What is an MPV?

If you need to transport more than one passenger, a multi-purpose vehicle is designed just with that purpose in mind. What is an MPV exactly? During your car search, the term 'MPV' will come across your search results often if you are considering a car that will fit more than four passengers. Whether you need five seats, nine, or something in between, a high-quality used MPV could be a great option if you want maximum practicality for your money. Read on to find out more about the things you should consider when viewing used MPVs and whether you should consider buying one.

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What does MPV mean?

MPV stands for "Multi-purpose vehicle". They are often called multi-people vehicles which is what they are designed to do. If you live in a large city you can notice them being used by taxi drivers and private hire services to carry many people. The MPV is designed to be practical more than anything else and has a box-shaped silhouette to allow for extra interior space. Many have the optional foldable rear seats in many ways to prioritize passenger room space, load space, or a mix of the two.


Are MPVs nice to drive?

Because of their boxy and tall structure, MPVs are primarily designed to carry numerous passengers. Hence they might not be as fun to drive as compared to other types of vehicles, such as saloons or hatchbacks that have stiffer suspensions and shorter bodies.


MPV Running Costs

MPVs are not very expensive to run if you choose the five-seaters option. MPVs also come with very efficient diesel engines that help reduce the running costs. Seven-seat people carriers will cost slightly more to run on account of their extra size and weight, but the best diesels can still return more than 45 miles per gallon in normal driving, while petrols will hover closer to 35 mpg. Remember to check CO2 emissions, too, especially if the car you’re considering was registered before April 2017, because this will dictate how much tax you’ll pay in the form of VED (Vehicle Excise Duty) for the life of the car.

How many seats does an MPV have

Most MPVs have at least five seats. The largest MPVs can have up to nine seats, which is the maximum number of seats allowed before the driver needs a commercial vehicle license.
Five-seat MPVs such as the Vauxhall Combo or Volkswagen Touran have two rows, with two seats in the front and three in the back.
MPVs with more than five seats have three rows. A seven-seat MPV has a 2-3-2 layout. An eight-seat MPV has a 2-3-3 layout. A nine-seat MPV has a 3-3-3 layout. There are a few six-seat MPVs with a 2-2-2 layout, as well.

Used MPV at Carverse Used Car Supermarket, Knebworth, Hertfordshire
Used MPV at Carverse Used Car Supermarket, Knebworth, Hertfordshire
Used MPV at Carverse Used Car Supermarket, Knebworth, Hertfordshire

Other bodytypes you should consider

If you are undecided on a hatchback as your next car then you should consider an SUV, Estate, or Saloon.

SUV Cars

SUVs are generally based on a hatchback, but with slight alterations to the size and ride height of the car. SUVs sit a bit higher than hatchbacks which makes them generally easier to get in and out of. An SUV may be a preferable choice if you prefer a higher driving position too. Click here to read more about SUV cars at Carverse.

Hatchbacks

A hatchback is a car body configuration with a rear door that swings upward to provide access to a cargo area. Hatchbacks may feature fold-down second-row seating, where the interior can be reconfigured to prioritize passenger or cargo volume. Hatchbacks may feature two, or three-box designs.

Saloon Cars

Saloon cars are often used by company car drivers and business executives. By definition, a saloon car that can seat four or more people has a fixed roof, and a boot hinged from the bottom of the rear window that is separated from the rear seats

Find your perfect used MPV

There is a lot of variety of used MPVs on the market which can give you too many choices when deciding which one to choose. When searching for a used MPV there are some things you may want to consider to help you make an informed decision. You should consider things such as your typical trip lengths, interior requirements, storage space, and usage - this will determine the size, fuel type, two-wheel or all-wheel drive, seven-seats, trim level, and utility solutions you will need from a used MPV. You can get used MPVs in most sizes, from small to large. The larger used MPVs typically have more interior space for both passengers and luggage and can come with four-wheel drive and a little more ground clearance to help with ride comfort and safety. The biggest used MPVs have a tendency to have seven to nine seats.

Here at carverse we have a wide range of used MPVs available for you to buy. If you are looking for your next used SUV you can browse our forecourt online or by visiting our dealership. Alternatively, you can request a callback, or phone us on 01438 328 123 to enquire about a used MPV.