Subject:  Zipcar/Car rental summary

Comment:  We use zipcar often and have had an overall positive experience. It's not the cheapest it's true, but it's still a lot cheaper than owning a car and keeping it in a garage full time, so we're on board. The fact that we can pick up and drop off 24 hours very close to our home is really great for us, especially on shorter trips when we have less flexibility on departure time. Having the gas paid for and the availability of the EZ pass is also very nice. For longer trips however we have saved a bunch of money by going over to Jersey City and renting a car there - I've also heard about folks getting good deals at the airports. If we are going to be gone more than a few days and / or have time to get out there and back without curtailing our trip then we will do that to save the money, otherwise we use zipcar for the convenience and ease. We actually have found lately that there are so many spots in the neighborhood that we haven't had much trouble getting one when we needed it - that was for sure an issue when they first started but it hasn't been a big one recently - we were able to book the summer weekends that we wanted with a little advance planning, and have done non-peak weekends on pretty much last minute notice with no issues.

Subject:  Zipcar/Car rental summary

Comment:  Every time we rent a zipcar we have an issue! From the car not being there, to no gas, to issues with the car. I leave an extra hour before we go anywhere and sometimes that is still not enough. I also think they outsourced their customer care in the last year or so which doesn't help.

Subject:  Zipcar/Car rental summary

Comment:   I've been with ZipCar for a long time, about 10 years now, in both New York and London and I can honestly say it's a great solution. The company has shown signs of "maturity", i.e. they've begun adding large logo signs to more of their cars and after a major theft of lux model cars here in Brooklyn they've been reluctant to restock certain models, but when it comes to convienence (reserve from app in minutes and unlock at the car via card), wide range of automobile types (flat-bed trucks to convertible mini coopers), and support on the big things, like accidents, insurance, and gas, they're a solid company. No problem! If we're going away for a long time we actually use Dollar in Jersey, much cheaper!

Subject:  Zipcar/Car rental summary

Comment:  Zipcar was an affordable option when they started. Then they were acquired and their hourly rates doubled or tripled. Also, there's a distance limit that can bite you if you exceed it. And cars are seldom available when you want them (such as on the weekend). If you only need a car to move something like a sofa, or do an Ikea run, then renting a pickup or small van from U-haul or Home Depot are better options.

Subject:  Zipcar/Car rental summary

Comment:  I've been really happy with zipcar. We've been using it for about 9(?) years since they moved cars across the street from us. Sometimes the parking garage people can be slow at getting the car out but otherwise it's been great. So I give it a thumbs up. I also like that you can get cars of different sizes and shapes.BTW--We have a Park Slope Parents discount for $35 off a ZipCar membership which helps with the membership fee. Check it out on the membership discounts page.

Subject:  Most Inexpensive Park Slope Car Service??

Comment:  We use zipcar too but it's not practical for all occasions. (December 2012)

Subject:  Re: [PSP] Re: do you need a car in park slope?

Comment:  We have two kids and a Zipcar account and get along fine. I used to have a car in Park Slope back in the days (early 90's?) when alternate side of the street was every other day not just 1-2 days a week and that was a PITA. In terms of the Thanksgiving question David raises below, I just reserve my Zipcar months in advance for the widest window possible and then can refine my reservation closer to the date so long as I know I have my car reserved -- I already have my reservation for November 2013! As someone else mentioned below, they have a lot of locations around the area. (Feb 2013)

Subject:  Re: Getting to the beach for the day

Comment:  Zipcar!!!(July 2013)

Comment:  Zipcar is great for shorter rentals but usually you need to book a bit more in advance.

Comment:  I was an avid Zipster for years when I lived in Manhattan and continued when I moved to Park Slope two years ago. However, upon moving to the Slope I had varying success getting cars when I needed them, despite the number of locations nearby. If I reserved a weekend slot over a week in advance it was usually ok, but if I looked for a car on say a Tuesday for that upcoming weekend I'd often be disappointed. Also I wouldn't get a Zipcar for a multi-day rental, I think there's a limit to how many days you can have it and it isn't cost effective. I rented from Enterprise (I think - the one on Union St) once and had no problem, but I can't speak for their regular availability. Bottom line, if you plan significantly in advance, it might work for you very well. There certainly are enough Zipcar locations. Maybe you could see if they'll give you a trial membership so you can see for yourself. Btw for holidays, you need to book over a month ahead. Last year I booked my car for Thanksgiving around Halloween - this year I checked for my Thanksgiving rental around the same time and all cars were gone.