We will be doing shore dives in Aruba and are going to rent a car to accomplish this.

Do we need to rent one in advance or is the day of arrival OK?

Any recomendations for car rental agencies?

What's it like driving around Aruba? Are the local people cool with tourists or do they see us as targets of opportunity?

Just don't leave anything in your car that you don't mind going with out. I have lost over $3000 in gear, money, camara, and other things from a break in to my jeep. Last Feb I only left my hat, cheap sunglasses, old tank top and flip flaps. Someone popped my trunk opened and even took those items. Just don't even lock the car. If they think you left something in there, they will break your windows to check it out. Its a great, safe, Island but you always have a few bad boys that don't want to work so they go around and break in to these tourist that leave alot of stuff in there cars and jeeps. Have a great trip.

Aruba is consider one of the safest in the world and in the Caribbean

Once in Aruba you can see in the english newspaper at the hotel with specials for carentals

The island is small and easy to drive around

I recomend renting in advance, this way when you get there its ready for you paper work half done and your on your way fast!
I recomend ARUBAROYAL rental if you rent for a week they give u a free cell phone to use!
YOu can order on line.

you will have NO problems with the people they do not try to sell you anything except timeshares. But do lock your valuables out of site, unfortunately there is non Locals who can spoil your vaction by breaking in to cars...again very few times this happens but better safe then sorry!

Enjoy ARuba great people great food and weather!

i would rent thru internet so it is there waiting for me when i arrive and i have a choice of types of cars
i used econo 165.00 for a week=Yaris new and nice car
driving is fun the locals are okay

I would rent a 4wd not necessarily a "Jeep" too much $$
Suzuki Jimneys get the job done. 4wd is too fun in fact I would rate it right up there w/ snorkeling. Bring a collapsible cooler too.
Advance arrangements are always best, I've used Optima and they had the cars mentioned above. Off roading around the CA lighthouse is very cool.

Enjoy, remember to yield to those entering on your right.

Suds

I would go for a car where you can lock things up in your trunk.

I always rent with american car rental, these guys are divers as well and can give uyou more information about good spots on Aruba.