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The current weather in Culebra

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Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Alan Majka (---.maine.res.rr.com)
Date:   02-25-11 07:18

We just returned one of Jerry's heaps. What he did not tell us until after we rented the old Isuzu Trooper was that there is a gas shortage on the island and the customer must bear the responsibilty. There is currently only one place to buy gas on the island and they run out very soon after getting infrequent deliveries. Since we were renting Wed to Wed, Jerry told us to get in line to buy gas at 7:00 am Sunday morning. We drove the 6 miles into town and waited in line for 2 hours watching buses, people with gas cans and other favored customers cut in front of us before we finally filled the tank. We attempted to top the tank off on Mon, Tues and Wed before returning the heap, but there was no fuel available. When we returned the heap, Jerry was rude and gave us a hard time about not returning it full. We drove less than 50 miles after filling the tank and the needle had dropped to 2/3 of a tank. The thing was running so rich as evidenced by the exhaust, and the idle was set so high to keep it from stalling, it must have been getting under 5 MPG. He told us we would need to pay for days for which he couldn't rent the vehicle after we left "because nobody would want to rent it with less than a full tank, especially since it uses so much gas". When I stated it was unreasonable, his reply was that the police had contacted him two times threatening to fine him because we had been seen with someone riding behind the rear seat. Then he said he had told us to rent two vehicle from him because we had 6 people. We clearly told him we had 6 people months earlier and he never said this would be an issue. In fact, he even said we could tie our bags on the roof rack to make room for everyone. If the police had stopped us and told us this was a problem, we would have stopped doing it. Rather strange the police would go to him instead of us. Jerry appears to be "unstable" and told us he moved to PR to be with the girlfriend of someone he arrested when he was a US marshall, so I didn't want to provoke him when he started getting excited and let it go. We have no idea what he will try to charge our credit card as he would not give us a final receipt. We followed all of his extensive and often bizarre instructions including covering the seats with trash bags so our bathing suits wouldn't rust the old worn seats and this is the thanks we got. We should have rented the new mini van with good fuel economy and better comfort from Carlos; however, Jerry told us "Carlos charges $15/gallon for vehicles returned with less than a full tank". Who knows, that may look like a bargain compared to what we finally get charged. Sorry for the long post, but still left out many of the bizarre details of this business.

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Re: Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Alan Majka (---.maine.res.rr.com)
Date:   03-12-11 09:50

My credit card was finally charged for the jeep rental. It appears I was not billed for additional rental days after returning the vehicle but was charged $48 for 1/3 tank of gas that was used to go about 50 miles.

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Re: Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Michael (---.netvisao.pt)
Date:   03-14-11 03:51

Alan, thanks for the update

Enjoy Culebra!

Michael

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Re: Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Linda H (---.dhcp.mrqt.mi.charter.com)
Date:   03-14-11 12:04

In fairness to Jerry it's not his fault there's only one gas station on the island, and anyone who has been reading this forum should be aware the other station has been closed for over a year. Last year the folks downstairs from us waited 7 1/2 hours for gas. I counted myself lucky when I showed up at 7 a.m. and was gassed up and ready to go in less than 45 minutes.

Rental companies in urban areas often have their own gas pumps and/or have a staff that can take care of filling up cars that customers return without full tanks. Jerry is a one-man operation, and if he has to gas up one of his vehicles, the time he spends waiting in line is time he can't be in his "office" or helping customers. I suspect that is why he gets so growly when his vehicles come back less than full.

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Re: Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Matthew Samuels (---.hsd1.ca.comcast.net)
Date:   03-14-11 14:59

I was just there last week, no issues with gas and waiting 5 mins.. I guess it just depends on when the tanker shows up.

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Re: Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Linda H (---.dhcp.mrqt.mi.charter.com)
Date:   03-14-11 16:04

It was Holy Week when we were there last year, so it was busier than usual. But hey, I'd rather deal with the occasional hassle of only having one station than go somewhere where there is a generic convenience store/gas station on every other corner.

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Re: Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: kathleend (216.163.216.---)
Date:   03-23-11 12:37

or you can avoid this problem by bike riding - smile!

kathleen

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Re: Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Geronimo (---.customer.broadstripe.net)
Date:   03-23-11 15:17

If you can bike the entire route from town to Zoni and back (no walking up the big hill) then you are in extremely good shape. And if you can ride your bike to Brava or Resaca then you are crazy. LOL

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Re: Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Geronimo (---.customer.broadstripe.net)
Date:   03-29-11 10:00

Does the gasoline tanker truck come to Culebra on Wednesday morning?

