KeyGal

What kind of car do you recommend for a week-long rental, mainly for shopping and driving to restaurants? We're not planning to drive off road but we prefer a convertible.

Any recommendations, pro or con, about the various car rental agencies in Aruba?

Econo advertises Mustang & Chevy convertibles but I wonder if the cars ar in decent shape & if Econo's service is OK.

Thanks for any thoughts.

KeyGal

One more try for opinions on who to use/not use for car rental in Aruba and any other advice on renting a car there.

Dorgal

We have used Econo on many occasions and have pre-booked on the internet before leaving here. It worked out fine and I have always had a decent car from them. Just be sure to look over the entire car when you accept it and make them note ANY dings or scratches so you won't be blamed afterwards. Their office is right across the driveway from the front of the airport. Be sure to get one with AC - you will need it and want it downtown. A jeep is fun but more expensive. The convertible sounds like a good idea - but we always welcomed getting out of the sun while we drive around - the sun is very very intense there. I think any well known agency will have decent cars - just stay away from the fly by night places.

linman

I rented from Econo, also. No problems whatsoever, even when we were hit in Moomba beach bar's parking lot! This was on our last night in Aruba. The local police came and the next morning we returned the car and filled out a short accident report. We paid $165 a week for an economy car and it got us around the whole island even the rock formations and natural bridge. Easy to park and maneuver.

KeyGal

Thanks for the responses! I can just feel the wind in my hair as we drive home from dinner at Brisas del Mar....

Havi2000

Key Gal...I just returned from a cruise with a day in Aruba. My husband & I were so proud of ourselves for renting a car & venturing out on our own. It was very easy! We used Top Drive rentals....which turned out to be fine, but the people on the cruise ship say they always use Executive. I think this is because both are near the pier, which won't be a consideration for you...
You mentioned that you won't be doing off road driving..lol...I personally thought that many of their paved roads were like off road..lol It is a lovely island, & by far our favorite of the cuise, however, going out to the natural bridge, baby beach area, is rough...we had a Tracker. It was fine, but I did pray for no flat tires...they charge $10.00 to change them if you are "nearby" & I have no idea what if you are not...lol..anyway
We saw most of the island, except California lighthouse, however we saw it coming into port on the ship, so didn't take time to go out there. Rental cars for the day are due back by 6:00, so we did all of our sightseeing between 11:00 & 5:00. Checked out Baby beach,San Nicholas & Charlies Bar (interesting) Palm Beach, did a little gambling at the Hyatt next to Playa Linda (I won a jackpot)I think we had a good feel for the island. After we turned in the rental car, we walked to Carlos & Charlies, the Crystal Casino, Little Switzerland, that area...
Hope you have a really good trip & you will be able to easily navigate Aruba on your own, especially when you don't have to do it in one day!