Friends

I have in laws coming in from India for few months stay in Canada this summer. I have my own small car (corolla) for 4 people. with my in laws coming . we will total of 6 people including 2 kids.

I was wondering what is best arrangement that I could do since we have plans to drive around together for sightseeing /grocery/shopping malls during their stay.

Any ideas /suggestions are welcome..

What I used to do is:
Make two trips, if it was a visit to the nearest shopping mall / tim hortons/ park etc..

In cases like visit to Niagra falls, I used to hire a mini van and drive. Since you have License and are driving a car, this is the most conveinient.

Murali

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I am a Gents and not a Ladies.

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Originally posted by tamilkuravan

What I used to do is:
Make two trips, if it was a visit to the nearest shopping mall / tim hortons/ park etc..

In cases like visit to Niagra falls, I used to hire a mini van and drive. Since you have License and are driving a car, this is the most conveinient.

Murali

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Thx Friends..

I feel same same way as Gurram thinks that normally when guests arrive there is always sudden plans where we need to go out together and due to fact that there is no time ahead to plan to rent minivan ( unless well planned ahead of time for specific sight seeing tours to Ottawa or Niagara falls ) the short sudden outings to medium distance and making 2 trips in small vechile makes cubersome task and planning especially if there same driver driving around.

i love to think of second vechile but again today I am okay with car I have as I see this need on temporary basis. Unless I think of sell my car and get a van.

Any other suggestions are welcome...

There are 3 options - the 1st one applies only if your spouse drives.

a. If you have a close friend / neighbor who has a 2nd car which he uses only for commute , may be you can have some kind of arrangement with him of borrowing his car some times.

b. Rent a van for long rides... You might want to make advance booking for all weekends ... Not only will you get it cheaper but there are no penalties if you cancel or don't show up... I book Enterprise (sometimes 2 locations to get a better choice) through Priceline.com.

c. Buy a used van in good condition . Transfer your insurance to it and use this vehicle for the time needed after which you may wish to resell the van. Factor in the risk / costs involved if the vehicle does not sell for some time. Also you will have to pay the HST on the initial purchase.

Let us know how it works out for you.

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Fido.

Thx Fido

I guess a) is ruled out since I am only driver. Seems to be fluctating between b) and c) for now.. ofcourse c) makes you autonomous without worry of renting/return but then again after few months I may be struck with 2 cars unless I can sell one

Anyways thx for all your inputs friends

If you plan well, you can make a profit or no loss.
Browse Kijiji and see all vans on sale. Quote 50% of the quoted price. Some will abuse you through email, but donot mind. In a month one dude or one dudess will sell a van for your price or for a little bit more.
Enjoy the van and sell it after the guests leave. You may even make a profit.

I have done like this but on a toyota corolla. Bought it for $ 3600 and after using it for more than a year, sold it for $ 3800.

Murali

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I am a Gents and not a Ladies.