2005 Echo - changing out rear seats - am I crazy?

Hi, 

I love my Echo hatchback, and it's a 4-seater with those useless cupholders in the back center. Apparently the 2000-2005 was produced as a 5-seater as well, with a bench seat in the back. I drive carpool with 4 teenagers, and am currently borrowing a car 3 days a week to make it possible. Luckily they are all small people, or this would be a totally ludicrous idea. That said....

Question 1) Can anyone out there confirm that there is such a thing as a 5-seater HATCHBACK? Apparently any car from 2000-2005 should work for same seats. 

Question 2) Can anyone confirm that the rear bench seat from a sedan will/will not work in my hatchback? I am aware that I will need to move some frame pieces as well, and a seatbelt. 

Question 3) Am I crazy to think this is a better idea than buying a new car? I live by the beach in California and it is a MAJOR plus to drive a car small enough to park in the leftover in-between spaces on busy beach days, and did I mention, the amazing gas mileage, so I don't want a bigger vehicle. Even a foot longer would mean I would lose my parking advantage. B-)

Thank you to anyone who can help with this!!

~Lisa K. 

The sedan versions generally have provisions for a shoulder belt for the center seat in the steel parcel shelf behind the seat. The hatch doesn't have that. Even if the seats physically fit that's probably your biggest issue. 

In reply to mazdeuce - Seth :

Yup. No seat belt for middle passenger.

Hmmm... does that mean I could replace part of the frame, as well, and solve that problem? The guy at the dealership said I would need to do that, but the other guy at the dealership wondered if the bolts would line up in my hatchback. 

PS Thank you SO much for taking the time to consider this! It will be a HUGE help if I can figure this out! 

Ask here http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/ or maybe here https://www.toyotanation.com/

There's a guy from Michigan with a few Echo hatches that's very active on Yarisworld that will answer your question. Alternatively, there's an Echo FB page with hatches from around the world. Surely you will get the answer there

https://www.facebook.com/groups/232605430540304/

In reply to Suprf1y :

Thank you so much!! I will follow up with these for sure. I really appreciate your taking the time to make these suggestions! 

~LK