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I read in one of the many posts that Budget was not doing so well with Jeep rentals. We are fixing to be on our 25th wedding anniversary and want to make this a great vacation without too many hassles! I notice they are the only Jeep I can find which is classified a compact SUV according to the rep at Budget I spoke with. Do I need to stay away from Budget and scrap the Jeep idea and go with Avis for $150 more.... would be $150 more we could use for one of the many excursions I hope to find.
I really appreciate your help! I've only been to St. Thomas once and that was on a cruise and a way too FAST shopping trip!
I haven't been lucky with Budget in the pass, so we started renting from Discount and Dependable.. Even though they aren't "right" at the airport, they will pick you up and drive (short) you to their office to sign papers and you're off. They both have jeeps, so I would give each a call. Maybe they can match Budget's price.
I just always found that Budget had a long line.
I have dealt with Budget once and had no issue. I was not renting a jeep however. I have heard many a horror story about them. I would recommend Dependable if you want a jeep, they are less expensive and the service is unbeatable. I use budget now only for convenience purposes.
Why a Jeep? If you're thinking 4WD you don't need that on STT and neither do you need it for a typical 1 or 2 day trip to STJ on the car barge. St Thomas has been my home for almost 30 years and only once did I own a vehicle which had the 4WD option - which I never used! I don't know about the new generation Jeep SUVs but even the late model Wranglers have to be the most uncomfortable vehicles I've ever been in. I'm sure they're amazingly sturdy, dependable and reliable in the outback or on the rocky tors where few other vehicles dare to drive but don't be swayed by the hype and pay through the nose for something you just don't need.
Thank you everyone I appreciate the advice. I will look into Dependable. I'm thinking it may be fun to rent some Scooter's or Segways during part of the stay. STT, of course you are right....only wanted the Jeep for the wide open feel. We have a jeep we leave at our lake place. I haven't even ridden in it for a couple of years! Definitely not fun for the person having to get into the back seat!
Unless your medical and life insurance premiums are all paid up and you have supplementary airlift coverage, don't "scooter it" here! There are scores of posts on visitor forums on the subject but without getting into all the ins and outs (most of which will become very obvious as you get used to driving here) just don't do it. Stay safe in a car. Segways? I took a sip of my morning tea before that caught my eye and it didn't have time to go down the right hatch before coming out of my nose - HATE it when that happens. Funnily enough I actually saw one advertised for sale here quite recently and was wondering how long it would be before it was on the side of the road with a "FREE TO GOOD HOME"! sign on it!
I agree with STT Resident!! Scooters are a BAD idea here... The roads are really steep and curvy, they're just dangerous. I've heard of so many stories of scooter accidents that I'm surprised they even allow them to be rented here..... Be safe and just rent a jeep!!
Ok, no scooters! My husband and 20 year old would probably decide I shouldn't anyway! 😉 They just don't know what a great driver I am.....
