By Frank Meyer (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #2) on Saturday, February 19, 2005 - 1:30 pm: |
I noticed that many people rent pick up trucks or SUVs on bonaire. Is there a need for a vehicle that you can take off-road, or is it more a matter of taste/coolness-factor ?!
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By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #13114) on Saturday, February 19, 2005 - 1:44 pm: |
Frank, I don't think there is a "coolness" factor to any rental vehicle on Bonaire...you'll see what I mean when you get there. You can get around the main roads, and to dive sites with a truck or mini-van. You just need something that will fit tanks and gear. If you plan on going to the Washington S. Park, then you need the truck, as it's really offroad...but now that I think of it, I've never seen an SUV on Bonaire...just beat up cars, trucks, minivans and vans...
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By David Frank (BonaireTalker - Post #86) on Saturday, February 19, 2005 - 1:57 pm: |
You can rent cars, small suv's such as RAV4's, compact minivans or pickups. The most popular rental is the ubiquitous white Toyota Hi-Lux, a basic, sturdy, reliable model which is apparently the most popular truck in most parts of the Third World (and briefly famous as the Taliban's vehicle of choice in Afghanistan). The pickup is simply the most practical for shore diving. Most come with a simple tank rack made of 2x4's. you just load some tanks, toss your gear in the back, and pick your dive site.
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By Frank Meyer (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #4) on Saturday, February 19, 2005 - 1:58 pm: |
Cynde, thanks. I guess my point was more if a "normal" passenger car (toyota camry for example) is sufficient, as some rental agencies offer them cheaper, and some credit cards cover the insurance for them (and not for pick up trucks).
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By Susan Feldman (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1187) on Saturday, February 19, 2005 - 2:49 pm: |
I don't think I've seen anything as big as a Camry. Though they do have minivans (and I do mean mini). Think european compact car size - low, narrow, short, small tires. My husband, who is 6'3" and 235lbs, would probably divorce me if I suggested we rent a car in Bonaire.
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By Martin de Weger (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3851) on Saturday, February 19, 2005 - 3:07 pm: |
Susan, I KNOW there is a Camry for rent on Bonaire, we used it as our wedding car. I believe it's rented at Avis.
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By Susan Feldman (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #1188) on Saturday, February 19, 2005 - 3:46 pm: |
Ah, I stand corrected. I can't say I've seen it though. Mostly, I've seen those Daewoo things, in both "hatchback" and "minivan" style.
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By Cynde (BonaireTalk Deity - Post #13120) on Saturday, February 19, 2005 - 5:54 pm: |
I guess I didn't think of the RAV4r's as an SUV, but I guess they are in that class ;-)
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By seb (Extraordinary BonaireTalker - Post #2004) on Saturday, February 19, 2005 - 7:03 pm: |
Does the H1 count Cynde?
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By J Rushman (BonaireTalker - Post #73) on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 1:53 am: |
If there's been no recent rain, you Can do Washington Park without a truck, but the roads in the park are pretty marginal after bad weather. Make sure your spare tire is in good repair and you have a jack and tire iron.
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By David Kaye (BonaireTalker - Post #63) on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 7:02 pm: |
Washington Slagbaai Park itself allows entrance to any four wheel vehicle - sedans, minivans, trucks, whatever, just no motorcycles or similar. The car rental agencies, however, allow only their trucks or SUVs to enter the park. (I think that's a universal prohibition among the agencies; I haven't found any exception.)
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By David Johnson (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #184) on Sunday, February 20, 2005 - 11:32 pm: |
Frank:
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By bill vermaas (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #3) on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 1:52 pm: |
If I am a snorkeler, not a diver, is a truck still the best way to go for shore-snorkeling? Is the extra insurance the way to go, seeing how my Mastercard will not cover trucks (I'm not sure about the RAV or Jimy)?
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By Mary Mueller (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #3876) on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 2:09 pm: |
Bill - for snorkeling - you do not need a truck unless you are going to the park - however the RAV will also do well in the park - so that may be your best bet. I would not recommend a sedan in the park - though I have seen many in there - but I would be afraid of bottoming out.
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By Marcus L. Barnes (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #260) on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 2:09 pm: |
Bill: If I was snorkeling instead of diving thereby having no tanks or gear to haul, I would be tempted to rent something other than a pickup truck and let my credit card company provide the insurance instead of paying the rental company on Bonaire for the insurance. Be advised though, that a car in Washington park would be a real challenge due to the rough roads (assuming going into the park is something you would want to do).
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By David Kaye (BonaireTalker - Post #81) on Wednesday, March 23, 2005 - 2:55 pm: |
Bill:
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