Yes!!!
I have figured it all out!!!
Me + the gf were out with some friends tonight who live in the city, and they all use Zipcar. Perfect! $75/mo and we get 10 hours of usage on a car, plus whatever time we don't use gets rolled over, and whatever we go over is $7/hr.
Plus, they have a decent assortment of cars and trucks available for various uses, from a Yaris to a BMW 328i!
Gas + insurance = included!
And there's a drop off station near us
So I'd be going from paying $325/mo for insurance + $40-50/mo on gas + w/e on parts to paying like $38/mo!!! I'm so freaking pumped. Can't wait to dump this heap and go with Zipcar. There are absolutely no advantages to owning a car with this available (for my situation).
If the pricing is right, I guess it's only a matter of convenience.
Are the cars located close to you?
How about availability of the car you want/need?
I think you were looking at having an automatic in your next car, so this would work out great
I was going to say "oh noes! I bet they are all autos!!!" before I remembered that
Quote from: mzziaz on November 08, 2009, 02:01:28 AM
If the pricing is right, I guess it's only a matter of convenience.
Are the cars located close to you?
How about availability of the car you want/need?
They have a range of cars from BMW 328i's to small pick up trucks... and the service is large enough that stuff is always available
Aside from having to walk a few short blocks to get the car (which I can either bike or bus depending on the time of day and car) it's super convenient, apparently. For about what I pay for cable I can have access to a car! I'm pumped.
How many different cars are physically accessible to you at any given time? My concern would be I'd be paying for this service but that there wouldn't necessarily be a car available to me at a specific time I needed it.
What sorts of things would you use it for?
Quote from: Tave on November 08, 2009, 09:39:54 AM
What sorts of things would you use it for?
Ice racing! duh
I just ask because $50/month in gas is a lot of driving. That could be well over 500 miles. I spend $50/month in gas and I would blow through the first 10 hours in two days, just going to school.
I'm trying to wrap my head around what you could do with it. You couldn't drive to a ball game. You couldn't go out for a night on the town, unless you could drop it off at the destination, or didn't plan on using it anytime else during the month. I guess it'd be nice for errands, but again, it seems like that would add up quickly. A couple hour-and-fifteen minute trips and suddenly half your time is gone.
Don't you still need your own insurance? Something tells me their provided insurance is shit...
And holy crap, $325/month on insurance!?!? How many tickets do you have, sporty?
Insurance info here:
http://www.zipcar.com/how/faqs/one-faq?faq_number=28 (http://www.zipcar.com/how/faqs/one-faq?faq_number=28)
Quote from: Tave on November 08, 2009, 10:29:12 AM
And holy crap, $325/month on insurance!?!? How many tickets do you have, sporty?
If he has a lot, that may be a problem. Zipcar rule: "[drivers must] have had no more than two 'incidents' (moving violations PLUS accidents) in the past three years and no more than one incident in the past 18 months"
Yep. He must submit a driver's abstract as part of the application process.
Well... good idea while it lasted. :ohyeah:
Quote from: Tave on November 08, 2009, 10:29:12 AM
And holy crap, $325/month on insurance!?!? How many tickets do you have, sporty?
Your forgetting that he lives in NYC! :confused:
That's still close to $4,000/year.
Quote from: Tave on November 08, 2009, 10:29:12 AM
And holy crap, $325/month on insurance!?!? How many tickets do you have, sporty?
I have 2 tickets. But my gf has none :)
Wait...$75 a month and you can only use the service for 10 hours per month?
Quote from: giant_mtb on November 08, 2009, 11:55:13 AM
Wait...$75 a month and you can only use the service for 10 hours per month?
Includes gas and insurance. If you spread that out over 10 days... an hour a day that you need it... and considering you could get a different make of car each time (comparos!)... it's actually a pretty sweet deal.
Quote from: giant_mtb on November 08, 2009, 11:55:13 AM
Wait...$75 a month and you can only use the service for 10 hours per month?
You can use it more, you just pay more. If you don't rely on your car to get everywhere -- which you shouldn't have to in the city -- it works out financially, and puts you in a newer car than you'd otherwise be driving.
Quote from: ifcar on November 08, 2009, 01:21:36 PM
You can use it more, you just pay more. If you don't rely on your car to get everywhere -- which you shouldn't have to in the city -- it works out financially, and puts you in a newer car than you'd otherwise be driving.
This program may well be advantageous to sporty, and if he's interested, he should look into it. All I'm saying is that it's good to be sceptical of services that purport to "save" you money in exchange for you paying them. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't; but someone is making money off of it, they wouldn't do it for free.
