We just rented our Jeep Wranglers from Budget at the airport for $339.99 + $17.50 taxes/fees = total $395.23 each. I think budget gives discounts for people using a Sears? credit card or Sam's Club Members, etc. We didn't use any discounts at that price.

Connie,
I have used Hotwire a couple of times and it has always put me through Avis. I've heard the same from others who've used Hotwire - Avis is the rental company they wound up with.

I suppose you mean you're looking for a car on St John? It is cheaper to rent on St Thomas and take the car ferry over. Providing the rental company allows it. If you hotwire it and get a Hertz car, you can't take them over! Some folks are reluctant, as the rental car companies tell you if you have a flat or something, you are pretty much on your own. If it breaks down, they will take some time to get to you. You have to calculate your odds on that one. Most of the franchise companies cars are fairly new and not inclined to break down, but you never know. I have not heard any stories of misery in relation to renting in St. Thomas vs. St. John.

RL

Thanks to all for the information...especially about hotwire/avis.

Ron...I'm staying on St Thomas, so that's where i'll rent.

We're renting Wyndcliff Villa in Mahogany Run. The logistics of this with 8 people is so much more magnefied. And it's falling on me to make the decisions. Even with renting 2 cars, so the younger people can go out by themselves, I know we'll have to either get a cab or get to red hook (Duffy's) because of course, we don't want to drink or drive. So not only is there the cost of our cars, which will sit home some nights, but the added expense of calling somebody to take us out and pick us up. I know we can't walk, nor would we want to on those streets.

Hi Connie. Have you tried Dependable Car Rental? That's who we rented our jeep from when we were in STT in September. $45 per day but we only had it for 3 days so it didn't seem bad to me. They picked us up from the Wyndham, took us back to the office to fill out paperwork and off we went. They also brought us back to the hotel after returning the jeep. If you call there, ask for Kathleen. She was very helpful.

Erinn

Connie,

I reserved a car on St. Thomas from Thrifty for $173/wk (end of Oct.)...4 door economy, I made this reservation a few months ago so I'm not sure if it's the same now.

Good luck

I had some luck in getting a lower rate just a few days ago with using a discount code through the Avis website. I had a couple of membership club sort of codes (college alumni group, professional group) to choose from, but there are also fairly readily avaiable discount codes they allow for airline frequent flier members and purchasers of "Entertainment" Coupon books. The codes for the airline frequent flier codes are listed right on the Avis website, I think under "Partners". They have several choices. "Entertainment" books have lots of discount coupons for various things and are based on the city in which YOU live (doesn't appear to be available specifically in the VI's, but it shouldn't matter as the codes are national for Avis). I got my book from a local school sale, but you can order these online, too. I had to try all of my code "options", as some resulted in discounts and others didn't. I figure I saved ~$150 for an SUV for 9 days, based on the other rates.