Anybody else finding Zipcars more expensive these days? I rented cars for the first 6 weeks of membership and was never billed more than $100 a day. It was great. Now, rates are $140 plus. It's actually working out to be cheaper to rent a car with one of the car rental firms instead (a horror admission) - I like Zipcar, but I personally feel they are pricing themselves out of the market. They would get much more business from me, if they stayed at the $100 a day rate. Otherwise, it's only useful for 3/4 hour rides at the weekend - and these are few and far between.

-- Anonymous, December 05, 2003

Answers

Absolutely right. Even worse, they've removed the car closest to me. Now, it's actually more convenient to go to Hertz (and MUCH less expensive, too). Really, it appears Zipcar should focus on novelty cars like the Honda Element and the BMW's ti distinguish themselves from the majors, otherwise, the price just doesn't pan out.

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2003

I'll also have to chime in and agree...the price combined w/problems returning to a particular "reserved" space and various other smaller/less frequent inconveniences (i.e. remove/reduce the "convenience" factor that helps add value and distinguish Zipcar from the reg'lar old rental places) have made it a far less reasonable option for me...for both business and personal use. I spend about $600 - $750 month on Zipcar and don't, w/the higher rates, feel as if I'm getting nearly enough for the expense (and that's adding in the convenience [which has lately been diminished], easy/off hour/by-the-hour reservation, good customer service etc, etc.). Further, there isn't any program in place to reward frequent renters (outside of the partner rewards e.g. Amtrak)...it'd be nice if there was some sort of reward program in place. It would certainly sweeten the deal and move the service safely away from the somewhat shaky ground they're on w/me at the moment.

J

-- Anonymous, December 08, 2003

J, If you are spending as much as $750 a month on Zipcar, then it probably doesn't make sense for you (unless parking spaces are simply impossible where you are). Zipcar is primarily intended for occasional drivers who don't want to pay a full day's rental for those occasional errands. The costs have gone up do to increased insurance premiums (remember, you don't need your own policy with Zipcar) and the inclusion of mileage on hourly rates. I personally disagree with Zipcar on including mileage within the hourly rate, as it is exactly when you are renting by the hour that very few miles are likely to be racked up (plus, it is fairer all around to charge mileage separately). I guess enough Zipsters disagree with me on this, or it wouldn't have been implemented.

-- Anonymous, December 12, 2003

frankly speaking i think think that the Zip Car is still a wonderful, economical solution for WHEELS WHEN YOU NEED THEM. living in the heart of DC it makes wonderful sense to rent-by-the-hour than put my $$ into the hands of the Dept of Public Works for parking tickets (i'd have on average $200 per month in tickets because i forgot to move the car on street cleaning days, or i parked too close to the intersection ~ for their liking). if you are regularly renting-for-the-day than Zip Car is not for you .... if you are having problems with the designated Zip Car parking space TELL SOMEONE .... and if things still bother you ~ than buy a car! the guys who run Zip Car in DC are GREAT! especially with finding parking places that are truly reserved and THANKS for the garage parking (especially in the winter ~ no shoveling).

-- Anonymous, December 17, 2003