Best vehicle for STX?

Those all sound like great cars. Make sure they are really US built. There are not as many hilly slippery roads as STT or Stjohn, so AWD is not as important. It is nice to have though. You should have read that new cars take a real beating in the islands. They age very quickly.

If you are spending extra money to get a newer car,do the math and compare the car you already own. It is hard for me to imagine that the extra "customs cost" would be more than the cost and depreciation of a new car.

Good luck...

I had 2 4runners that I bought on ebay. 1996 & 1997. drove one till 160k miles the next one to 280k miles. Sold both and they are still on the road. Just bought newer Toyota's. They have worked super for us for the last 7 yrs. Hope that helps..

Isn't there something to where you can't bring a car if its not paid off? I may be wrong but I swear I read that. I wouldn't bey a new car for the islands. We have 2 tiny suzukis that are all banged up real good, it's nice to not worry about dents and scrapes lol!

Lots of Fords here, Explorers, Expeditions, etc

If you do not own your vehicle outright, you must get a release from the bank you have it financed with, allowing you to bring it to the VI.
Some will allow, some won't so best to check with them prior to making any other arrangements.

Just remember one major thing. SMALLER IS BETTER ON THE ISLANDS. If you are wanting an SUV, look for something small like a Honda CRV. 4 cylinder vehicles get around great on the islands and when it comes to parking especially in town and other places, you will appreciate a smaller vehicle. Also, check the island to make sure that the type of vehicle that you have or will get is serviceable on the islands, if not, you may have to wait for parts if you have a break down.

Depending on your budget, you could probably find a great car on the islands for around $10,000.00. You will also have to take into account if your car isn't paid off, you will be required to get approval from your lien holder to allow you to take your car out of the Continental US or Mainland. Also, I know to ship my vehicle from Florida to St. Thomas was going to be around $2500.00 when all said and done with all the fee's and such. So make sure that the $1500.00 shipping price you posted is the bottom line with everything factored in.

I had a honda CRV and loved it. Sold it when we left and the new owner still loves it.

Thanks for all the info. My current car is a 2011 and is financed through my local credit union. They have already given me permission to ship the car. Since I still owe at least 5 more years of payments, I figured I would down size to a smaller AWD SUV. I will check out the Toyota and Honda to see if they are American built. BTW, my employer is shipping the car for me.

Best vehicle for STX? This one gets my vote.

I'll cast my vote for Jeeps. They're beasts and really handle the extreme weather (and crappy roads) here well. We bought one used five years ago from a rental car company and it's still going great guns. The only downside is that they're gas hogs (if you have a six).

Bernie

I prefer Toyota trucks since I own a 1997 Tacoma but any car that is high enough off the ground to avoid those pesky pot-holes tearing off your muffler and bottoming out, has good power and brakes, will work. Suzuki's seem to be very popular here as well

Hi,

Of my 5 years in STX, I never felt the need for AWD. The mostly stop & go traffic and slow rural roads driving puts a toll on gas mileage and AWD typically uses a bit more fuel. The biggest expense with my cars there was gasoline, tires, and brakes. Every bit helps and a FWD only vehicle should suffice.

A FWD CR-V, RAV 4, Sportage, Tucson, or a new Escape are very good options. Parts & service can be an issue, and said vehicles are great options. The Subaru is an awesome super reliable wagon if you still want AWD but, parts & service wil be limited.

Want to get fancy and also get intelligent AWD? The new Buick Encore is a nice compact SUV...

IMHO a 4x4 (not to be confused with AWD) truck or Jeep, unless you feel the need to go off-roading, is a waste of money...

We shipped our Honda CRV down and had to pay 3% duty on it because the VIN number started with a letter. I think it was an extra $800 for that. We are super glad we shipped that car and it has been great on the roads of St Thomas.

If your employer is shipping it and I'm assuming paying the cost to ship it, why does it matter if they pay the extra duty? Just wondering...

Jeep Wrangler. Used. Very popular with the rental fleets therefore easy to get parts and service.

I'm the new owner of Linda J's car. Love it. It is a two wheel drive and gets around just great. I also love my Bronco II. It is 4WD but have never needed it.

I would recommend a automatic unless you are very good with a clutch on hill starts.

Jeep Wrangler. Used. Very popular with the rental fleets therefore easy to get parts and service.

(tu)(tu)!

Nobody mentioned Sherman Tanks. Not too good on economy but will definitely win on the roads here...

Nobody mentioned Sherman Tanks. Not too good on economy but will definitely win on the roads here...

I have a tank.

Not Sherman but an Excursion, diesel.

Been great so far.

CD

Thanks everyone for your input and I'm headed to the dealership this week Much appreciated.

Nobody mentioned Sherman Tanks. Not too good on economy but will definitely win on the roads here...

I have a tank.

Not Sherman but an Excursion, diesel.

Been great so far.

CD

Good to hear large vehicles do well, I'm shipping my truck (ford F150)today from Jacksonville FL; hopefully all goes well at sea star!

Wrangler or Explorer. They hold up well, parts are everywhere.

Get an ugly one too, because eventually, it will be anyway.

... Explorer....
Get an ugly one too, because eventually, it will be anyway.

Hey, quit dissing my ride. The rust and primer give it some character! Seriously though, the explorers are pretty good. Often the front ends need work but the auto-AWD/4WD system on the old ones is nice to have. My beast will be running for years to come.

The Suzi's are great too. Much better on gas than a bigger suv or jeep.

But the best of the lot is the newer (05+) Nissan Frontier 4x4. Tough as nails with a great ride. A truck is nice to have - especially when you have to haul your own trash around. 😎