I suggest that before sporty sells his car and jumps in head-first, he set aside a few months and create a "driving-log" to itemise his potential costs. 10 hours of driving sounds like a lot of time, and it is, but 10 hours of simply possessing a car really isn't much time at all. He might find that although he doesn't drive often, he still needs his car in his possession for a lot longer than 10 hours.
Think about some of the hidden costs: simply taking a trip out of town for 2 days to see some friends would cost upwards of $400 just to rent your own car.
I agree with Tave. 10 hours of just keeping a car is nothing.
Plus it can be an inconvenience to return the car. What if it's an emergency and you have to take someone to the doctor or something? You'd have to go all the way to the Zipcar location, get the car, come back, then do whatever you need to do.
And forget about taking trips anywhere.
You pay 325 a month (3900 a year) for insurance?! On an old Accord? Is your driving record horrid?
What happens if you rack up too many tickets, or there's an emergency like another terrorist attack or an impending hurricane, and you need to vacate the area pronto?
Just so long as you realize what it is you are truly (not) paying for, I guess it's fine; to me personally it sounds like an abject nightmare.
Quote from: GoCougs on November 08, 2009, 04:23:29 PM
What happens if you rack up too many tickets, or there's an emergency like another terrorist attack or an impending hurricane, and you need to vacate the area pronto?
You make it sound like having a car is a necessary part of life, or you'll
die!
Quote from: Tave on November 08, 2009, 01:50:51 PM
This program may well be advantageous to sporty, and if he's interested, he should look into it. All I'm saying is that it's good to be sceptical of services that purport to "save" you money in exchange for you paying them. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't; but someone is making money off of it, they wouldn't do it for free.
I suggest that before sporty sells his car and jumps in head-first, he set aside a few months and create a "driving-log" to itemise his potential costs. 10 hours of driving sounds like a lot of time, and it is, but 10 hours of simply possessing a car really isn't much time at all. He might find that although he doesn't drive often, he still needs his car in his possession for a lot longer than 10 hours.
Think about some of the hidden costs: simply taking a trip out of town for 2 days to see some friends would cost upwards of $400 just to rent your own car.
I have pretty much itemized my costs. $325/mo for insurance, $30/mo for gas, maintenance varies... but lets say for this year it's been significant.
Looking at the grand scheme of things, say I spend $6000/yr to own this car. (Wow that puts things in perspective). With the Zipcar deal, I pay $450/yr assuming I don't go over. In the off chance we have an emergency, cabs around here are quick and a hospital is a mile away. If I want to leave NY, a couple hundred dollars for a rental pales in comparison to what I would be saving. Plus odds are there will be Zipcar locations wherever I go, so I could just take a car from here to out wherever and use it as necessary. For example me and my gf want to go down to DC after Xmas. W/Zipcar we'd just drive down and use the subway or whatever they have. I have family there as well so we could either Zipcar out to them or impose a little bit and maybe get a ride one way. Either way it wouldn't be much less convenient than taking a car I own, which I have to fuel, insure and pay to store ($$$$$$$$$)
5 days a week the only time I get in my car is to park it. I think that is hard for you guys who drive to work/school/whatever to get. It's been a big waste. I didn't know there were any alternatives till last night.
Plus, I can link up with friends and do our shopping together + save minutes + the environment or w/e. I don't really leave NY that much anyways. Biggest change will be not having something to tinker with...
And as far as insurance... I have a speeding and red light ticket over the past 3 years. Red light ticket was recent so that jacked up my rates; also I had the car registered at my parents address, but after the red light ticket they finally caught up with me. So my rates went from $220 to $325 because of that. Insurance for young NYC drivers is high anyways, for good reason around here- people drive crazily & dangerously, and the roads are terrible.
As far as terrorist attacks or w/e... I didn't have a car when 9/11 hit, and I lived. Plus if SHTF, a car would be useless here anyway. All it takes is one or two lanes closed on some major streets to completely jam the whole neighborhood up. Plus they shut down all traffic in and out of Manhattan. All major roads would be at a standstill. Best bet in the Cougspocalypse would be a bike.
Gonna be weird not having a car for the first time since 2003... but it makes sense... and is something I probably should have done a long time ago. Looking back I would have saved thousands. W/o the car (and CC debt, which I will pay off w/proceeds from selling the car) my monthly expenses on paper will be about 1/3 my take home... not bad for a relatively meager salary in the most expensive city in the US...
Quote from: sportyaccordy on November 08, 2009, 07:55:29 PM
I have pretty much itemized my costs. $325/mo for insurance, $30/mo for gas, maintenance varies... but lets say for this year it's been significant.
