Not that I am recommending a first timer do it, but I ONLY rent "friends" vehicles. Most of the time they are motorcycles, but several times I've taken friend's cars to pick up people up in Negril and Mobay. I'm about to head to JA for 6 weeks and already secured a nice new Honda 125 for the whole time, the price was $125 for a laptop off Craigslist. Bought another one for the same price that I'm selling for $350. Once you know the country and make some good friends, life and getting around is EASY in JA. I also don't think the driving is THAT crazy, I've seen much worse in other developing countries. I think it's actually alot of fun because I get to drive like they do, can't do that here in the US or they'll take my license again... I hope you're having a blast Manda! Enjoy JA!