CityWheels car sharing? (Cleveland: renting, insurance, buying)

[gofuzzy]

Hi,
Has anyone ever used a car sharing program? Has anyone used CityWheels in Cleveland? I've never talked to anyone who has done this before and I would love to get a little feedback before trying it.

I'm trying my best to avoid owning a car, but it looks like I'll be needing a car one night a week. I'm wondering if this might be a good solution.

Thanks!

[YaFace]

I checked into their prices, you might be better off renting from Enterprise for the one day a week. Unless you truly only use it for an hour, anything beyond that you would be better renting a car.

[Cleveland_Collector]

Eh, buy a cheap, used car for $2500. You'll be spending almost that much anyway if you use their service for more than 4 hours per week (and, more than 20 miles/hr costs extra).

[gofuzzy]

It seems like it could be a great idea, but like you guys are saying, it seems to be more expensive than it's worth.

The pros include: not owning a car, not needing insurance (it's included in their fees), not buying gas (also included in the fees), no repairs, no license/registration, no monthly car payment

But in my cons list, there are so many fees. I didn't know about the 20 miles/hr fee and that's bad because I need a car to get out to Lake County.

It really seems like it's for the college students in University Circle who can walk right over to grab a car to go to the store. For me, using this service would also include about half an hour taking the bus to the lot to get a car, then half an hour back. And if I missed the bus...well, I'd be waiting an hour for the next one.

I'm trying so hard not to own a car, but it's not easy

Thanks for your replies!

[justine]

I applaud you for not owning a car. some things to consider are the hassles of owning a car, dealing with breakdowns, accidents, repairs, storing the car, paying for parking, etc.

Have you thought of car pooling. I don't know the website but if it is a matter of going one place once a week, you might be able to car pool. You can ride and pay money for gas.

The true cost of owning a car is much more that just gas and insurance. There is monthly payments, repairs, maintenance, parking, license plate fees, etc. I think the real cost of owning a car must be at least $500 month. If using city wheels is less than that it might be worth it.

Can you arrange at work that you only go out there every other week? That could save you some money, also.

Try Google Transit

It is agreat website that gives you best directions and routes just like google maps for driving but it is for transit. I use it all the time. I am not car free yet, just car light. (but hope to be car free soon)