Looking at the grand scheme of things, say I spend $6000/yr to own this car. (Wow that puts things in perspective). With the Zipcar deal, I pay $450/yr assuming I don't go over. In the off chance we have an emergency, cabs around here are quick and a hospital is a mile away. If I want to leave NY, a couple hundred dollars for a rental pales in comparison to what I would be saving.
5 days a week the only time I get in my car is to park it. I think that is hard for you guys who drive to work/school/whatever to get. It's been a big waste. I didn't know there were any alternatives till last night.
Plus, I can link up with friends and do our shopping together + save minutes + the environment or w/e. I don't really leave NY that much anyways. Biggest change will be not having something to tinker with...
I think the bigger question to consider is whether you'd need even the Zipcar. What sort of driving would you be using it for that's worth the $450/year?
Quote from: Psilos on November 08, 2009, 04:25:35 PM
You make it sound like having a car is a necessary part of life, or you'll die!
That's why I have my car. When the Cougspocolypse hits, I want to be a survivor.
I'm saying itemise your costs as if you were driving a zipcar. Keep track of the time, and therefore the money you would spend on the program. Don't just assume that you would use the minimum.
Quote from: GoCougs on November 08, 2009, 04:23:29 PM
What happens if you rack up too many tickets, or there's an emergency like another terrorist attack or an impending hurricane, and you need to vacate the area pronto?
Good point. I would definitely continue to pay $4000 a year for insurance on an old Accord in the off chance that someone might attack New York again in 15 years. I agree with Cougs.
Quote from: HEMI666 on November 08, 2009, 08:07:47 PM
Good point. I would definitely continue to pay $4000 a year for insurance on an old Accord in the off chance that someone might attack New York again in 15 years. I agree with Cougs.
:lol:
Quote from: Tave on November 08, 2009, 08:03:36 PM
I'm saying itemise your costs as if you were driving a zipcar. Keep track of the time, and therefore the money you would spend on the program. Don't just assume that you would use the minimum.
The only thing we would use the car for is to do shopping at BJs and drop-off/pick up laundry; both of which we do twice a month max, and don't spend more than 5 hours doing each time (we usually do both together). Even if somehow that came to more than $75/mo, I doubt it would somehow go past $500/mo. Beyond that I literally have no *need* for a car; to visit family locally I would take the Long Island Railroad, to go out in the city I would take the subway or a cab, etc. etc. So I wouldn't save the full amount, but it would def. still be cheaper, and more importantly less of a hassle than ownership.
They have a car depot about 1/2 a mile away (10 minute walk or 5 minute bike ride) so getting to them is a non-issue.
Cmon guys you are supposed to encourage financially responsible decisions!
Quote from: sportyaccordy on November 08, 2009, 08:19:20 PM
The only thing we would use the car for is to do shopping at BJs and drop-off/pick up laundry; both of which we do twice a month max, and don't spend more than 5 hours doing each time (we usually do both together). Even if somehow that came to more than $75/mo, I doubt it would somehow go past $500/mo. Beyond that I literally have no *need* for a car; to visit family locally I would take the Long Island Railroad, to go out in the city I would take the subway or a cab, etc. etc. So I wouldn't save the full amount, but it would def. still be cheaper, and more importantly less of a hassle than ownership.
They have a car depot about 1/2 a mile away (10 minute walk or 5 minute bike ride) so getting to them is a non-issue.
Cmon guys you are supposed to encourage financially responsible decisions!
The fucking LIRR costs an arm and a leg.
You spend $30-50 a month in gas to go to BJs and pick up your laundry?
That's like 300-500 miles man. I think you're overlooking a lot of the little things that would add up.
And I'm not trying to discourage you, I just wanted to encourage you to really go through everything methodically before you sell your car off and commit to it.
But hey, you know you better than I do. :lol:
Quote from: Tave on November 08, 2009, 08:28:44 PM
You spend $30-50 a month in gas to go to BJs and pick up your laundry?
That's like 300-500 miles man. I think you're overlooking a lot of the little things that would add up.
And I'm not trying to discourage you, I just wanted to encourage you to really go through everything methodically before you sell your car off and commit to it.
But hey, you know you better than I do. :lol:
Maybe he just hits VTAK all the time and gets bad mpgs. :lol:
Quote from: ifcar on November 08, 2009, 01:21:36 PM
You can use it more, you just pay more. If you don't rely on your car to get everywhere -- which you shouldn't have to in the city -- it works out financially, and puts you in a newer car than you'd otherwise be driving.