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Re: Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: palmettoculebra (---.prtc.net)
Date:   03-29-11 11:07

Good afternoon,
The gas truck normally comes on the cargo ferry on Weds. normally mid-day.

The gas shortage is nothing new...since Culebra has had only one gas station (well over a year). It is just "part" of living/visiting "paradise."

Jerry is a VERY honest businessman. The other car rental folks are VERY good people as well. No one is trying to "rip off" anyone. They are small business owners working HARD to run good businesses on a small island which presents many challenges to running an efficient business.

It is really irksome when folks find it appropriate to publicly disparage someone's reputation without conscience.

Best,
Terrie
Palmetto GH, Culebra

http://www.palmettoculebra.com/

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Re: Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Doug (---.148.130.146.nw.nuvox.net)
Date:   03-29-11 15:28

Irksome barely covers it. Loutish and ignorant seems more appropo.

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Re: Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Debbie (---.hsd1.ga.comcast.net)
Date:   03-29-11 17:51

Bravo, Terri!

Happy Diving!
Debbie

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Re: Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Marywho (66.87.2.---)
Date:   03-31-11 08:33

Terrie is right. two big sides to every story....

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Re: Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: AD (---.nycmny.fios.verizon.net)
Date:   03-31-11 13:40

I second Debbie,Bravo!!!!!!Terrie,I always get my brand new stretch convertible limo jeep from Jerry, I love that guy.

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Re: Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Vicki moore (---.dhcp.jcsn.tn.charter.com)
Date:   03-31-11 22:31

All thumbs up for Jerry. We would never rent from anyone else.

Vicki in Tennessee

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Re: Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Peter Demick (---.gmavt.net)
Date:   04-20-11 17:31

I always knew Jerry was a spy from the overworld... That is why I rent only from him. Just to keep track of him.. and I send him presents, because we need to keep an eye on him.. Only the special survive.. Is it a heap.. hell ya.. love him....

The Mason

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Re: Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: emilio rodriguez (24.41.150.---)
Date:   04-21-11 12:58

Just returned with my family (8) two jeeps 4doors from 1-week trip to Culebra. You do need @ 4-wheel plus a good backpack to carry water & snorkeling stuff.....You cant' make everybody happy!!....I a marine machine for las 23 years, I work with all different of people and some of the people the the only they do is complaining all the time.................People who whine and complain all of the time are very poisonous. .....“I am very happy with the service, he did a great job! .... They train their people very well so they are careful and work things clean. .... even came out to give an estimate and their price was very competitive.” ..... I'm very pleased with the service and outcome keep the good work....:) :) :)

@live

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Re: Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Alan Majka (---.maine.res.rr.com)
Date:   05-01-11 11:05

In response to comments made by Terrie of Palmetto GH and other friends of Jerry, I just want to clarify that I never accused Jerry of being dishonest and I never said other rental folks were not "VERY good". In fact, as soon as I knew Jerry's final charges, I posted a follow-up indicating he did not charge us for additional days as he had threatened. I know nothing about other rental businesses other than that Jerry said Carlos charges $15/gallon for gas. If this is accurate, I'll leave it to other readers to decide if this is a "rip off". I only reported on our experience so others who are unfamiliar with Culebra will know that gas shortages may result in unexpected inconvenience and charges. My only regret is that I gave many details that would have been better summarized simply as "poor customer service". When customers reserve a vehicle, they should be advised of potential extra charges and the inconvenience related to the gas situation. When customers politely suggest this, they should be treated respectfully. Judging by comments defending Jerry by calling me irksome, loutish, ignorant and poisonous, I can only guess he simply forgot to tell us about the gas problems we could expect on a busy week and that he was having a bad day when we returned the vehicle. I reported positive experiences with other Culebra businesses during our visit on Trip Advisor and other sites.

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Re: Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Arroz (74.115.126.---)
Date:   05-05-11 15:33

I like Jerry and always rent from him too. However, given the circumstances with gasoline I think that Jerry (or any other car rental agency) should warn people about the problems with gas and explain the extra charges which may be incurred. Hertz, Avis, etc. all have penalties if you return a car and the tank isn't full.

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Re: Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Geronimo (24.35.84.---)
Date:   05-06-11 09:23

Is there any update on Joe getting the other gas station opened?

