I can't really speak personnally about Dependable but there are very recent posts in the last 90 days on this vacation board. Just do a search on say........."dependable" or "car rental" and you may find other opinions/recommendations already posted.

Observations:

I'm more "aware" and conscious to inspect the condition when renting a vehicle in the Virgin Islands. The rental car person handing the vehicle off to you will walk around the car noting the dings and scrapes and provide a marked up form. Really look at that piece of paper and walk around the vehicle and point out and ensure any dings or scrapes that are not noted on the paper are added before you drive away.

Also, check the cleanliness inside the vehicle. We rented from a company in STT a couple of weeks ago and there was a sticker in the car that said any trash, sand, "excess" uncleanliness of the vehicle when returned would incur a $250 cleaning fee. When we got in the vehicle and drove away we noticed a melted orange popscicle and spilled cola on the rear seat sides and trash in the glove box, sand in the floorboard. They didn't charge us the additional cleaning fee but I made a note to myself that next time I'm looking on the inside as well as the outside before I take possession.

Finally, when we arrived at the rental company office to rent the car, there was a customer at the desk strongly but politely asking to talk with the manager (who was not on site at the time and the clerk refused to get him on the phone). The gentleman was upset because he was not aware that he had 3 refueling options, wasn't told about the options at the time he rented the car, and before he returned the car he topped off the tank with $40 of fuel (he had the receipt). They charged him an extra ~$12.00 (the minimum per gallon charge) for "refueling" the car even though the car had already been refueled by the customer. Evidently the "default" (unless a customer specifies at the time of rental) refueling option is ~$12.00 per gallon for the rental company to refuel the car. Regardless that the guy topped off the tank, fuel gauge indicated FULL and he had the receipt to prove it. He was on the way to catch a plane and couldn't get the matter resolved without talking with the manager who would not be available until he got into the office around 11:00.

Just some questions to ask, things to know before you drive away in your rental vehicle....and this is true everywhere, not just the VI, but sometimes when you're excited/on vacation these kinds of details get lost and then people get surprised.

Thanks, but are Jeeps really necessary or would a car suffice? I was concerned more about engine problems.

You really do need 4WD on St John and many of the car rental agencies on St Thomas will ONLY rent you a 4WD if your destination is STJ. The terrain on STJ is much more hilly than STT with some serious switchbacks. There are several areas where, after a passing shower, the roads become very slick and if you're in a 2WD drive vehicle you may have to wait until the road dries before being able to continue. Also, many vacation villas are off steep driveways/roads where 4WD is a must. Hope that answers your question and, by the way, Dependable has an excellent reputation. Enjoy a wonderful visit.

Budget and Dependable will allow any vehicles to go to St. John. But should you have any machanical problems with the vehicle, expenses will fall back on you.
Amalie and Discount Car Rental will only allow their 4 wheel drive to go to St. John, but should you have any machanical problems, they take care of their vehicles - meaning they will send a machanic to rescue and fix the problem or send a replacement vehicle.
The rental cost might be more, but both companies take good care of their vehicles, plus they do carry newer vehicles.

I prefer a Jeep, but I've seen a lot more cars on St John. For 2 people a 2 door Jeep Wrangler with good tires and brakes will be fine.I also prefer to rent on St John.

You don't mention if you are staying at a villa. If so you should find out what the road to the villa is like. The main roads on StJ are paved but during/after a rain they can get slick on the steep inclines and switchbacks. A 4WD comes in handy then. StJ rental agencies offer (almost) exclusively 4WD's for a reason. Whether you end up with a 4WD or 2WD you should pay special attention when inspecting the tires.

Yes I am staying in a villa, but 4WD is not needed to get to it. I am going with a 2D Jeep 4 WD for the reasons mentioned above. Don't want to risk an accident. I am thinking about renting form L&L Jeep Rental in case I encounter any problems. Not sure if it is worth it though.

I highly recommend L&L. They are our preffered vehicle rental.

Just make sure you have a 4 wheel drive if you take ANY vehicle over to St. John. While the roads are good on St. John, they are VERY STEEP in grade (unlike I have seen), and in the event of rain it can get and become dangerous

The speed limit in STT is only 25 and I understand why. The roads on STT are not as great as STJ and drivers can be a little crazy from time to time.

My husband and I have had exceptionally good experience (we were there just a few weeks ago - May 20-27) with Discount Car Rentals in STT if you would like to price them out. Provided you get one of their 4 wheel drive Jeeps, they allow you freely to go between the islands without worry on the car barges and it is a blast ! 95% of STJ is a National Park and the vistas are just unbelieveable, shopping incredible and snorkeling the finest.

Good luck and have fun in STT and STJ!!

Actually max speed limit on STT is 35MPH. OP has already decided on a 4WD so all will be well.