About 7 seater car

[ElliT]

Hi all , first time posting.
Me and partner have 4 children. I have 2 from previous relationship. He has one from previous relationship. We have one together.
Clearly we need a 7 seater car for days out as a family. I do not drive. Partner refuses to sell his car to buy a 7 seater meaning we haven't been on a family day out since our baby was born 8 months ago. If I want to do anything with my children I do it alone on public transport. I get it in the neck for taking them out and accused of leaving his child out. I never take my children out when we have her as that would be unfair but I also refuse to take them all whilst he sits in all day. So when we have his child we stay in all weekend. He hasn't taken his daughter anywhere once in this time. His reasoning is that 7 seaters aren't considered cool. I think he is pathetic and immature and it is really driving a wedge in this relationship. What on earth can I do in this situation

I’d recommend some caution when looking at the seemingly “cool” 7 seat sector such as Discovery 3/4, XC90, etc or any similar SUV with a badge and some cache.

Not because they’re poor cars - the Discovery will happily gobble up any cargo, go anywhere, proper actual 7 seats, great pedigree and badge.

But the running costs of these cars are champagne at times, yet often run on Prosecco/spritzer budgets.

Engine failure in Discovery models of last 10 years for example, leading to £15,000 repair bills. Replacement of suspension bushes, shocks, all the kind of maintenance commensurate with a 4x4, big bills etc

Basically I’d caution looking beyond the sometimes attractive sticker price - if you don’t need the off-road capability and would rather have decent affordable running costs then steer clear

I have a Toyota verso - it’s 11 years old and very reliable. If you bought one similar it would probably only cost £1500. Time for you to learn to drive and get one of those.

Easy answer is surely that he takes all 4 kids out in the car while you stay home with your feet up!

@ElliT I think it's extra sad as you used to all go out as a family before the baby arrived. Just put in the @ symbol and it brings up the names of posters. Id be having a serious chat with your dp about this. I do understand it's annoying if he is used to driving a BMW and now has to downgrade if a nice 7 seater isn't affordable but pride needs to go out the window now for his families happiness.

I had a Honda FRV. It was a 6 seater - 3 in the front & 3 in the back. The 3rd seat in the front was slightly smaller than normal but couid easily seat an adult so your sd could sit there. I had mine for 6 years , done 120k miles in it so definitely served its purpose. Sadly they stopped making them a few years back but there are still plenty around. I suggest you check it out. Not a people carrier at all , was the reason I bought it as I didnt want to drive a 'wagon' on a daily basis.

DuesToTheDirt

Easy answer is surely that he takes all 4 kids out in the car while you stay home with your feet up!

Best suggestion so far

We've got a BMW X5 with the 7 seat option. Nice car and space. Minimal boot space with the 3rd row up though. You can split it so it could sit 6 with boot space

@Pinktinker fancy a drive out in my x5? Bring 5 mates with you as you'll all fit!

It's an option on the newer X5s

I'd defo let him take dc while you stay home