[HappyGoLucky]

this is a new rule in bangalore (or maybe karnataka). I also faced the same issue and have booked the 7 seater. If you go for personal purchase you can get the 8 seater after signing a affidavit saying you wont use it for commercial use. This affidavit the dealer will do for around Rs 400 extra.
I tried to pursuade the dealer to remove the captain seats and put in the 8 seater as an accessory but he refused without giving any genuine reason.

[prabhusati]

This is a real illogical rule. If the 8 seater is available for registration on an individual's name, what is the problem in registering in the company's name? None of the dealers are providing a proper answer for this.

If the 8 seater can be registered by an individual after signing an affidavit, what is the guarantee that it will not be used as a taxi?

Hope someone can throw some more light on this.

[LLL]

Originally Posted by prabhusati

This is a real illogical rule. If the 8 seater is available for registration on an individual's name, what is the problem in registering in the company's name? None of the dealers are providing a proper answer for this.

If the 8 seater can be registered by an individual after signing an affidavit, what is the guarantee that it will not be used as a taxi?

Hope someone can throw some more light on this.

Yes its an RTO rule that 8 seater can only be registered as a commercial vehicle in company name. I have been struggling with this and have also given feedback to toyota on this.

Check this -
Innova E - No AC...hence an individiual buyer wont buy this model. Getting a AC retro-fitted makes the price same as G1 model.
Innova G1 - only 8 seater...hence cannot be registered in company name
Innova G4 - 7 seater can be purchased in company name, but OTR delhi comes to 9.8 lakhs. This is nearly 1.8L more expensive than Safari and a scorpio.

Toyota should introduce 7 seater option in G1 model as well.

BTW, Safari is classified as 7 seater and hence can be registered in company name without any issues.

[HappyGoLucky]

Originally Posted by prabhusati

This is a real illogical rule. If the 8 seater is available for registration on an individual's name, what is the problem in registering in the company's name? None of the dealers are providing a proper answer for this.

If the 8 seater can be registered by an individual after signing an affidavit, what is the guarantee that it will not be used as a taxi?

Hope someone can throw some more light on this.

I also couldnt make any logic out of this. Anyway the biggest irony is that toyota provides only 2 headrests in the last row of seats but counts it as a seating for 3. Guess they think the thrid person is expendable or superman and doesn't need his head protected against whiplash.
I have accepted this weird logic as I have decided to go for an innova.

[BaCkSeAtDrIVeR]

Originally Posted by LLL

Toyota should introduce 7 seater option in G1 model as well.

But I think excise duties for 7 seaters are higher than excise duties for 8 seaters?

[Podilam]

even I was interested in buying a 8 seater innova under company lease. I got to know that since oct 2007, in BLR, it should be registered with yellow plate. I did not opt for 7 seater, for the reasons so u guys mentioned in earlier posts..
1) I have a small kid, so u always have to keep him in lap if it is 7 seater, or keep him in the other seat where manaing him would be difficult.
2) with 5 people and 8 seater, first 2 rows should have been occupaid and last row space for luggage, but with 7 seater and 5 people, u r forced to use 3rd row then u miss the luggage space. So though I have big vehicle but I am loosing space compared even a sedan (assuming 3 people planned to sit in 2nd row do not want to be captains ).

So finally settled for a sedan. Otherwise I would have gone for 8 seater G4 that fits my budget.

Do not go for G1, last row guys to 'tandoor' treatment

[LLL]

Originally Posted by BaCkSeAtDrIVeR

But I think excise duties for 7 seaters are higher than excise duties for 8 seaters?

uh? prices of 7 seater model is 4k less than that of equivalent 8 seater.