Driving a standard 5 seater car leaves you with limited options as you are mostly focused on short trips and chasing surge zones. On the other hand, 7 seater cars are bigger and offer higher earning opportunities.
With that said, these cars also have some downsides and higher running costs. That’s why it’s important to know everything about 7 seater car hire before making a decision.
In this article, we will mention all the details you need on what it’s like to drive a 7 seater for PCO use.
What is a 7 Seater PCO Car Hire?
It is a PCO Car Rental agreement that allows you to drive a fully insured, road-ready 7 seater vehicle. These vehicles can carry up to 7 passengers and are eligible for UberXL, Bolt XL, and other ride types involving group travellers, families, and airport runs.
Pros of Driving a 7 Seater Car
Higher Fare Rates
Driving a 7 seater helps you enter the world of high paying rides. If you have been driving a standard saloon, you know how difficult it is to make ends meet despite driving for hours every day. This is because standard cars don’t bring you high fares. They are mostly good for £10 or £15 rides.
On the other hand, 7 seater cars are often requested by people who need space and comfort. The best part is that these people happily pay more than regular passengers. So, if you are looking for a way to improve your income, consider switching to a 7 seater.
More Job Opportunities
Driving a 7 seater instantly gives you a competitive edge. When other drivers are declining requests because they can barely fit three passengers in the back seat, you have space for 7 people plus luggage.
This type of advantage cannot be ignored because it means less competition, steady work, and more income.
Let’s look at it this way:
On Friday nights when people are heading out in groups for entertainment, or during school holidays when families with kids are heading to airports with suitcases, who do you think they are looking for?
They are looking for spacious vehicles to travel comfortably, and that’s where 7 seaters come in. They turn you from just another driver into a solution for big bookings.
Ideal for Peak Times
Peak times are when more people in the city need a ride. Think about the morning rush when most people are on the go, or evening hours when people are heading home or rushing to events.
During these times, platforms like Uber and Bolt increase fares, giving drivers an opportunity to earn more. However, not every driver can take advantage of this equally. Those driving standard saloons typically get single or double passengers.
On the other hand, drivers with larger vehicles such as 7 seaters get flooded with group travellers or crowds trying to reach the same venue. When you consistently complete such jobs, apps notice it as well and bring you more high-capacity trips during peak times.
Cons of Driving a 7 Seater
Higher Costs
Although 7 seater cars offer higher earning opportunities, the cars also have higher hire or purchase costs. Most PCO car hire companies will charge between £250 and £350 per week. That’s over £1,000 per month.
Driving a 7 seater means you will have to pay this fee regardless of the amount you earn. As the ride demand keeps fluctuating, you still have to pay the weekly fee even if your earnings drop during slower periods.
Now, if you want to buy a 7 seater, even a used one will cost you around £20,000 without additional costs such as private hire insurance, road tax, etc.
That’s a lot of money and not every PCO driver has it.
Increased Fuel and Running Costs
7 seaters also burn more fuel. This becomes even more important in London traffic as you are constantly stopping and starting, navigating tight spaces, and waiting at lights every few hundred yards.
In addition, the long hours of driving put more wear and tear on the car’s components. Tyres wear out faster, the oil changes become more frequent, brake pads need constant monitoring, and suspension takes a bigger beating while carrying six passengers with luggage.
All of this results in higher running costs. Make sure you are aware of this before making a decision.
Parking and Manoeuvrability
Most London streets are narrow and designed for compact cars. 7 seaters are bigger in size and you may struggle to find proper space if you drive one. Even if you don’t face problems on the road, you may struggle to find proper parking.
Manoeuvrability is another issue that 7 seaters face. These cars aren’t built to dart through tight corners. Plus, every U-turn feels like a challenge on London’s busy roads with cyclists or bikers zipping past.
If you are not comfortable driving larger cars, a 7 seater Car Hire may not be ideal for you.
So, is it worth it?
It depends on your strategy.
A 7-Seater PCO Car IS Worth It If:
- You work full-time and want to maximise peak-time earnings
- You focus on airport transfers, events, or family travel
- You prefer longer trips over constant short hops
- You’re comfortable with larger vehicles and parking
It Might NOT Be Worth It If:
- You only drive part-time or off-peak
- You mostly work in central zones where congestion charge applies
- You’re looking to keep running costs as low as possible
- You don’t want the added stress of a bigger car
Conclusion
7 seater PCO cars have many perks. But they come with some downsides as well. The final decision depends on how you plan to use the car and whether you are comfortable driving a 7 seater on London’s narrow roads.
