to have a car that doesn't fit the whole family?

[WhichWhatWhere]

We are a family of 6 - me, DH, DC1 (14), DC2 (12) DC3 (11) and DC4 (7). Our big 8 seater van style car is caput. DH's car is a standard 5 seater SUV. We had planned to downsize once DC1 was driving age but our hand is being forced early.

Would it be completely mad to go for another 5 seater SUV style and accept that on the rare occasion all 6 of us are going to the same place that we will have to take two cars? Or do I need to fork out for a 7 seater car (thinking a sharan/alhambra type). Money is the driving force behind considering this.

DC at various schools and have different hobbies so it is only for 'family trips' that we would all travel together, realistically maybe 2-4 times a month.

YABU - you need a 7 seater
YANBU - 5 seater will be fine.

For 2-3 time a month I would just take two cars. Realistically the number is going to get less and less as DC1 gets older

So once every week or two you go out together? I think I would go out for one you all fit in if at all possible.

Depends how often it happens.

We’ve done this and 2 small cars works fine. Oldest two are at uni now so we only do 2 car trips 5-7 times a year. They are never home together.

Say you want to go on holiday. Hire a 7 seater. It will work out cheaper. Otherwise you will manage with the 5 seater.

I don't think I'd like not being able to get everyone in the car together. Is another 7 or 8 seater really not financially feasible?

14s so young though, if they were 17 I’d say of course but you’ve still a few years of the six of you every week so I’d think a 7 is easier but I get cost wise there’s a huge difference!!

Due to some SEN we don't often do family trips as it isn't easy for anyone so it really only is an occassional family meal or trip to a zoo/visitor attraction. Twice a month would be usual I would say.

And yes for holiday we could hire a van, that;s what i was thinking.

As our kids got older we had a touran with 7 seats. Cheaper than the previous 7 seaters we'd had and excellent boot space with the two back seats down. Totally utilitarian choice though - nothing fun about it!

How often do you ferry other kids around to clubs. Have other people in the car like parents?

don't often give lifts but would have space as usually only taking 1-2 of my own DC at a time as older 3 can be left at home for club drop offs.

Yes the big car has been useful for airport runs for family, being 'designated driver' etc but not often enough for it to be a material consideration.