Our New Car – Actually Shashi’s New Car

Yahoooo!

We (by default) have a brand spanking new Toyota Innova! We previously had a Tata Indigo which was a small 4 seater and while only 9 months old, seemed a bit warn. After a few long car trips during Amy's visit, and after seeing similar small cars banged up pretty bad, we decided that we needed a larger car for both safety, comfort, and all the guests we are having visit!

Even though it is a basic version, we now have room for 7, tons more leg space, electric windows, surround air conditioning (very very nice), seats that lean back – so cool for long haul trips AND very importantly, an all India Driving Permit – here you have to purchase the ability to drive in the other states and previously we were limited to the State of Karnataka. Almost all the comforts of my beloved Passat.

So Dar cut out the middleman (who took a heavy percentage of our monthly car allowance) and Shashi was able to buy a bigger car and net, net we pay the same amount. I am also very pleased to say that it runs on bio diesel (which is about the best fuel option we have here) and gets the same gas mileage as the other car!!! Double yahoo as both the environment and we win!

Below is Shashi and the new car. He and his wife had a puja performed for the car (hence the flowers and sandlewood paste on the car) and he has already installed his good luck charms from the rear view mirror. He was totally stoked with the car. The only thing he is now worried about is getting around one particular parking garage where we shop for groceries – it is ok though, we just go really really slow – who cares how long it takes now!