Zipcar

[Ambulance Chaser]

Do any of you city residents without cars use Zipcar? How do you like the service compared to a standard rental car company?

 

[kronik]

Goddamned green city-dwellers. I also see Flexcar around here if you're considering.

 

[RJman]

Beats Velib

 

[nerdykarim]

Originally Posted by kronik

Goddamned green city-dwellers. I also see Flexcar around here if you're considering.

I think Zipcar might have bought out Flexcar. I haven't tried it but I see people driving the cars relatively frequently.

 

[bigbjorn]

In NYC, Zipcar's costs are basically identical to rental cars, if you look at the weekend rates. Availability of Zipcar is generally worse (need to reserve earlier), but if you reserve in time, convenience is better (no standing on line at Avis). Unless you frequently need a car for less than a full day, I'd say it's a wash with rental cars.

 

[rdawson808]

I know people here in DC that us it and are happy with it. However, I cannot give you their explanations, just that they are happy with it.

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[StreetLaw]

I'm a Zipcar member in Minneapolis (as a supplement for our single car household).

We've only used it once, but it was really convenient.

 

[jay0407]

The Ad Agency I work for uses ZipCar and everyone loves them. I have never used them myself.

 

[sygyzy]

Can anyone explain membership? Am I understanding correctly that they force you to use the service each month? I just want it for a one time deal, while I am in DC. I will not need it again for the forseeable future.

 

[audiophilia]

My brother and his partner both use Zipcar here in Toronto. They have saved $$$ by using it and swear by it.

 

[Shakermaker]

I use Zipcar and find it very convienient. You just go online, specify when you want a car, then available cars in your area show up and you pick one. You can do this over the phone as well. Customer service as been great so far with any issues I've had. Plus gas and insurance are included in the hourly rate. I think it's worth it if you don't have a car and live in the city.

 

[Shakermaker]

Originally Posted by sygyzy

Can anyone explain membership? Am I understanding correctly that they force you to use the service each month? I just want it for a one time deal, while I am in DC. I will not need it again for the forseeable future.

I don't know about DC, but in Boston they do not force you to use the service. You do have to pay a yearly fee though (around $50 depending on your plan). If you only need a car for that one time, I think it would make more sense to just get a rental.