Bob,
It's sort of hard to answer this question without a giggle - because some of the "main paved roads" are sort of like off road roads. The roads the car companies are talking about are normally marked "No rental Cars". The 4WD is not necessary on St. John but adds to your peace of mind as some of the roads are potholed, shoulders are slim, roads are windy and and steep, sometimes slippery, and you are driving on the left. Add in the donkeys and goats and it adds up to a grand adventure. I tell my guests it is an added attraction - you pay a lot of money in Disney World for rides like this.

Thanks Pamela. So I take it I'd be fine with one of the hard top 4WD as opposed to a jeep? I'd prefer to be able to leave things in the car but not at the expense of beling limited as to where I go.

Bob

Bob,
You should be fine with pretty much whatever you rent on St. John, the rental places tailor their fleets (if you can call the usual random collection of Jeeps, Suzukis etc. a "fleet") to the local conditions.

As far as leaving anything in the car, at least at the beaches, I'd still be careful. If someone really wants something out of your vehicle, they will always get it. We just travel light, take everything with us, and leave the vehicle unlocked.

Also, regarding hard vs. soft top, the rental places typically forbid you to remove the soft tops (people can't ever get them back on correctly), and with the hot sun and occaisional tropical rain showers, you'll want a top over your head anyway.

Enjoy driving on St. John, it's a great part of the fun!

Regan