Ask an expert

I looking at purchasing a smaller car and are considering a station wagon but would like to fit an extra seat in the back.

Where would I go to to find out how much this costs?

Tracy

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 9 September 2008

I suggest you make contact with the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association (lvva) www.lvvta.co.nz/ if you are serious about this.

The fitment of an extra rear seat and seat belts would need to be certified to ensure passenger safety and vehicle structural integrity is not compromised in any way.

Obviously there is a cost for this inspection as well as the work required to carry out this modification. This modification would need to be carried out by a suitably qualified person.

I strongly suggest you make contact with the lvva before you commit to purchasing a vehicle with the intent to fit a non genuine extra seat.

Depending on your budget, there are already relatively small cars on the market with a third row of seats.

The Honda Stream is one vehicle which springs to mind.

Have a look on trademe for examples of these vehicles.