It sure seems like the rental agencies gouge you on these. I can rent a Toyota Echo for $141 but a 4wd costs over $400 a week. Is it absolutely necessary? Thanks!

Depending on the location, you need 4WD on St. John primarily for the ground clearance and not the 4WD. We stayed on an unpaved steep road outside Coral Bay that required 4WD. Also if it rains you'll need it on some of the steep paved roads on the North Shore.

Agree---will not need it alot of the time, but there are some steep hills and rain etc where it comes in real good.

I would check with your villa owner. Some of the access roads/driveways to the villas are very rough.

Other than that, you should be able to make it around the island OK without. We rented a jeep, but never put it into 4WD. The ground clearance and V6 power were helpful in some spots, but I think you can do without it. Having said that, it is a lot more fun to drop the top and cruise around the island in the open air.

The other problem with rental jeeps is that many do not have any windows or a trunk so you get wet in the rain and there is really nowhere to hide luggage or personal belongings.

I suggest a 4wd. Last May, we were going up a hill (not really steep) in a light rain, and we slid backward. We finally got the car into 4wd and were able to make it up. Thankfully, the person behind us was not following too close, or we would have hit him.

Nancy, there is a reason 95% of the rental vehicles on STJ are 4WD. The roads are mostly not paved, and all roads tend to be steep and winding in parts based on the topography of the island. There are definitely places that it is very difficult or impossible to go without 4WD but at the very least the clearance of a small truck is necessary. It's worth the extra cost to know your vehicle will not end up getting damaged or stuck while on vacation. How will you call for help if you break down somewhere?

no i don't think it's necessary. we just got back from a trip to st john and rented a jeep with 4wd capability but never used it. when we did it just slowed us down.

Basically ask the management/owner of the place that you're staying. Since our visit I've inquired about several villas and always ask that question. The responses have been very honest. If the the road is steep or unpaved they will probably recommend 4WD.

On paved roads we only used it on sharp inclined turns in the rain.