Not as advertised…

The internet is a tricky place. Anyone can really put anything online, and it may or may not be accurate. Regardless of that fact, we tend to trust people—and the information online.

Occasionally, that backfires.
Trouble follows.

We rented a van from Turo. Finding a big car with four wheel drive and seats for 8 is pretty challenging, but especially so between Christmas and New Year’s Day. We had heard about people renting cars from Turo, so we decided to try it ourselves.

After looking for quite some time, we finally found a van that seated 7. It was a conversion van with a pull down bed and kitchen (which we didn’t need), but we needed the seats. It wasn’t perfect, but It was the best I could find. We booked it.

After a long night of delayed flights and turbulent air, we arrived at our destination. We walked to the van and opened the door.

There were two seats…a driver and a passenger. TWO.

Now, there was a little bench behind the driver that would seat three, but it didn’t appear to have seatbelts. Ugh!

Did I mention there are eight of us?

There were some shouts of complaint, a few grumbles, but the overall air was one of disbelief. What were we going to do?

Well, it was late, and we were stuck. We loaded into the van, kids piled on top of each other on the tiny bench. At times, some of my children were standing, like horses in a trailer.

This van did NOT have seven seats.

I messaged the man behind the van, and he was surprised we had expected 7 seats! Apparently, Turo had listed it that way, while he thought it was advertised for two.

I started calling the next morning, just praying I would find another suitable car. I struck out a few times, for course. Thankfully, a woman recommended another company I could call. I did.

Miraculously, they had a Suburban that seated 8, and it was supposed to be returned that day at noon. We jumped at the chance.

I told the man at Turo that we had found another car. He was very accommodating and offered a refund.

We spent our day picking up a new car and dropping off the conversion van. We relished in the comfort of seats for everyone! No one had to sit on the floor, or stand, or sit on anyone else’s lap.

It was a lovely trade.

Thank goodness for miracles. And for nice ladies who tell me who to call when we are feeling betrayed and disappointed.