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Next May, we are visiting USVI for the fourth time, staying six nights at Stone Cottage villa on St Thomas, and we just decided to spend three nights on St John at Lavender Hill Suites, thanks to the great things we have heard about Lavender Hill. I usually rent a compact car in St Thomas which gets us around STT just fine.
Can I get away with the a regular front wheel drive car on St John to see the beautiful beaches or is a jeep or 4WD SUV a must have on St John? My wife gets really anxious when I mention a Jeep because she thinks I will be inclined try to drive on scary and dangerous back roads.
If I don't need a jeep, I'd rather drive a regular car but I want to be able to see St John's beautiful beaches. What do you think?
A car will be fine.
We rented a minivan in April and had no problems. You could have a problem if it rains and you are on a steep incline but I think a car would be fine.
although the majority of the roads are paved, if you are an adventurer, i highly recommend a 4WD for island driving, or at least "all wheel drive" because as jrobinv says you will appreciate the extra control if it rains or conditions are misty. the hills tend to be very steep and with some striking switchbacks and hairpins.
I personally would never again rent a vehicle that wasn't 4WD on St. John. Rented a 2WD Liberty for one day when we visited STJ while we were staying on Tortola and we had a very bad experience trying to get up the hill between Truck Bay and Peter Bay on a rainy day. After that scary experience we will always have 4WD. If the road are dry you can get by with a 2WD with no problem but on wet pavement you'll be safer with a 4WD.
We always recommend a 4 wheel drive. It gives you the opportunity to explore the whole island. Hope that helps!
Diana wrote:
I personally would never again rent a vehicle that wasn't 4WD on St. John. Rented a 2WD Liberty for one day when we visited STJ while we were staying on Tortola and we had a very bad experience trying to get up the hill between Truck Bay and Peter Bay on a rainy day. After that scary experience we will always have 4WD. If the road are dry you can get by with a 2WD with no problem but on wet pavement you'll be safer with a 4WD.
I will second this note... it occured on our first visit. Same location and the road was just a little wet. We always rent 4wd vehicles now...
lol
Reefrunner, can you or anyone else tell me how to put a quote in a box like that? I've always wondered about that.
Just click the quote button under what you want to add and it is put there automatically
Rent a Wrangler, pop the top and look cool for a few days. It is worth it and you will appreciate the ground clearance if you plan to explore the entire island.
You clearly stated that you prefer to rent a car, and that your plan is to stay at Lavender Hill Suites for three nights and visit STJ beaches. Several people have expressed a preference for 4WD, but you asked whether it is a "must have." Given where you're staying and the way you have said you want to spend your time, 4WD is not a "must have." There are cars on STJ, and people drive them to the beach, so you too will be fine if you prefer to rent a car.
waterguy wrote:
Just click the quote button under what you want to add and it is put there automatically
Wow! I totally did not know how to do that! I get to add to my "learn something new today" list. Thanks, Guy, you rock !! 🙂
Thanks everyone for your honest opinions. I think I will be fine with a car given my aspirations and circumstances.
I agree a 4WD is not really needed for what you said you want to do.
4WD is nice and might be required to go to a few off road places but you can get to all major beches with a front wheel drive and a little walking...
Have fun
Well, I just got the answer to my question on your other thread! lol!
Blaze, you can simply rent here as usual and then take your vehicle over on the barge for your 3 days there! (thought I'm guessing you already know this)! If I can be of any help to you guys, let me know!
