Car Sharing: IGo versus Zipcar. (Chicago, Tennessee: rental car, rental, neighborhood)

[binarybelle]

Hello forumites:

I am carless in the city and considering joining a car sharing program. Just wondering if anyone has had first-hand experience with either IGo or Zipcar and which company you found to be better.

[Drover]

I've looked into both and I have found that each has a distinct advantage. iGo's advantage is that you can integrate your iGo membership into your CTA Chicago Card account. ZipCar's advantage is that they operate in multiple cities which could save you rental car costs if you travel. In terms of location & availability of cars, they seem about even to me. iGo seems a touch cheaper overall.

[Thepreacherswife]

If you are staying in Chicago, I-Go is more plugged into the CTA, with locations at several El stops, and plans for more in the coming months. I-Go is also locally based, if that sort of thing matters to you.

[supernerdgirl]

Also! with I-go you have to have your license for 5 years. i.e., I have only had my illinois license for a little less than 2 years, and of course they took my Tennessee one that I had had for 9, so I don't know if they would approve me. I haven't really called them to ask about it though.

[skipcromer]

I just want to bump this to see if anyone else has much info on this. I am finally selling my Jeep and will be without car. I am leaning towards I-Go as it seems to be a bit cheaper.

[Drover]

IMO the only advantage of Zipcar is that they operate in other cities too which could possibly be a decent substitute for renting a car if you travel to any of those cities. Other than that, I'd say use whichever one has more cars in your neighborhood.

[skipcromer]

Originally Posted by Drover

IMO the only advantage of Zipcar is that they operate in other cities too which could possibly be a decent substitute for renting a car if you travel to any of those cities. Other than that, I'd say use whichever one has more cars in your neighborhood.

Thanks Drover, apparently I rep you too much.

[Swandaddy]

I picked Zipcar over I-Go, though from what I hear either one does a fine job. Zipcar has more models I like; if I wanted to splurge for a day I could drive a BMW or a Ford Mustang convertible. And every time I have used Zipcar, I have been very happy. I'll usually use the Mazda 3 which is a car I love to drive. The Toyota Matrix is nice too if you need to haul something.

The only issue I've ever had with them is that sometimes their gas card doesn't work and you have to fax in a receipt to get your money back; each time I've had to do so they have been very prompt in reiumbursement however.

The very nice benefit that totally makes the car sharing worthwhile for me is the convenience of not owning a car. This means no city sticker, no having to pay for a parking spot and/or drive around the block for 45 minutes, no having to worry about this little thing or that little thing going wrong with the engine.

[skipcromer]

I-Go seems to have a few more in Rogers Park...looks like im a new customer!

[surlycue]

How does it work if you get a parking ticket in one?