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Jan. 1, 2012 10:17 p.m. skierd Dork

Most of my new apartment hunting is having me move into the city. I've been enjoying driving again but for the most part still ride the bike when I have to go somewhere, particularly in spring and summer and fall. Zipcars ( http://www.zipcar.com/ ) are pretty available and close to where I'm looking to be living, so instead of the expense of fixing and maintaining my beater car, along with trying to find parking for it, I was thinking of signing up for it. Anyone on here use it regularly or even just occasionally care to comment?

Biggest reasons I drive right now instead of riding: 1) Its raining hard or cold as berkeley outside when I have to go to work, or it will be that way by the time I get off. 2) I'm going to the store and want to get some bulky items 3) I'm feeling too lazy to suit up lol or the bike is sitting waiting for some maintenance.

I was car free for about 2 years and found I only had to borrow a vehicle for a couple hours once or twice a month tops, but I was also commuting 100% by bike. I could do that again... but damn its nice to walk out to a warm and dry vehicle. Thoughts?
Jan. 2, 2012 12:13 a.m. turboswede SuperDork

Biggest issue for me is the difficulty of planning your errands by the hour as traffic, etc caused me several headaches when I used them in the past.

Otherwise they were great for day/weekend rentals. The local ZipCar used to have a Miata available. That was awesome while it lasted. Once it left, I dropped my account as it just wasn't worth it any more.
Jan. 2, 2012 12:26 a.m. SVreX SuperDork

I don't know anyone who uses them. I have only read (with interest) about the business model.

It sounds like a perfect idea for someone like you.

I will look forward to hearing more input from this board.
Jan. 2, 2012 2:28 a.m. 4Msfam New Reader

I like them. Gas and insurance included. My work pays for the annual fee. I live in a high density of Zip cars, so booking is easy. I ride my bike to them, throw it in the trunk, and go. I use the pickup (Tacoma) for dump runs. I always wanted to use the Mini for the local autocross, but am afraid the gps sensor might have a g meter in it. :(. Big brother and all..
Jan. 2, 2012 2:28 a.m. ransom Dork

I've been thinking about it in part as a stopgap for putting off van shopping as I go to sell off my pickup. There's a two-vehicle Zipcar spot a few blocks from here with one car and one truck. I think in the end I'll probably go with the Home Depot rental truck twice, get annoyed, and buy a van.

I guess one of my questions for you is if you're thinking of using the Zipcar when the weather sucks, how many cars are near you, and how many people in your neighborhood have the same criteria for when to use the the local Zipcar?
Jan. 2, 2012 2:32 a.m. 4Msfam New Reader

Meh, it always rains in the NW. So weather isnt a factor. You can go online and see what cars are around you (even before you join). The map changes to show what's available for your wanted timeslot. You can also pick a car from your cell. As long as you have your card, you just phone, walk up, and access the car.
Jan. 2, 2012 8:57 a.m. 914Driver SuperDork

My son used them when he was in Boston. It's very handy; walk up to a car, zip you card on it and she opens up. Keys are inside. When you're done, park it, lock it, walk away. No worries, no maintenence and if someone dings the door you don't care.

Ian also used an F-250 once when he had to move something large. They're not all micro & boring.

He lived about two blocks from Fenway Park so you had to go out everyday and move your car whether you use it or not, also having NY plates on a car that close to Fenway is problematic.....

Dan