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Zipcar- experiences?

x17
x17
edited November -1 in Park Slope
What has anyone's experience been with Zipcar in Park Slope (11th St., 12th St., Union, Flatbush, or other nearby locations)? Are you generally to find cars available for weekend reservations? How far in advance do you need to reserve on weekends? Is it common for the cars with cheaper rates are tougher to find available?

Thanks!
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Comments

  • daver
    daver
    I've used the one at the top of GAP, and I haven't ever had trouble getting a car when I wanted on the weekend. Or any time. Can you see the reservations without being logged in? I can log in and tell you what bookings look like if it would help.
  • daver
    daver
    I've used the one at the top of GAP, and I haven't ever had trouble getting a car when I wanted on the weekend. Or any time. Can you see the reservations without being logged in? I can log in and tell you what bookings look like if it would help.
  • whyfi
    whyfi
    It's been great.

    Yes, but usually a week or two ahead of time.

    See previous.

    Of course.

    No problem! Sign up, you won't regret it!
  • whyfi
    whyfi
    It's been great.

    Yes, but usually a week or two ahead of time.

    See previous.

    Of course.

    No problem! Sign up, you won't regret it!
  • x17
    x17
    Thanks a lot. When I look at the Find Cars page, it says how many/which cars are at each location (it's saying 11 at 11th St., 19 at 12th St., 17 at Union St.), but it's not clear if that's available right now or the total that live there in general.
  • x17
    x17
    Thanks a lot. When I look at the Find Cars page, it says how many/which cars are at each location (it's saying 11 at 11th St., 19 at 12th St., 17 at Union St.), but it's not clear if that's available right now or the total that live there in general.
  • daver
    daver
    When you are logged in it shows you the times they are booked and stuff. Let me add that I've never had trouble grabbing a car for a few hours at any time. When I wanted to block off a day or two though, I did have to check a couple locations to get it set up how I wanted.
  • daver
    daver
    When you are logged in it shows you the times they are booked and stuff. Let me add that I've never had trouble grabbing a car for a few hours at any time. When I wanted to block off a day or two though, I did have to check a couple locations to get it set up how I wanted.
  • opossumqueen
    opossumqueen
    So far, I'm a zipcar fan. I use the GAP one and have used a few others with no problems.

    Weekdays, I can generally get the car I want anytime. Weekends, there may be cars available but if you have a specific one in mind, reserve it a week or so in advance.

    Three day weekends may need earlier reservations than the average weekend.
  • opossumqueen
    opossumqueen
    So far, I'm a zipcar fan. I use the GAP one and have used a few others with no problems.

    Weekdays, I can generally get the car I want anytime. Weekends, there may be cars available but if you have a specific one in mind, reserve it a week or so in advance.

    Three day weekends may need earlier reservations than the average weekend.
  • whatchuwant
    whatchuwant
    If you aren't logged in, it only shows you what cars live at certain locations. You must be logged in to view what is actually available for the time/dates you put into the system.
  • whatchuwant
    whatchuwant
    If you aren't logged in, it only shows you what cars live at certain locations. You must be logged in to view what is actually available for the time/dates you put into the system.
  • whyfi
    whyfi
    daver wrote: When you are logged in it shows you the times they are booked and stuff. Let me add that I've never had trouble grabbing a car for a few hours at any time. When I wanted to block off a day or two though, I did have to check a couple locations to get it set up how I wanted.
    True, finding something for a couple odd hours is generally pretty easy, but if you want something for a full day, on a weekend, you'd better plan ahead.
  • whyfi
    whyfi
    daver wrote: When you are logged in it shows you the times they are booked and stuff. Let me add that I've never had trouble grabbing a car for a few hours at any time. When I wanted to block off a day or two though, I did have to check a couple locations to get it set up how I wanted.
    True, finding something for a couple odd hours is generally pretty easy, but if you want something for a full day, on a weekend, you'd better plan ahead.
  • carmen
    carmen
    How much is a zipcar anyway? I have a car so I don't really want to sign up and research rates, but I have NO clue how much it is and sometimes my friends want to borrow my car when I'm using it so I could suggest this as an alternative...
  • carmen
    carmen
    How much is a zipcar anyway? I have a car so I don't really want to sign up and research rates, but I have NO clue how much it is and sometimes my friends want to borrow my car when I'm using it so I could suggest this as an alternative...
  • daver
    daver
    It also helps that the only thing I'm ever picky about is FIVE seat belts. Other than that, I couldn't care less. Although it always amuses me when I get to grab one of those Volvos, 'cause I like those. Vroom.
  • daver
    daver
    It also helps that the only thing I'm ever picky about is FIVE seat belts. Other than that, I couldn't care less. Although it always amuses me when I get to grab one of those Volvos, 'cause I like those. Vroom.
  • jaha127
    jaha127
    I usually don't have a problem at the GAP and St. Mark's and Underhill locations... if I plan ahead on the weekends...

