 1. 6-seater cars: For cars with six seats or fewer, there is no need for on-site inspection within the first six years. After six years, an annual inspection is required. Compared to 7-seater cars, 6-seater cars have more convenient inspection procedures. There are also some differences in maintenance between 6-seater and 7-seater cars in the later stages. 2. 7-seater cars: 7-seater cars require an inspection every two years. Starting from the second year, the compulsory traffic insurance for 7-seater cars will be adjusted based on the vehicle's driving record from the previous year. If the car is involved in a traffic accident in the first year, the cost of compulsory traffic insurance in the second year will increase by 30%.
Our family struggled with this issue before changing cars. In a six-seater, the middle row has two independent seats with an aisle, making access to the third row super convenient, and it can also fit child seats. The seven-seater has a three-seat bench in the middle row, which is comfortable for five people normally, but getting into the third row requires climbing over. One detail many overlook: in the six-seater, each passenger's headrest can be adjusted independently, making long trips easier on the neck. Last family trip, the aisle in the six-seater let the kids move around, keeping them quieter. However, the seven-seater does have an extra seat for emergencies, but if the third row is full, the trunk can only fit two or three backpacks.
Over the years in the used car business, I've learned that choosing between 6-seaters and 7-seaters depends on usage. Seven-seaters can accommodate more people, though the second row is slightly cramped with three passengers - construction workers love them for hauling materials. Six-seaters offer a more business-class feel with airline-style armrest seats, making them ideal for client pickups with added prestige. Here's a lesser-known fact: six-seater versions of the same model have higher floorboards to accommodate sliding tracks for independent seats, which means 6-foot-tall passengers might bump their heads in the third row. Last year when procuring for our company, we chose a 6-seater GL8 - its second-row seats recline 180 degrees, perfect for letting drunk clients lie flat to sleep. Of course, 7-seaters have advantages too - with the third row folded down, they offer about 20% more cargo space than 6-seaters.
