moving to VI

I agree, not the best car (in my opinion) for the island.

Shipping a good car over is not a bad idea though. There are pros and cons of course, I actually Shipped one vehicle , and bought one on island.

The car you ship over needs to have a clear title or permission from the lienholder to transport the car. It is nice to know the history of the car and in some cases even with the shipping cost it still works out less expensive than buying on island.

Thanks to all! I wouldn't bring the Spyder right away if I do. It's low but not 2", doesn't have a spoiler. Perhaps it would be clear I don't need a car at all.

Would it be impossible or just nearly impossible to get parts & have it serviced? $$ issue, I own it so is it a better financial decision to bring it or buy a car there? I don't love it so much I would cry if it got a ding.

Appreciate all the input.

L

I agree, not the best car (in my opinion) for the island.

Shipping a good car over is not a bad idea though. There are pros and cons of course, I actually Shipped one vehicle , and bought one on island.

The car you ship over needs to have a clear title or permission from the lienholder to transport the car. It is nice to know the history of the car and in some cases even with the shipping cost it still works out less expensive than buying on island.

Don't you also still have to pay the road tax? Plus, there's the customs charge, and it is higher if the vehicle is an import as opposed to U.S. made. I shipped a car twice. The hassle was not fun. (However, I did learn that once you pay the road tax for a specific car, you can ship it on and off as many times as you want without paying the road tax again. It took many, many, many, many, many calls to the IRB, as well as busting out the lawyer card, to get my refund but I eventually got my refund for the second payment.)

IT

I agree, not the best car (in my opinion) for the island.

Shipping a good car over is not a bad idea though. There are pros and cons of course, I actually Shipped one vehicle , and bought one on island.

The car you ship over needs to have a clear title or permission from the lienholder to transport the car. It is nice to know the history of the car and in some cases even with the shipping cost it still works out less expensive than buying on island.

Don't you also still have to pay the road tax? Plus, there's the customs charge, and it is higher if the vehicle is an import as opposed to U.S. made. I shipped a car twice. The hassle was not fun. (However, I did learn that once you pay the road tax for a specific car, you can ship it on and off as many times as you want without paying the road tax again. It took many, many, many, many, many calls to the IRB, as well as busting out the lawyer card, to get my refund but I eventually got my refund for the second payment.)

IT

Yes, shipping + road tax, this was a few years ago, I used Sea Star $1300.00 plus road tax (.16 per pound)
Port Everglades to STX. It was a domestic car. For me it was a good experience, although I have heard horror stories from others.

I agree, not the best car (in my opinion) for the island.

Shipping a good car over is not a bad idea though. There are pros and cons of course, I actually Shipped one vehicle , and bought one on island.

The car you ship over needs to have a clear title or permission from the lienholder to transport the car. It is nice to know the history of the car and in some cases even with the shipping cost it still works out less expensive than buying on island.

Don't you also still have to pay the road tax? Plus, there's the customs charge, and it is higher if the vehicle is an import as opposed to U.S. made. I shipped a car twice. The hassle was not fun. (However, I did learn that once you pay the road tax for a specific car, you can ship it on and off as many times as you want without paying the road tax again. It took many, many, many, many, many calls to the IRB, as well as busting out the lawyer card, to get my refund but I eventually got my refund for the second payment.)

IT

Yes, shipping + road tax, this was a few years ago, I used Sea Star $1300.00 plus road tax (.16 per pound)
Port Everglades to STX. It was a domestic car. For me it was a good experience, although I have heard horror stories from others.

I used Crowley's out of Miami (West Palm, actually). The shipping wasn't so much of a hassle as getting the car to West Palm, and then running the gauntlet of paperwork and offices in the VI to get the car out of customs, licensed, and tagged.

I've heard it's gotten easier, but when I first moved here in '02, my employer sent me a two page, bullet point list of everything I had to do to get a car into the territory, in what order, and what documents and amounts of money I had to bring to each entity. It was daunting.

It was also cheaper back then. $750 for the trip. AAAAND, back then they let you pack your car full of stuff and didn't charge you extra. THAT was sweet if you had space to put things because you were charged by the cubic foot and not weight. I have heard this practice is no longer allowed. Although you wouldn't get much in a Spyder anyway.

IT

I must ruminate on all of that. Thank you all very much.

L

I must ruminate on all of that. Thank you all very much.

L

Keep in mind that island living may not be for you. The attrition rate of newcomers is extremely high and if it doesn't work out for you you'll then have to ship the car back to the mainland (very expensive) or try and sell it - bearing in mind that that sort of car is not going to be an easy sell as compared to a Jeep/SUV/truck.

I am pretty sure the Eclipse is US made. Hence no Customs duty.

Look at the first digit of your VIN number.

auto parts can be ordered at rock auto-shipping can be a bit high but still cheaper than here. iris and ot , you girls make me laugh.

While the car itself may be made in the US, if there are any parts that have been made in Mexico, you will have to pay duty because the US Trade Agreement does not extend nor include the USVI territories. You can check the VIN number and call Customs to find out if any payment will be due. There's a number that corresponds to country of origin on the VIN that dictates the % of duty one will have to pay. If it's all USA made, no problem.