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Re: Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: DAVID BREWBAKER (---.sub-70-214-101.myvzw.com)
Date:   05-06-11 16:22

No one rents Jeeps from Commander Jerry for the Jeep, you rent a Jeep for the illegible map. I swear to God I have seen that map in the permanent collection of MOMA in NYC and as incipherable hieroglyphics in the Cairo Museum in Egypt. Rent a Jeep from Carlos, get a map from Jerry. Doc

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Re: Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: BrianS (---.pools.spcsdns.net)
Date:   05-28-11 13:56

Just came back from Culebra. Rented from Jerry. On the last day, the island ran out of gas and I couldn't fill up. Jerry was very understanding and filled the tank up for me at the current rate with no extra charges. I can't say enough good things about Jerry. He's a great guy. Hilarious. Extremely helpful. And somehow his map was the best out of all received. I can't wait to come back and rent from Jerry.

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Re: Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Hilda Berrios (---.knology.net)
Date:   06-12-11 20:01

I've been reading all the posts about renting a car in Culebras. The whole point in going to an island like Culebras is to get away to a small island and live that old island kind of life. Why not just walk, ride your bikes or take the publicos and avoid all that hassle. I will be visiting Culebras soon and have no intention of going through all that drama. If I can't hire a publico to take me where I want to go, then I guess I'll enjoy wonderful Flamenco Beach!!!!
Some people just like to complicate their lives... not I. Can't wait to just chill and take in that beautiful island breeze...

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Re: Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Frank S. (---.nyc.res.rr.com)
Date:   06-13-11 10:13

well Hilda, thats wonderful, for you. but most people dont consider a car rental a complication. more a neccesity. although the gas situation certainly is a complication. also, not everyone on Culebra (no S at the end) is a visitor even though this thread came from one. the people living there have the same complications. and for most, a car is cheaper than publicos. they are more reliable and offer freedom. have you thought about what you will do when the publicos stop running and the drivers go home? will you stay in your rental every night? just some food for thought

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Re: Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Robert Zeigler (---.drr01.hrbg.pa.frontiernet.net)
Date:   06-13-11 14:02

I'm with Frank on this one .... in the best of all worlds, that world would be your oyster and you could fantisize that you are living reality.



WAKE UP, HILDA ...!!!!

Sure, you could walk the whole island, and soak your feet for the next 6 weeks ....

And you could rely on the publicos, as Frank suggested, and then, when they stop running for whatever reason they have, you can soak your feet for another six weeks....

Or .... you could open your eyes to the fact that we are not living in the 1920's and rent a VW Thing or it's equivilent, and rejoin the human race .....(Assuming you were part of it to start with.)

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Re: Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Robert Zeigler (---.drr01.hrbg.pa.frontiernet.net)
Date:   06-14-11 13:56

Just a footnote on rentals ..... true, they are funky (that's why I love 'em) but the VW Things get the best gas mileage on the island (that's why I love 'em, too).

They're cheap and cheap to run and are indestructable .... I know ... I've owned a few of 'em myself...

And, ya know, somehow a spiffy new Jeep just doesn't fit on Culebra ..... the Thing does.

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Re: Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Vicki moore (---.dhcp.jcsn.tn.charter.com)
Date:   06-14-11 21:05

Bad thing is where we stay, if it rains, we need a 4wd to get up to it.

Vicki in Tennessee

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Re: Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Hilda Berrios (---.knology.net)
Date:   06-21-11 21:33

Hello Frank, my comments about renting cars were definitely not geared towards those folks who choose to live on the island or ones that choose to be there for months at a time. I see visiting Culebra, as I see visiting Key West. I go there to relax, just a couple of days. I stay where everything I need is within walking distance, rent a bike and just chill. Of course, if a person stays in Culebra for weeks at a time, they will definitely need transport, and of course if they choose to stay away from the little town amenities, they will need transport. No need to be harsh on the comments. IT'S A LITTLE BITTY ISLAND! OF COURSE IT'S GOING TO RUN OUT OF GAS AND WHO KNOWS WHAT ELSE!

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Re: Rental Jeep Warning
Culebra, Puerto Rico
Author: Culebra MJ (---.prtc.net)
Date:   06-25-11 06:37

Just a note for Hilda...some people who visit here, in fact many, stay in places that walking or taking the publico is just not feasible. In town sure, if that's how you like it, that's great, plenty of people don't rent vehicles during their stay here. But places up in the hills, or miles from any publico route - it's only sane to rent a vehicle. I've climbed some places in the dark and it's DARK! and dangerous. Not the danger of many places, the danger is more tripping on rocks and falling down hills. Luckily, Culebra can accommodate both sorts of visitors! Enjoy your time here.

Save What's Left!

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