Size of car is making me crazy

[cinnyb]

Five of us-not arriving or leaving on the same day, so luggage not all together.

Staying on east end. Snorkeling at different beaches most days. Cooler,gear, towels,chairs-maybe.

First, I thought a seven passenger like a durango, but then read it was too big for St. John roads, parking, etc.

So, with 5 and gear do you think a liberty,nitro or 4 door jeep would have enough room?

To complicate it the rates change four days in for our 11 day stay. Thanks for help. What should be simple, doesn't seem it right now.

[Xislandgirl]

I would rent an explorer from STJ Car rental. Plenty of room for 5 plus all the beach stuff and you can park in their lot in town. I don't think it is too big to navigate the roads. I had a full size Cherokee when I loved on island and never had a problem with the size.

[JT]

Many of us will advise you that 2 cars are going to make for a better trip with 5 people involved.

[cinnyb]

I tried to suggest two cars to my son, but he felt it wasn't necessary. My husband thinks son and fiance should get their own, too. Son can be stubborn,lol.
It will be their wedding. If it was hubby and I getting married we would definitely want our own car. Maybe he just wants to relax and be chauffered. It will be a busy April week so I feel like I should reserve soon.
Xisland Girl-I would trust your advice, but there is another hitch. Our plane doesn't come in to St.T. until 4:35 so I didn't think that gave enough time to get to St. John Rental by 6. It was my first choice of places. Thanks, more ideas appreciated.

[Xislandgirl]

Who are you renting from (i assume you are renting a villa)? They can pick up the keys for you and you can just pop by first thing in the morning and sign the paperwork.

[Margy Z]

We actually had a Durango this May, rented from Budget at the airport. We were staying on STT but brought it over to STJ on the car ferry and didn't have any issues due to the size of the vehicle. Our primary driver was a petite 5'1" tall, too, and she did just fine with the beast. Having said that, tho, we were five and in hindsight I think it would have been better to have 2 cars or, as an alternative, more than 2 registered drivers. What probably would have worked better for us would have been something like a Jeep Liberty along with a smaller regular sedan. I think we would have had everything covered with that set-up and we would have had a lot more freedom to split up and do different things.

[flip-flop]

I hate to be a naysayer but man 1 car with 5 people, a wedding and a stubborn son sounds like a recipe for disaster. Maybe their own Jeep wrangler would make a great wedding gift!

It will cost you but your sanity and having a great trip would be worth every penny. On our recent trip we had issues with some doddling around the house and I was sure glad we had two sets of wheels!

[Bug]

Having been in STJ with several others in our party, I would have to agree with the suggestion that you have 2 cars. Frankly, I would NEVER do STJ with more than me and my hubby without 2 (or more) cars!!

Do you son a favor and insist that he gets his own jeep. He might not like the idea now but he will sure understand once you are all on island

XOXO
Bug

[Pia]

I, 1000% agree - 2 cars, the only way to go - it maybe his wedding but you will need some freedom (and sanity) as well

Pia

ps: I drive a Jeep Liberty and 5 people fit fine with room for "stuff" should you decide not to take the advise for our forum "family"

[cinnyb]

Consensus so far seems two vehicles is the way to go. I'm glad I asked. Now I can just put it as "those who have been in this situation before recommend..."

So, if we got two vehicles I'm not so sure I would want a soft top, you can't put it down anyway and a hard top seems more secure. Hmmm...back to looking at choices again. Still open to any and all advice and recommendations. Thanks.

[Xislandgirl]

You can always rent Vitaras. Still small but hard top and plenty of room for beach stuff. STJ car rental doesn't have them anymore but I know Conrad Sutton does,

[Nic in KC]

Just chiming in to agree with everyone else. If you try to squeeze beach chairs, gear, and cooler into one car for five people it isn't going to be comfortable. We travel with my parents and brother and even if his girlfriend wasn't going with us, I'd still insist on two cars. We need to be able to go our separate ways sometimes and I guarantee with the wedding they are going to want their own car. Didn't you say you are getting separate villas? The extra money is soooo worth it!

[waterguy]

I always bring bungi cords down so I can strap the stuff to the top But 2 cars is the only way to go.

[PA Girl]

Waterguy - I just added bungies to the packing list! Great idea.

We have done seperate cars as well as joint cars. The joint worked only because our non-driving couple understands that they basically get no say in any arrangements - if you don't drive, you shut up and go along for the ride, period, or stay home.

Still, I would really prefer it they got their own vehicle (it is my mom) but you can only push the free babysitter so far.....

[JT]

Just a thought before you go further. How old is your son? No rentals are allowed for any drivers under 25 on STJ! But, I gotta tell you, on the East End only having 1 car for 5 people can be a hardship in a variety of ways and a strain to relationships.
A couple of years ago we went with my son and his girlfriend for 3 weeks. No rental for them because of the age thing. It wasn't too much of a problem for us because we stayed over near St. John's Folly and the bus came thru there. Also, they hitched rides if they wanted to go somewhere and our schedules conflicted, but most folks won't go that way.
Anyway, no rentals/drivers under 25, if that's a factor for you.