If you have a car that is very low to the ground, don't bring it. Between the potholes and the deep dips in roads on entrances/exits to some places and speed bumbs in others, you'll be constantly bottoming out.

I don't know how difficult it is to get around without a car on STX but it is extremely difficult to do so on STT/STJ. I would imagine STX has similar issues with reliable public transportaion.

If you have to work and be on time, lug groceries, do any personal shopping, get to the laundry asyour rental hasn't any or go to beach or out in evenings, you need a car.

Alana, I have NEVER bottomed out any car I've owned on STX. And I've owned several sports cars.

And I've driven an Exclipse Spyder, so I'm fully aware of what they can handle.

There are at least 6 on the island now.

I don't know how difficult it is to get around without a car on STX but it is extremely difficult to do so on STT/STJ. I would imagine STX has similar issues with reliable public transportaion.

If you have to work and be on time, lug groceries, do any personal shopping, get to the laundry asyour rental hasn't any or go to beach or out in evenings, you need a car.

You cannot live on STX without a car. Period. I don't know a single person who doesn't have one and I've been here since around 9/11.

IT

Well, glad you don't bottom out on STX. All I know is from what I see here on STT with low to ground cars that scape the bottoms of their cars when crossing culverts to get into Food Center and other such places. I have never owned a sports car, usually pick-up as more functional for me.

I've bottomed out in my Grand Cherokee and several other cars. These roads absolutely suck and are embarrassing. Don't bring that car. Come down, get a rental for a week, buy a ragga and move on.

We brought down two cars. One was a 1980 triumph. We tore the exhaust system off twice before we gave up.

I will definitely wait a while and check out the roads before I decide whether or not to bring my Spyder. I did rent a car and drive around the island when I was there - no trouble but I wasn't thinking about the Spyder. I'll check out vin # and costs too, thanks for all of that invaluable info.

I know island life is not for everyone, I think it will be for me. I grew up on the coast of Oregon and have visited a few islands. I know, I know, vacation is waaay different than living there - so we'll see. I'll keep my emergency fund for a trip back to the states just in case. I do know there are very interesting people - with a sense of humor.

L

WOW ! Things got a little hot over there on the evaluating crime thread. Bank robberies, car jacking and murder, oh my. I am not dissuaded but consider all a cautionary tale. I will get full coverage on whatever car and carry anti mugger spray. Also I am still researching re: where on STX to live.

My 2 cents: I think noOne provides good info - and constitutionally entitled. Probably a good idea someone was monitoring posts... Have to say I literally LOL with Crusanlron: Bang!! Bang!!! Bang!!! Hysterically funny!

Being even more careful than in cities in the states sounds like a really good idea. I'm facinated with the posts. Thanks to all.

One thing is absolutely for sure..NOT BORING

lol, thanks for the morning chuckle

We loved stx and lived there 8+ years. We were in our early/mid 50s. I think the island is a good choice for a single woman of a "certain age". Lots of opportunities to make friends and do things. Couples and singles intermingle socially. However, if you are looking for a long term, romantic relationship - well, that's a whole different story. Proceed with caution.

Agreed. If you're a post-college co-ed working the service industry circuit COME ON DOWN. If you're a single professional in your 30s or 40s, forget it. All of my friends are married couples. I don't know any single men in my age bracket.

IT

Hey now. Come here often. 😉 haha

<--single 41 yo male.

We loved stx and lived there 8+ years. We were in our early/mid 50s. I think the island is a good choice for a single woman of a "certain age". Lots of opportunities to make friends and do things. Couples and singles intermingle socially. However, if you are looking for a long term, romantic relationship - well, that's a whole different story. Proceed with caution.

Agreed. If you're a post-college co-ed working the service industry circuit COME ON DOWN. If you're a single professional in your 30s or 40s, forget it. All of my friends are married couples. I don't know any single men in my age bracket.

IT

Hey now. Come here often. 😉 haha

<--single 41 yo male.

Dude, see? That's my point. All the men in my age bracket would rather hang out with 22 year old ditzy bartenders who'll be gone in a season. You're not helping. 🙂

IT

Food Trucks I have tried to research on line but 1 example comes up, no list. Does someone know a dept on island that regulates them? or if anyone does? Opinions on quality of food to be had? Do you think there might be opportunity for 1 more?
Thanks L

Food Trucks I have tried to research on line but 1 example comes up, no list. Does someone know a dept on island that regulates them? or if anyone does? Opinions on quality of food to be had? Do you think there might be opportunity for 1 more?
Thanks L

Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs. You need a license (annually renewable) to operate one, have to meet health requirements and have to find a legal spot from which to operate (just as you would lease space for a restaurant). Opinions on food quality are purely in the mouths of the consumers! Whether there is ever room for "one more" is a question impossible to answer and all dependent on licensing, location and product.

I have a friend that has one for sale.
PM me if interested.