    if I don't i am usually scrambling to find anything for a few hours on the weekend...

    best tip that everyone is saying is plan ahead...
  • jaha127
    jaha127
    I usually don't have a problem at the GAP and St. Mark's and Underhill locations... if I plan ahead on the weekends...

    if I don't i am usually scrambling to find anything for a few hours on the weekend...

    best tip that everyone is saying is plan ahead...
  • daver
    daver
    Carmen wrote: How much is a zipcar anyway? I have a car so I don't really want to sign up and research rates, but I have NO clue how much it is and sometimes my friends want to borrow my car when I'm using it so I could suggest this as an alternative...
    Like $50/yr plus $25 to sign up. And then $10-14/hr for a car, which includes gas and insurance and everything. But you can't just do it on the spur on the moment, you have to be pre-signed up and stuff. I assume because of insurance/driver's license issues.
  • daver
    daver
    Carmen wrote: How much is a zipcar anyway? I have a car so I don't really want to sign up and research rates, but I have NO clue how much it is and sometimes my friends want to borrow my car when I'm using it so I could suggest this as an alternative...
    Like $50/yr plus $25 to sign up. And then $10-14/hr for a car, which includes gas and insurance and everything. But you can't just do it on the spur on the moment, you have to be pre-signed up and stuff. I assume because of insurance/driver's license issues.
  • carmen
    carmen
    I should start renting my car to people, that sounds expensive!
  • carmen
    carmen
    I should start renting my car to people, that sounds expensive!
  • daver
    daver
    When you consider all the costs of owning a late model car that you rarely use, it really isn't too bad. If you frequently use your car though... They _do_ have cheaper plans for more frequent users. But I would think that owning would make more sense fiscally. :D
  • daver
    daver
    When you consider all the costs of owning a late model car that you rarely use, it really isn't too bad. If you frequently use your car though... They _do_ have cheaper plans for more frequent users. But I would think that owning would make more sense fiscally. :D
  • carmen
    carmen
    daver wrote: When you consider all the costs of owning a late model car that you rarely use, it really isn't too bad. If you frequently use your car though... They _do_ have cheaper plans for more frequent users. But I would think that owning would make more sense fiscally. :D
    I agree...I really mean I should start renting out my car because I feel like every damn day someone is asking to borrow it. I've put about 1/3 of the overall miles on it since I moved to the city, but I feel bad saying no because it's really just sitting there most of the time. I'm going to start asking for booze in exchange. Or maybe cookies.
  • carmen
    carmen
    daver wrote: When you consider all the costs of owning a late model car that you rarely use, it really isn't too bad. If you frequently use your car though... They _do_ have cheaper plans for more frequent users. But I would think that owning would make more sense fiscally. :D
    I agree...I really mean I should start renting out my car because I feel like every damn day someone is asking to borrow it. I've put about 1/3 of the overall miles on it since I moved to the city, but I feel bad saying no because it's really just sitting there most of the time. I'm going to start asking for booze in exchange. Or maybe cookies.
  • daver
    daver
    Carmen wrote: I'm going to start asking for booze in exchange. Or maybe cookies.
    Why not ask for both?

    Beer cookies: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Beer-Cookies/Detail.aspx
  • daver
    daver
    Carmen wrote: I'm going to start asking for booze in exchange. Or maybe cookies.
    Why not ask for both?

    Beer cookies: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Beer-Cookies/Detail.aspx