Gotchya. :rockon:
Quote from: Tave on November 08, 2009, 08:28:44 PM
You spend $30-50 a month in gas to go to BJs and pick up your laundry?
That's like 300-500 miles man. I think you're overlooking a lot of the little things that would add up.
And I'm not trying to discourage you, I just wanted to encourage you to really go through everything methodically before you sell your car off and commit to it.
But hey, you know you better than I do. :lol:
Up until recently I had a chipped ECU that didn't show an O2 sensor code, and the car was in need of a tune up. Plus 80% of my driving is stop + go in the city, often before the car could fully warm up. Combine those factors and it's not unreasonable to see how I'd get less than the EPA estimated 20 MPG for city driving. I also do drive with a bit of a lead foot at times (I mean I paid for the intake + exhaust, so I should be able to enjoy them!). Plus, a big chunk of the miles I drive are spent on finding parking. Like tonight, I have training at work and a GMAT class, so I get home late when everyone's parked up. It's not unusual for me to spend up to half an hour looking for parking- which would be a couple of miles of purely stop & go traffic in a car that's almost totally cold the whole time. So it's really more like $30 a month, if that. I'm not sure I fill up every month.
I recently finally did a tune up and the car drives noticeably better, so that helps.
Now I just have to get this thing sold. New windshield, detailed interior, new motor mount and maybe new tires. If I can keep all that under $500 I will get all that done. Hopefully I can find someone to buy the car for $2500... it's fun, has a good stereo/suspension/motor setup & has a lot of new parts. Body's just a little beat.
You can't buy a space?
Quote from: 2o6 on November 09, 2009, 06:08:26 PM
You can't buy a space?
I'd imagine a parking space in NYC would be hugely expensive.
Quote from: 3.0L V6 on November 09, 2009, 08:00:39 PM
I'd imagine a parking space in NYC would be hugely expensive.
Yes.
10 hrs? Whats that in new york city traffic... like a mile?
Quote from: Psilos on November 08, 2009, 04:25:35 PM
You make it sound like having a car is a necessary part of life, or you'll die!
It is, unless you're a liberal or a Canadian, and expect government to take care of you a la Katrina and/or abominable nationalized health care...
The problem is living in an area that demands $325/mo insurance for a $1,000 car.
This Zipcar idea is so uber fail it makes my head spin.
Quote from: GoCougs on November 10, 2009, 10:20:42 AM
It is, unless you're a liberal or a Canadian, and expect government to take care of you a la Katrina and/or abominable nationalized health care...
The problem is living in an area that demands $325/mo insurance for a $1,000 car.
This Zipcar idea is so uber fail it makes my head spin.
Suburban and rural car owners rely on the government to take care of them by building and maintaining roads. In denser areas, you rely on the government to provide public transportation, as well as on private enterprise to locate many businesses within walking distance.
In a catastrophe, the roads couldn't handle the volume of everyone trying to simultaneously drive out of NYC anyway.
But let's say there are other unplanned, short-notice trips that aren't necessarily catastrophes but are still urgent; going to the doctor, a family emergency, a sick pet, etc.
Sounds harsh, but IMO Zipcar is yet another sporty justification to live in a city that he can't afford.
Quote from: GoCougs on November 10, 2009, 10:38:44 AM
But let's say there are other unplanned, short-notice trips that aren't necessarily catastrophes but are still urgent; going to the doctor, a family emergency, a sick pet, etc.
Sounds harsh, but IMO Zipcar is yet another sporty justification to live in a city that he can't afford.
He said the hospital is nearby and that taxis abound for any mild emergency that you describe.
Quote from: GoCougs on November 10, 2009, 10:38:44 AM
But let's say there are other unplanned, short-notice trips that aren't necessarily catastrophes but are still urgent; going to the doctor, a family emergency, a sick pet, etc.
Sounds harsh, but IMO Zipcar is yet another sporty justification to live in a city that he can't afford.
Most of those would likely be within walking distances as well, and if not.. zip car would do the trick, theoretically.
When I went to SF, I saw one of these Zip car stations and I guess in areas with high density and well distributed mass transit system, owning a vehicle is not necessary but the ability to rent one at will would be advantageous so it helps out, and he can just walk down the street to pick up the car and go.. at least in theory.
The Zip car I saw had 3 cars sitting in their spaces and that was the weekend, so I don't think it'll be that much worse..
To be honest, i'm not a fan of these programs at all but to me it makes sense in NYC.
