Seven Seater Motability Offers - April-June 2025

How to choose the best seven seater Motability car for your needs?

Seven seaters are becoming increasingly popular on the Motability Scheme as they combine functionality, style, and comfort to suit a wide range of mobility and lifestyle requirements. Whether you need room for a large family, extra space for mobility aids, or simply want a versatile vehicle that adapts to your changing circumstances, a seven seater may be the solution. It is important to make sure that you are choosing the right seven seater to suit you and your needs, here are some important things to consider when making that decision:

Assess Your Space and Seating Needs - The first consideration is why you’re drawn to a seven seater. What are your current and future space requirements?

• Family Size: Do you regularly transport more than five passengers? Seven seaters are ideal for larger families or groups who need extra room for children, friends, or support workers.
• Mobility Aids: If you use a wheelchair, scooter, or other mobility aid, consider if the additional space and seating options will accommodate both passengers and equipment. Many seven seaters come with adjustable or foldable seats that can create extra storage space.

Take stock of your typical journeys, including grocery trips, outings, and family holidays. Reflecting on your day-to-day activities and foreseeable changes allows you to ensure that your vehicle meets not only your current needs but also future requirements.

Evaluate Accessibility and Practicality -Accessibility is one of the most critical factors when choosing a Motability car. Seven seaters often excel in this area, offering features specifically designed to support mobility needs. Review the following:

• Entry and Exit: Check the door height and width, as well as whether the seating position is comfortable to get into and out of. Sliding doors in certain models, like the Ford Galaxy, can make entering and exiting much easier.
• Boot Space: If you regularly carry mobility aids, groceries, or luggage, ensure the boot offers enough room. Consider whether loading heavy items into the boot is manageable, particularly if you’ll be doing it frequently.
• Seating Configuration Options: Seven seaters typically allow you to fold or remove seats. This flexibility is useful if you need to regularly switch between carrying passengers and extra gear.

Test driving a vehicle can give you a clear perspective. During the test drive, ensure you check how easy it is to get in and out, how the seating supports your specific needs, and how accessible the storage areas are.

Review Costs and Budget Considerations - While the Motability Scheme offers excellent opportunities to lease vehicles with many costs included, you’ll still want to ensure the seven seater fits within your financial plan. Ask yourself the following:

• Fuel Economy: Seven seater vehicles are generally larger and may consume more fuel than smaller vehicles. Research the fuel efficiency of models you’re considering and how that aligns with your typical driving routine.
• Running Costs: Factor in ongoing costs such as tyre replacements and vehicle servicing. Fortunately, many maintenance costs are covered within the Motability lease, helping offset expenses.
• Advanced Payments: Some Motability vehicles require an upfront payment. Double-check these figures to ensure they align with your budget.

The key here is balancing a seven seater's many benefits with its practicality for your financial situation.

Determine What Features Are Essential to You - Modern seven seater cars come packed with an array of features aimed at increasing comfort, safety, and convenience. While these extras can enhance your experience, narrowing your choices to what features you truly need can simplify the decision.

• Safety Features: Consider features such as parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, collision detection, and lane departure warnings. These additions can make your driving experience safer and stress-free.
• Infotainment Systems: Family trips are more fun with entertainment options. Touchscreen displays, Bluetooth connectivity, and USB ports keep passengers entertained.
• Climate Control: If you’re regularly carrying passengers, individual climate controls in the rear rows can make long journeys much more pleasant.

While features can make a vehicle feel premium, they should also match your personal lifestyle and preferences.

Think About Where You’ll Use the Car Most - Your surroundings and the nature of your journeys may influence how suitable a seven seater is for you.

• Urban Areas: If you mostly drive in cities or towns, consider whether the larger size of a seven seater will fit your parking spaces or urban parking bays.
• Long-Distance Drives: If your routine involves motorway or long-distance driving, seven seaters—with their comfort and space—are often well-suited for enjoyable, fatigue-free travel.
• Nature Trips or Countryside Use: If trekking or outdoor adventures are frequent, make sure the car is capable of handling rough roads and has adequate boot space for your equipment.

Having this context in mind ensures the car adapts effortlessly to both your lifestyle and environment.