This is more of a "why didn't I check for that" rather than an episode of culture shock, I suppose. I finally got my car, which is small, easy to drive, and great for getting my kids to and from school. I thought it would also be great for toting my guests (whom will come in pairs) to and fro this summer as well. Unfortunately, I noticed that it only seats four people. I'm not sure why I thought cars seated 5 (as a standard), but I did. What else can I say but "whoopsie!"

Mimi

Most of the little ones seat 4. A bigger car might be rated for 5 passengers.

Seating 5 passengers is not standard here. There are many cars seating 4. The number of people the car can hold (2-3-5-up) is always stated when you buy a car.

Yes, my blunder. I also understand now why I see so many 'bigger' cars in the school parking lot, as these parents have multiple kids in the schools.

Just as well you didn't buy a Smart car then !

Is there no lap belt in the back middle? Even my Atoz, which is a common car size here, had a middle lap belt. I've had 5 in that - a squeeze but doable.

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Originally posted by Alice Twain:
The number of people the car can hold (2-3-5-up) is always stated when you buy a car.

If I don't remember wrong it is also stated on the carta di circolazione (the big light green paper). Of course, since this is Italy I have never heard of someone who took a fine for taking 5 passenger on a 4 car.

just an FYI...some smart cars have 5 belts...learned this the last time I rented a car...requested a car for 5 people (had company comming!) and was given a smart car with 4 belts...when and said I needed 5 and they looked at me like I had two heads and told me to put my kid in the back with no belt (!) ha! like I'd put him in without a booster seat, let alone without a BELT! so...stood there until they managed to give me another smart car - same model - different year I think...that had a lap belt in the back. :-)

I meant the fortwo not the forfour ! When you say a Smart car to most people it's the fortwo they think of.

haha. true :-) we're a family of three...so I don't even ever think of cars for two anymore :-) I was mostly in shock that they thought I was a totally crazy and demanding American for wanting my kid to have a seatbelt :-)

This thread has really suprised me, but then I realised British cars probably have 5 belts 'cos they are made the wrong way around to most here anyway, so why not stick an extra belt in as well !

None of the small cars in the UK have only 4 belts anymore, they all come with a lap belt in the middle or even a proper one if you pay for a better car!

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None of the small cars in the UK have only 4 belts anymore,

Even the two seaters???

quote:

Originally posted by Gil:

quote:

None of the small cars in the UK have only 4 belts anymore,

Even the two seaters???

That would be the point, they only have 2 !

The number of seat-belts is dependant on a number of factors. Some manufacturers want you to pay extra for the 5th seatbelt (BMW used to, I don't know if they still do). The current Audi A8 (and I think the previous model too) also have the option to upgrade to some really nice rear seats with massage functions and so on, but in doing so the vehicle is converted to a four seater only as there is no room to seat a 5th passenger comfortably/safely in the middle of the back seat.
Some vehicles are also not allowed to have a 5th seatbelt for legal reasons - for example if the maximum load capacity of a vehicle would only allow it to carry 4 average full grown adults. Such vehicles are then only fitted with four belts.
What's the moral of the story? Research before you buy like your life depended on it (because it does).