Renting a car - st croix visit

Here is one option: http://www.vrbo.com/101608. While searching a while back I found a couple of others that a car came with.

They may have the same age restrictions due to their automobile insurance.

That's a tough one. You may consider staying centrally located and shipping your car as if it's in good shape, it would be significantly less expensive than buying a beater locally that may require repairs and not be as reliable as what you now have, if it's all paid off or your finance company allows.

Think there was a listing on airbnb that someone posted recently that was affordable and would give you time to explore, find jobs and a rental.

However, you're young and unencumbered so bring as much savings as you can as it can be expensive to get settled in with rent, utilities, purchasing supplies, groceries, and other "must have" items, not to mention a car. It goes fast while you look for jobs and have no income and there's no guarantee you'll find work immediately so be prepared.

Good luck.

Maybe you can rent mopeds/scooters to explore?

No!!!! Don't give mopeds or scooters a minute of your consideration. Using them here is dangerous and you don't want to end up in the hospital on your exploration visit to St. Croix.

Totally forget that suggestion.

who says you cant move down without visiting, sure it is recommended but you are young. just have money saved for a return trip if necessary.

as nike said-just do it

Confirming Alana33's post regarding age restrictions when vehicle offered with the accommodations. Different island but while we offer a vehicle with our vacation rental, we use similar guidelines as car rental companies - "Driver is a registered Guest of Flamingo Point USVI, 26 years of age or older, holds a current, valid government issued driver’s license that is free of any restrictions or modified driving privileges, has a valid insurance policy that extends coverage to Motor Vehicle and any associated liabilities pertaining to Driver’s use and operation of Motor Vehicle". Everyone that is driving the vehicle has to sign, provide copy of driver's license and proof of valid insurance. I screen my guests carefully to ensure they meet these requirements. It's a small island and we have "eyes" everywhere. If found breaking any of the rules, "The owner or their Agent reserves the right, and may at any time and without cause or due to a violation of any of the stated rules, re-take possession of Motor Vehicle thereby revoking any option for Renter and Driver to use or operate Motor Vehicle. .....In the event the owner or their Agent takes possession of Motor Vehicle, any dispute, appeals or requests regarding whether, and to what extent, Renter and Driver may regain use of Motor Vehicle will not be considered and Renter and Driver’s use of Motor Vehicle will be prohibited." Of course.....as any attorney will say....this is only as good as the paper it's written on. But, ultimately there's a leap of faith/trust on the part of both parties (owner and guest) and so far.....we've been very fortunate.

Thanks for all the replies! Still not sure what to do... We're also considering St. Thomas, not that that would make any difference in our car dillema.... I'm wondering if anyone has hosted visitors on pre-move visits. Would anyone be willing to do that? Show us around the island? I'm just brainstorming here... any input helps!

Thanks for all the replies! Still not sure what to do... We're also considering St. Thomas, not that that would make any difference in our car dillema....

You should consider STT. There are more job opportunities here and it's easier to get around on public transportation for a short while until you can find a vehicle, whether on a pre-move visit or just to get yourselves settled without one. I'd be happy to offer suggestions on reasonable places to stay close to public transportation to get you going.

Here is 1 idea. Some of the hosts at airbnb.com can be very helpful in showing their guests the island. If you find a place you like there for your visit, check with the host to see if showing you the island would fit everyone's schedule.

https://www.airbnb.com/s/Christiansted--U%252ES%252E-Virgin-Islands

Maybe you can get an older person to come along on your PMV and be your rental car driver. Or even crazier, use this forum to find other(s) who want to do a PMV at the same time, and get them to drive.

Do you even need a PMV? If you've traveled a lot, or lived abroad, or are adventurous, low-maintenance and easy-going, or if the idea of leaving the USVI within 6 months of moving here (like 50% of transplants do) doesn't bother you, then you might skip the PMV.