Zipcar Vs. City Car Share
We had fantasized about joining City Car Share for years but could never front the $300 deposit. We had been intrigued by Zipcar but weren't motivated enough to sign up. Plus, they seemed expensive. So, when Flexcar (RIP) came about around the same time and were offering low rates and an insanely low membership fee of $36, we were onboard.
We enjoyed Flexcar while they lasted, and we hate to say that we might have played a part in their demise -- we damaged a vehicle (or two, maybe?). We reported it but nothing ever came about. Then Flexcar promptly merged with Zipcar. Zipcar offered us a membership for $50, all of which went toward driving credit. They had us hook, line, and sinker.
Image credit: Renee Ya
After the jump, we ask for your advice...
We've been with Zipcar since January, and it's been a very smooth ride. There are three lots within a block of our house and several more within three blocks. In our experience, the cars we've checked out are almost always in great condition and where they're scheduled to be. Except when certain members forget to tell their spouse (who is also a member) where they got the car, and the car gets parked in the wrong lot after a trip to Trader Joe's. Yes, this happened to us last week. Zipcar was very kind to waive the $50 fee once they saw how great of a customer we have been (and how much money we've spent in recent months). We also admit that we threatened to switch to City Car Share.
But now that we've looked at City Car Share's rates again, we're wondering, should we cough up that deposit? Their rates are way lower -- almost half the price at times, but they don't have as many locations near us, which means possibly not as many cars. A huge plus with Zipcar is that we were able to purchase a $75 damage waiver, which means we don't have a deductible for a year. We also like the idea of checking out Zipcars in other metropolitan areas. But, we've recently been driving Zipcar to Novato for a week here and there, which costs us $65 a pop, plus tax. (We supplement the cost by taking the bus up two days out of the week, which is a whole other post.) The same trip with City Car Share would cost us a very low $45 -- a $100 difference spread out over a week...
Thoughts, dear readers?