I have rented with Budget, Avis, Hertz and Dependable while staying in STT. I really haven't had a problem with any of them. Once in a while they would give us keys to a car that we couldn't find in the parking lot and were then given keys to another vehicle. Almost all of the cars that we have rented had minor dings and scratches that we had to report before leaving the airport. Usually just a phone call to the desk is all that we needed to do. I usually book my car rentals on Travelocity and compare the prices and go with the least expensive option. Renting a car at the airport is a breeze, sometime you may have a little wait if you are arriving on a larger plane with lots of other people renting cars. That is why I try to stay as far up front on the larger planes (first on first off). But if I am taking the puddle jumper out of Puerto Rico they usually load the plane from the rear so then I try and stay in the back of the plane.

Have a great trip!

Molly

budget allows you to take the vehicle on the ferrry to st john, where hertz doesnt. the cars definitely are not in the best shape, almost all of them have scratches or dents. I also switched cars when i first picked up because the check engine light was on. however, the next car had it on also, the agent said it's just because they don't know how or forget to reset the computer after doing an oil change, service, etc.

I use Budget every time I go to St. Thomas. I just got back from 2 weeks, and drove a Brand new 2009 Ford fusion. I paid a total of $668.00. I didn't need the extra insurance, or pay to have a second driver.

I have inquired at budget for car rental to go to st john and was told they would not guarantee a 4 wheel drive.. We have rented our cars on st john the last 2 years.. We stay out on east end and 4 wheel drive is a necessity.. Roads can be very steep and windy and can be difficult to navigate if they are wet if you do not have 4 wheel drive.

We've rented from Budget 6 years running, and I do understand your concern since Budget's been getting lots of bad reviews lately. Their cars are generally fine though cosmetically there will likely be scratches and dents.

Your biggest concern is valid - when they are "out" of the car you reserved, they will substitute a different kind. We reserved the big Dodge Durango 4 wheel drive and they were out. So - they gave us a Jeep Liberty and a Jeep Wrangler for the same price (we had 6 adults). There's absolutely no guarantee that the Liberty will be there waiting on you.

Sorry - but it seems you really only have 2 options:
1. Take your chances at Budget. Reserve the Jeep Liberty. Email them directly with your absoltute need for a 4 wheel drive fully enclosed vehicle (being very nice about it and enthusiastic about your reservation). Request an upgrade to the Durango if the Liberty is not available. OR
2. Talk your friends into funding a vehicle from a different rental company.

I sure do wish you luck!

it is usually free to reserve a car. make a backup reservation with a different company, and if you dont need it, then cancel.

I've used Budget at the airport a few times with no problems. The only ones that I have seen have problems are people that act (do have?) like they are rich and every one must accommodate their every wish. The secret is to treat the Budget lady with the proper respect. She has the keys.

Thanks for the responses. It's good to hear that some folks have been OK renting with Budget.

We don't care about scratches and dents, just that the car is mechanically sound. This will be our eighth trip, so I know the drill on proper etiquette (no problem). I guess I'll just suck it up and hope and pray for the best when we arrive. I don't know that I would feel right keeping a second reservation as backup. It's tempting, but wouldn't that mean potential lost revenue for the backup company if Budget comes through?

Does that include vehicle fees and taxes? We have reservations, but Budget will not send a true confirmation that includes the vehicle type, dates, rates, etc. Your confirmation # is your telephone number. Strange!

That's the way Budget operates on the Island. Your phone number is your confirmation number. My Ford Fusion for 2 weeks for $668.00 included all taxes. They won't tell you in advace what car you'll receive. As far as your total, take the weekly rental rate, times 11.1 in taxes, plus a $2.00 a day charge .

I made my reservation through Budget.com. Got the same price as the local website, and a confirmation number. I then waited a couple weeks (I made the reservation well in advance) and sent a very nice note to the STT office questioning the type of vehicle I had rented to be sure that my corporate reservation was accurately received. They responded within 24 hours with the reservation and the vehicle type (I indicated in my note that I absolutely needed 4 wheel drive).

I don't like the local office's website and using telephone number as confirmation code with no return confirmation. That's why I use the corporate website for my rentals.

Good Luck! Have Fun!

We have used Budget for the last 7 years-once or twice a year with no problems, until this time!! We arrived much later than planned due to weather in Knoxville (missed our connection in Atlanta) and being rerouted to a late evening American flight. I called Budget, both the 800 number to the main reservations center and the on island location to let them know we would be arriving later as soon as we were reconfirmed on the American flight. Both representatives assured me that it would not be a problem-they said they hold a reservation for 15 hours past the confirmed arrival time. The on island rep told me "no problem-we close at 10:30 but we always stay until the last flight comes in no matter what time it gets here." We arrived at 9:15 PM went straight to the counter, where there was no one in line and were told that they had no more cars! I was told that it did not matter that I had a confirmed reservation because they had no cars to give me-no further explanation. They told me to try Hertz because they thought they had one car left-turns out they did and it all worked out fine, but it was frustrating to say the least. But like I said earlier have used them for the last several years with no problems at all! Good luck with whatever you decide.