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Hi, we are visiting St John in October and its four adults. The guys want to rent a Jeep Wrangler because its fun and the top can come down to enjoy the views better. My concern is whether this 4 cylendar car be able to go up the very steep hills on St John with all four of us or is it going to struggle? We are staying at Sunset Ridge villas on top of a mountail I believe called "Jacobs Ladder". I want to reserve a car within a week but need help on which vehicle to get. I was thinking of a grand vitara or anything with a bit more power. Those of you who have been there in parties of 4 please let me know what worked best for you. Also which care rentals are better that have parking in Cruz Bay? Thanks for your help in advance.
My family (of four) recently spent 2 weeks on STJ and we, also, were going to rent a jeep (my teenagers thought it would be cool), however, the gal we rented from wisely suggested a four door Vitara or similar type for several reasons, ie, carrying beach chairs, coolers, towels, etc. (jeep doesn't have the room for all the stuff for four people - especially four adults) and also that the jeep is a 2-door and the people in the back are going to have to do some yoga moves to maneuver - you are probably young and in shape - no problem... but I am SO VERY GLAD we listened to her as we did haul a LOT of stuff daily to and from the beaches, the grocery stores, etc... just something to consider... have a great time - wish I were there !!
I thought I read that you can't take the top down on rentals. Maybe I'm mistaken, but this is what I thought.
Also, Jacob's Ladder is serious business needing power, 4WD and prayers if it rains.
I'm curous abotu the top down thing. Maybe I'm confusing STJ with another island.
Actually I called a rental agency, Courtesy in St John and they told me they do not allow the top of the Jeeps to be taken down. I wonder why that is though. It would be so nice to have it open to experience the full breeze and beautiful views. Then again would they know if the top was taken down on some scenic drives? I wonder how strict they are about this?
Anyhow, we are leaning more towards renting a more powerful car due to the reasons I read above. Thanks for all your help
We always get a Wrangler and request an 'open' Jeep. My husband won't even consider anything else....says it's not an island car if it's not a Wrangler.
Anyway, yes, it can get rather full with 4 people and all the stuff for the beach but we've gotten good at packing it so that it works out fine. We've never had a problem with being underpowered and we've gone up and down every road on the island and never had a problem (even John Head Road). Since he's the driver he never has to 'climb' into the back but even that isn't so bad. I just get into the front seat and 'walk' between the front seats into the back. It works better than pulling the front passenger seat forward (most of them don't work very well anyway).
I'm quite sure you can't take the top off/down in any rental car on St. John.
Well, Maria....looks like there's no more debate between the ladies and the guys. Stick with us, we've got the scoop.
