Comparing ZipCar, FlexCar and PhillyCarShare
Written: Oct 04 '07 (Updated Oct 14 '07)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: - Great for multi city users
- Second only to a not-for-profit in serving members
Cons: - Annual fees are a barrier for infrequent users
The Bottom Line: If car sharing is right for you, this is one of the best services.
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| seanbradyw99's Full Review: Zipcar |
Is Car Sharing Right for You?
Car sharing programs like ZipCar, give members access vehicles for an hour, several hours, a day or more. ZipCar has a great variety of vehicles including hybrids, BMWs, mini coopers, wagons and sedans. As a member, you can reserve the vehicles online or by phone. You pay a flat hourly or daily rate. ZipCar covers everything else: gas, premium insurance, and maintenance.
The idea works well for people living in crowded cities, with expensive parking. There are plans for frequent users that would generally want their own car, but don't want the risk and fuss of maintaining it. There are also plans for people that only need a car for the occasional trip to a big box retailer in the burbs or a weekend getaway. For these users, its easier and cheaper to walk a few blocks and hop in v. trekking out to the closest Hertz or Avis.
Multi-City Users
I'm a user that FlexCar clearly didn't anticipate. I use car sharing programs ZipCar, PhillyCarShare and FlexCar when I'm visiting the corporate HQ in DC with a side trip to Philly to see my parents or visiting our branch office in Portland, Or. I also use it to drive fun cars for cheap (mini cooper, bmw). If ZipCar added Infinti G37's and a Lotus Exige's, I'd be in heaven. Why did I say ZipCar, and not FlexCar?
Apparently, FlexCar struggles with people like me. I've called 3 times and sent several e-mail's requesting access in the cities I visit. Unfortunately it hasn't worked. I have access to one city. I guess I could submit multiple applications, pay multiple account fees and car a different card for each city... but that's a bit unreasonable.
ZipCar gets it. Once you sign up, you have access to cars in every city they serve. Too bad they don't serve Portland. If they did, I'd drop FlexCar because... they are just not flexible enough for me.
Setting the Standard for Member Service
PhillyCarShare is almost perfect. They have an amazing number and assortment of cars, a no upfront or annual fee plan, a great website, a great member service ethic. They are only in one city, but hey... they are a non-profit. They don't have Steve Case or Benchmark Capital to bankroll them.
Watch Out for Excess Mileage fees
I do have one bone of contention with PhillyCarShare, you pay per mile. FlexCar and ZipCar give users a flat number of miles at no additional cost. Typically 150 to 200 miles per day with an excess mileage fee if you drive more than that. PhillyCarShare is more expensive than FlexCar or ZipCar if you are going to Atlantic City, or skiing, or to see your crazy friend who moved to the woods for "piece and quiet."
Update
Shortly after posting this review, a supervisor in FlexCar's national office granted me access to the 3 cities I visit most. Multi-city access at FlexCar is still not as easy or comprehensive as ZipCar... but, it is possible.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
seanbradyw99
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Reviews written: 2
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