True, most roads on STJ are paved and if you stick to them and if it doesn't rain, you're probably OK without 4wd. But if you're heading for a villa with a steep driveway (and many have them), you'll need 4wd. Also, the roads are very steep and windey. If it rains, they become very slick (and it doesn't take much rain to make them slick). I wouldn't even think about not having 4wd on STJ. I guess the only thing that might tempt me would be to save money. I always like to save a buck, but that's really not a place where I'd cut costs.

As for removing the top, if you were to remove it and not screw anything up or get the vehicle drenched in a sudden shower, I guess you'd be OK. If you'd screw something up, you'd be liable. As far as safety, things do get stolen from vehicles sometimes. We never leave anything of value in vehicles.

Getting it off is not the problem. Getting it back on correctly and without tearing it seems to be where most folks get in trouble. And between sudden showers and the hot sun, it never seems worth the hassle to me.

If you remove the window panels, you'll have a similar effect. With the roof on, you'll have the benefit of the shade in addition to not having to worry about a passing shower.

As a resident of STX and the owner of a convertible, I can tell you that taking the top off is a real bad idea. If it rains you get wet. More importantly, the Caribbean sun will knock you down. It will sneak up on you and slap you silly. Be careful.

Ric

as Ric said ...be careful... a good hour in the sun here daily will cook the average person to a crisp...