I am trying to decide whether to rent a jeep wrangler or a convertible on Kauai. I realize it can be rainy there, so from that perspective a convertible would be easier to deal with putting the top up quickly. But on the other hand, I have always wanted to drive a jeep wrangler. However, on another board, I had read some threads from several people who had rented both a jeep and a convertible and most preffered the convertible due to better handling. If anyone here has rented both, I would love to know of your experiences as far as how the jeep drove. For example-- how did it perform on wet roads? Etc.
Thanks.

I've rented both. What I disliked most about the Jeep was the lack of trunk space. Since the whole thing is wide open, you could not secure anything while you were at the beach, hiking, stopping for groceries on the way from the airport, etc. It is a fun (but rough-riding) vehicle.

I don't know how many people you will be traveling with, but trunk space is limited in a convertible. I saw people on Kauai sitting on their suitcases in the backseats of their convertibles. For two people, it should be fine.

I've rented both too - jeeps are great in the Caribbean where crazy roads require high clearance and sometimes 4X4. They were not maintained too well, so tires were not that great in the rain (go slow!). I imagine the US car rental agencies in Kauai maintain their tires a little better? In Kauai, our rented convertible took us everywhere we wanted to go, in comfort and style! And there's something to be said for just pushing a button and having that top go up in a downpour!

All things considered, in Kauai I'd go for the convertible.

Thanks, I will be be by myself, so trunk space is not an issue. Mostly concerned with how it handles on wet roads; I had a little problem on Oahu with the Mustang convertible I rented--it nearly spun out on the Pali Highway in the rain and I am not an espcially fast driver.

If you rent a Sebring, it has front wheel drive, which handles a bit better in the rain (lots of predictable understeer). New Mustangs may have traction control as a standard feature, which would help keep the back wheels better-behaved. The Mustangs are a lot of fun, and agencies are having trouble keeping up with renter demand, so if you want the Pony, reserve it NOW and hope for the best.

We usually rent a convertible. If we ever go back to that lovel...I mean hideous place we will get a Rent-a-Wreck so we can look more like locals. We're thinking maybe a 77 Ford Granada with a dent in the trunk or an 88 Subaru Outback coated in mud.
-Bill

bill..
you are so funny! i think you and PM should upgrade to the old red pickup truck..
..as that's what i have seen most in the area where my hubbie and i keep failing to get to by car every time we end up stuck on that horrible island.
: o ) annie