Here’s an idea I hadn’t heard about (or maybe I did, and I forgot about it): Zipcar is a service that lets you “borrow” (not rent) a car as you need it. Only need one for a couple hours? No sweat — just reserve it online and pick it up at one of the nearby locatons (currently Boston, Denver, New York/New Jersey, and DC are represented). Hourly rates hover around $7 with max daily rates of $55.
The whole reservation/pickup scheme looks pretty neat-o, too. You reserve online, which takes less than a minute, then you take your Zipcard to the location where you’re supposed to pick your car up. You hold the card to the windshield and the doors unlock for you. When you’re done, you return it to the same spot (it’s usually a reserved space), and lock the doors with your Zipcard. In other words: 24-hour self-service.
This sounds like the perfect idea for someone who lives in a city and only drives periodically. Owning a car can be really expensive, but this looks like a might fine little service that I hope takes off…
See also: Common questions answered.
(via Johanna)
Posted in Cars