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Looking to hit the road for a car trip and discover new horizons? Long road trips are the best way to explore at your own pace, with the freedom to stop wherever you want—whether for a spontaneous picnic or a night under the stars at a campsite. Whether you’re using your own vehicle or renting one, a road trip offers a unique and memorable experience. Get ready to enjoy unforgettable journeys and make the most of every moment on the road! 🙌
Is it better to rent or buy a car for a road trip?
For a road trip, it’s often better to buy a used car rather than rent one, especially if you plan to take long trips or multiple road trips. A well-maintained used car, after a full vehicle inspection, offers more freedom without the mileage restrictions imposed by car rentals, allowing you to explore vast cities at your own pace. Additionally, you benefit from personal car insurance tailored to your needs. Investing in your own car for road trips allows you to embark on new destinations at any time, without the recurring costs of renting.
What are the best options for embarking on a road trip to a new destination?
Buy a new van
The 9 best models to buy
Our selection criteria include reliability, versatility (cargo space), off-road capabilities, and comfort. Here are the top choices for your upcoming trip:
- The Toyota 4Runner if you want a literally indestructible truck. Perfect for dirt roads you’re bound to encounter on your epic road trip.
- The Toyota Highlander, which offers a very economical and powerful hybrid engine version.
- The Jeep Grand Cherokee if you’re looking for a versatile SUV with powerful engines, this vehicle comes in both V6 and V8 engine options.
- The Jeep Wrangler if you want to feel the wind in your hair thanks to its retractable roof.
- The Subaru Outback is a standard all-wheel drive that offers the feel of driving a car while being able to tackle rough trails.
- The Dodge Grand Caravan will be the best deal of the bunch.
- The Toyota Sienna is the one with exceptional reliability (it’s unbreakable!).
- The Kia Sedona will give you the best value for money, making it an ideal choice for road trips.
- The Honda Odyssey will provide you the most comfort on a daily basis.
Buy a pre-equipped second-hand van
If you’re planning to buy a van for a family road trip, there are several options depending on your budget. First, you might consider purchasing a van from VanLife MTL, fully equipped, starting at $95,000 for a RAM ProMaster 2500 (photo above) and going up to over $160,000 for a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (photo below).
Buy a used van and equip it yourself
For a more pragmatic and affordable choice, buy a used Dodge Grand Caravan. Prioritize the “Stow ‘n Go” option for the Dodge Grand Caravan, which allows the second and third-row rear seats to fold into the floor, making it completely flat, creating ample trunk space for luggage.
You can find one in good condition between $5,000 and $15,000 with low mileage and equipped with the wonderful feature mentioned above. Plenty of other options can work in this smaller category (minivans), such as the Toyota Sienna or the Chrysler Pacifica (not mentioned in our top 9 but still interesting with its new hi-tech models and Stow ‘n Go option).
Then, you can equip the interior with technology yourself at a lower cost or call on Le Baroudeur’s services to install a conversion kit. This will cost you between $1,800 and $3,800 depending on the kit you choose. All that’s left is to enjoy the scenic roads, national parks or larger cities behind the wheel of your modified van!
Renting a fully equipped van
Rental prices with the VanLife rental agency
The rental price for a fully equipped van from VanLife MTL for the high season (summer) is $255 plus tax per day. This is designed for 1 to 4 adult travelers. The “Deluxe” model, which is slightly longer, will cost you $335 plus tax per day for the more spacious cabin. This model is also designed for 1 to 4 travelers but comes with more equipment to justify its higher price. Additional features include: an indoor shower, an awning, windows on both sides of the cabin.
Other options at VanLife: Rent a Jeep Wrangler
You can also decide to rent a Jeep Wrangler from VanLife MTL. The rental of this legendary 4×4 comes with a rooftop tent. If that’s not awesome! This larger vehicle is intended for more adventurous travelers who know how to set up a tent! The rental company provides accessories with this vehicle in its ample cargo space, including a cooler, a stove with a grill, a camping table, batteries, and kitchen accessories. More affordable, the Jeep Wrangler with its tent is available for $195 plus tax per day, an ideal vehicle for trips with lots of stops. From the beach to the forest, the possibilities are almost endless!
Rent a fitted Grand Caravan
Renting a fitted van remains the cheapest option. You can find a van between $100 and $160 plus tax per day. We recommend the website: Le Baroudeur. You’ll have a wide range of choices. Several individuals rent out their vans, and you just need to contact them directly through their website.
Turo VS VanLife MTL VS Buy-sell
Let’s say you want to go on a 2-week road trip covering 3,107 miles of range (about 350 km/day).
For a van rental at VanLife MTL, you benefit from 200 km/day and 24/7 roadside assistance. This might not be the best option in this case. However, VanLife MTL offers a KM package that solves the issue. Adding 500 km costs $130, 1,500 km costs $350, and 12,000 km costs $850. You can also pay based on the exact number of kilometers you traveled. This will cost you $0.30/km for extra mileage.
The Turo platform allows you to rent a Dodge Grand Caravan for around $50 plus tax per day. However, it will not be equipped. Luckily, you can rent a kit from Le Baroudeur for $45 plus tax per day. This company has really thought of everything! It’s truly an excellent option.
The included mileage on Turo really depends on the owner. Be sure to check the details (included mileage) on the website; some listings offer 400 km/day, while others offer unlimited mileage for unlimited trip time. This is a major advantage compared to VanLife MTL.
If you decide to buy a minivan or a van, you can sell it at the end of the summer or when you’re done using it. You’d be surprised how much money you can get back! Let’s say that after covering 10,000 km with your 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan, CAA-Québec estimates that your vehicle will have depreciated by about $1,900, maintenance costs will be minimal or non-existent, and your license and registration fees will be about $270.
This is without a doubt the most advantageous option!
Best time to resell your van/car after a road trip
The best time to resell your van or car after your annual trip in Canada is typically in spring or early summer when demand for travel vehicles is highest.
At this time, buyers are actively seeking vehicles for their own summer adventures, which can increase resale value. Make sure the vehicle is in good condition with up-to-date maintenance to attract more buyers and get a better price. Selling before autumn also avoids the drop in demand during the winter!
Tips for a memorable road trip
- Choose the ideal car suited for long journeys and your comfort level.
- Do a full vehicle inspection, including a check of lights and all standard safety features, bring a spare tire, and check fluid levels.
- Ensure you have good car insurance that fits your needs.
- Adapt to your final destination by planning your stops well.
- If you have an electric vehicle, ensure you always know where the closest charger point is.
- Bring your positive energy and stay focused on the road for an unforgettable vacation
Vehicle inspection services
CarInspect makes your car purchase easier by offering an informed and stress-free experience. Our certified mechanics carry out comprehensive 170-point inspections within 24 hours, guiding you from booking to negotiation. Inspections start at $189 and include a 90-day warranty. We are available across Canada:
