Large 4x4 SUV In-Airport Rental?

lombardi40 · 07-09-2009, 10:56 AM

Thanks to everyone on this board. I've gained some great insights.
Next month, our family, 4 adults and 2 children, will be going back to Aruba and I have a mini-van rented at Alamo for great rate through Costco dot com. However, I wanted to explore the island more on this trip so I'm looking for a 7 passenger SUV with 4 wheel drive.
I prefer a reputable rental agency that is either in-airport or car can be picked up at the airport. Free car seats and reasonable price would be nice too.
I know there are some off-sight places but they have so-so reputations and the thought lugging the kids and their stuff on to a shuttle bus makes me cringe.
Avis does offer one but is sold out for our travel dates, Aug 4- 11.
Any recommendations or thoughts would be appreciated.

Arubalisa · 07-09-2009, 01:02 PM

Just a thought...would it be more convenient, and since you already have gotten a good "deal", to keep the mini-van rental and rent an SUV 4 X 4 for one day?

There are rental companies such as Royal or Amigo, which will deliver the 4 X 4 vehicle to your resort and then you would have an entire day for touring spots not easily accessible by minivan. There are only a few spots you would need the 4 x 4 and depending on what you are paying for the minivan, it may save you some $$$.

lombardi40 · 07-09-2009, 01:26 PM

Wow, thought never occurred to me. That is definitely an option. Thanks.

Arubalisa · 07-09-2009, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drelo

Wow, thought never occurred to me. That is definitely an option. Thanks.

The only area you would have to have a 4 x 4 would be if you were going to the Natural Pool. IMO, take another mode of transportation to get there. Watch this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hKB1jSWXij0 at about 1:21 and you will see why.

Not to mention the liability should the vehicle be damaged.

Our last trip we were on some pretty hilly dirt roads with a minivan in the vicinity of the Donkey Sanctuary and made out just fine.

lombardi40 · 07-09-2009, 06:57 PM

Actually thinking about exploring the natural pool therefore 4 wheel drive. Would love to do a Jeep tour but last year had a pregnant wife and a small child; this year two small children. Best I can do is my own tour.
Any opinions on Discount Car Rent:
discountrentcars dot com
They have the large SUV I'm looking for and "free airport handling" (whatever that means). Have not seen anything with regards to their reputation either way.

07-09-2009, 10:56 AM	#1 (permalink)
lombardi40 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 11	Large 4x4 SUV In-Airport Rental? Thanks to everyone on this board. I've gained some great insights. Next month, our family, 4 adults and 2 children, will be going back to Aruba and I have a mini-van rented at Alamo for great rate through Costco dot com. However, I wanted to explore the island more on this trip so I'm looking for a 7 passenger SUV with 4 wheel drive. I prefer a reputable rental agency that is either in-airport or car can be picked up at the airport. Free car seats and reasonable price would be nice too. I know there are some off-sight places but they have so-so reputations and the thought lugging the kids and their stuff on to a shuttle bus makes me cringe. Avis does offer one but is sold out for our travel dates, Aug 4- 11. Any recommendations or thoughts would be appreciated.

07-09-2009, 01:02 PM	#2 (permalink)
Arubalisa Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 5,685 Images: 80	Just a thought...would it be more convenient, and since you already have gotten a good "deal", to keep the mini-van rental and rent an SUV 4 X 4 for one day? There are rental companies such as Royal or Amigo, which will deliver the 4 X 4 vehicle to your resort and then you would have an entire day for touring spots not easily accessible by minivan. There are only a few spots you would need the 4 x 4 and depending on what you are paying for the minivan, it may save you some $$$. __________________ Aruba Bound! ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Blogging to Aruba

07-09-2009, 01:26 PM	#3 (permalink)
lombardi40 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 11	Wow, thought never occurred to me. That is definitely an option. Thanks.

07-09-2009, 06:57 PM	#5 (permalink)
lombardi40 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 11	Actually thinking about exploring the natural pool therefore 4 wheel drive. Would love to do a Jeep tour but last year had a pregnant wife and a small child; this year two small children. Best I can do is my own tour. Any opinions on Discount Car Rent: discountrentcars dot com They have the large SUV I'm looking for and "free airport handling" (whatever that means). Have not seen anything with regards to their reputation either way.