Advantages of renting a jeep or car in St Thomas?

[cindygad]

This is the first time we have not had a early departure time. I was thinking of renting on St Thomas. Which ones allow you to bring car over on barge? Do you find the rate cheaper than renting on St John? We have always rented a jeep but has anyone rented a car? I realize it depends on where you stay but the road is paved where we are staying.

[Bigcheeze]

Convenience and cost arebig factors for us renting on STT. Discount, Dependable and Budget are 3 that allow vehicles on STJ.

[loria]

i always rent 4wd--when it rains those steep switchbacks can get nuts --for the small difference it makes sense (plus if you decide to go somewhere where you NEED 4wd....well....) and with the barge--well, I love the barge--but if one or two break down ....and you are trying to catch a flight.......anyway, that was our experience....so I pretty much rent on st john--cost u less be damned

[Captain John]

My guests missed their flight last week due to barge issues.

[Bigcheeze]

My guests missed their flight last week due to barge issues.

Part of the reason we have spent the last night at Emerald Beach on STT on some years and when we dont...we error on allowing extra time

[FinsUp]

We rent on STT and use Amalie Car Rental. They are brand new vehicles and allow them on STJ.

[cbrund1079]

A negative of renting on STT is if you get a flat tire or have car troubles you are on your own. We had a flat tire last time used our spare had a slow leak in another tire. There is only 1 place to go to on the island to fix tires and they may not open for that service on Saturdays. We left a day early and went back to STT went to rental car company and they changed 2 other tires because they were leaking air.

[kristen1206]

Couldn't the people ferry break down as easily as the car barge? Or are there more people ferries to cover?
Now this is in my mind as something to stress about!

As far as the mechanical issues, we booked with Discount and they told me they have a mechanic on St. John.

[Teresa_Rae]

It's less expensive to rent on STT, you don't have to pay for taxis to get to/from the ferry, and the last time I did the math I think it came out that when you have two people or more the car ferry is less expensive than the people ferry. So there are 3 ways you save money by renting on STT.

I like loading up at the airport and not having to mess with luggage again until we get to the villa. But the primary reason we rent on STT is monetary.

[Ann]

Our arrival time in St. Thomas in June is 3:40 p.m. Does that allow enough time to make the car barge?

[sasky]

The car barge issues are making me nervous now. We're renting on STT for the first time this trip for convenience with a toddler, with Discount so we don't have to worry about service on STJ. Hoping nothing goes wrong.

[samoka]

Our arrival time in St. Thomas in June is 3:40 p.m. Does that allow enough time to make the car barge?

You should be able to make the 5 o'clock barge - but if not they run as late as 6 or 7.

[cindygad]

Thanks everyone for your input. I called several today to check on prices. It made me nervous when one of the rental place said once you are on the barge it is at your risk. They said if your vehicle breaks down it is up to you to have it towed back at your own expense.

One place did say they if your vehicle broke down they would send a mechanic over during hours of 8-5.

So it looks like there are advantages and disadvantages. I guess I have to weigh the plus and minuses and then decide.

We need a vehicle for 3 weeks does anyone know a place on St John that gives a discount for longer rentals?

[toni]

My concern would be parking on St John? If you rent on stt have you ever had problems finding a place to park in Cruz bay? We've always rented from suttons or whomever for the ability to park in his lot. Are there more places to park now?