BonaireTalk Discussion Group
Getting around Bonaire: Is a Compact SUV a viable alternative to a pick-up truck?
Bonaire Talk: Getting around Bonaire: Archives: Archives 2007- 2008: Archives - 2007-06-01 to 2008-12-31: Is a Compact SUV a viable alternative to a pick-up truck?
Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Paul Parachute (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #6) on Thursday, August 21, 2008 - 6:18 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

I will be in Bonaire in September, and I will be a single traveller. Just wondering if a compact SUV might be a viable alternative to renting a pick-up?

I'm considering a compact SUV because:
- I will be alone and don't need a large truck
- compact SUV might be cheaper than a pick-up
- my credit card covers insurance for SUVs but not pick-ups.

Thanks for any opinions and advice.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Jan Klos - ( Hamlet Bonaire ) (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #724) on Thursday, August 21, 2008 - 6:31 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Paul,
I would check with the different rental agencies for pricing. The dive pickup is one of the least expensive ways to go for rentals. Most of them are on the small side, similar to a Ford Ranger or Dodge Dakota. There is also a small Toyota, not sure what to comapre it to in the USA. However, there is also large Toyota pickup similar in size to the Tundra. For the most part all the picups have 4 doors. And I would check with Your CC company, and let them know, that the pickup on Bonaire is pretty much the standard rental.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Cecil (Supreme BonaireTalker - Post #6762) on Friday, August 22, 2008 - 7:25 am:     Edit PostPrint Post

Paul there is only one problem with the SUV, where are you going to put the wet gear. That is the big reason for the small trucks. At home I transport the gear in a plastic tub.

Also on the insurance, you might want to check your credit card and see if it really covers SUV in a foreign country. I just tell people to get the CDW coverage and pay the price. Anything else is just asking for a hassle. I also take pictures of all sides of the truck when I pick it up, another way to avoid a hassle.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Sparty (Experienced BonaireTalker - Post #164) on Friday, August 22, 2008 - 6:15 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

We like the pickups but in the past have used the small "bread box" vans and twice we used cars, one a subcompact. We did not have any problems diving from any of them. The only problem was one time they would not let us in the National Park without a pickup. Of course, the pickups are easier to load equipment in.

 

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of page Link to this message  By Randy Cherry (New BonaireTalk Poster - Post #10) on Friday, August 22, 2008 - 6:51 pm:     Edit PostPrint Post

Hey Paul, Cecil made a good statement on the insurance, My wife and I have always used a pickup both the small and the bigger ones, we used the toyota tundra last trip and I personally would recommend either. You most likely will pick up a buddy before the week is done if not 2 or 3 ! ! ! And the back of the truck can carry 4-6 tanks plus equipment. But at all cost get what you like and if you like SUV'S then go for it, It's all good in Bonaire !!! Have a great trip !!!Randy in Arkansas

 


Visit: The Bonaire WebCams - Current Bonaire images and weather!
The Bonaire Insider - the latest tourism news about Bonaire
The Bonaire Information Site, InfoBonaire
Search Bonaire - Search top Bonaire Web sites


Topics Last Day Last Week Tree View    Getting Started Formatting Troubleshooting    New Messages Keyword Search Contact Moderators Edit Profile Administration