I visit the place every so often and after the second time I learned to park my car in jersey and take the ferry over because having a car in NYC is just a complete pain in the ass. Traffic is always horrendous. MOst of the time the faster way to get somewhere is by walking or using the subway. There is ALWAYS a problem parking no matter where you go... I've even run into quality hotels that leave the parking up to you to figure out. You want to take your car and drive to an attraction across time - plan on spending a good 1-2 hours finding a parking spot plus paying $20-30 an hour AND giving your keys to some seedy looking individual.
If I was living in the city and liked driving out of the city every once in a while I'd actually look into some garage space outside the city that has easy train/subway/buss/fairy access.
From my experiences, parking in Philly, Balitmore, DC, Pittsburgh, and Boston were seldom ever a problem compared to frikkin NYC.
Quote from: GoCougs on November 10, 2009, 10:38:44 AM
But let's say there are other unplanned, short-notice trips that aren't necessarily catastrophes but are still urgent; going to the doctor, a family emergency, a sick pet, etc.
Sounds harsh, but IMO Zipcar is yet another sporty justification to live in a city that he can't afford.
Have you ever been to NYC? If there was ever a city I could actually see myself not needing a car, it's NYC.
Quote from: r0tor on November 10, 2009, 09:41:02 AM
10 hrs? Whats that in new york city traffic... like a mile?
:lol:
Uh, guys, he doesn't live in Manhattan. The outer Burroughs aren't light years better WRT car ownership, but indeed better.
And yes, I've been to a few of the Burroughs and have stayed in Manhattan.
Quote from: GoCougs on November 10, 2009, 11:55:15 AM
Uh, guys, he doesn't live in Manhattan. The outer Burroughs aren't light years better WRT car ownership, but indeed better.
And yes, I've been to a few of the Burroughs and have stayed in Manhattan.
But public transportation is still better than the majority of the country which can eliminate the need for a car.
Quote from: GoCougs on November 10, 2009, 11:55:15 AM
Uh, guys, he doesn't live in Manhattan. The outer Burroughs aren't light years better WRT car ownership, but indeed better.
And yes, I've been to a few of the Burroughs and have stayed in Manhattan.
Cougs, who's opinion on living in NYC would you value more... a dude who has lived here continuously in 3 boroughs for 25 years or a guys who visited a few times?
As I already said, cabs are quick, the hospital is basically down the block, family is a 40 minute train ride away, etc. Having a car here is a more of a sacrifice than not having one.
And as far as my finances, my gf just got us a 10% reduction on our rent. That, coupled with a reduction of about $400 a month in car related expenses brings my total living expenses down to a little under 40% of my take home... and that's counting everything: food, gym membership, alcohol + going out etc... so affordability is def not an issue. Getting rid of the car is more of an issue of freeing up time and not having to have more shit to deal with.
I am the only person I know in my social circle who doesn't drive to work, but has a car. It just doesn't make sense.
Quote from: sportyaccordy on November 10, 2009, 01:43:48 PM
Cougs, who's opinion on living in NYC would you value more... a dude who has lived here continuously in 3 boroughs for 25 years or a guys who visited a few times?
As I already said, cabs are quick, the hospital is basically down the block, family is a 40 minute train ride away, etc. Having a car here is a more of a sacrifice than not having one.
And as far as my finances, my gf just got us a 10% reduction on our rent. That, coupled with a reduction of about $400 a month in car related expenses brings my total living expenses down to a little under 40% of my take home... and that's counting everything: food, gym membership, alcohol + going out etc... so affordability is def not an issue. Getting rid of the car is more of an issue of freeing up time and not having to have more shit to deal with.
I am the only person I know in my social circle who doesn't drive to work, but has a car. It just doesn't make sense.
Scooter!
Quote from: NACar on November 10, 2009, 01:56:22 PM
Scooter!
I should get a Swift. I could just bring it up stairs and park it in the closet.
Quote from: sportyaccordy on November 10, 2009, 02:02:11 PM
I should get a Swift. I could just bring it up stairs and park it in the closet.
All my my cars are always for sale, for the right price :ohyeah:
Quote from: NACar on November 10, 2009, 02:09:56 PM
All my my cars are always for sale, for the right price :ohyeah:
I'll give you $20 for it.
$15?
Quote from: GoCougs on November 10, 2009, 10:20:42 AM
It is, unless you're a liberal or a Canadian, and expect government to take care of you a la Katrina and/or abominable nationalized health care...
The problem is living in an area that demands $325/mo insurance for a $1,000 car.
This Zipcar idea is so uber fail it makes my head spin.
What? No, it's just paranoid to think that if you don't have a car, you'll die!
Quote from: sportyaccordy on November 10, 2009, 01:43:48 PM
Cougs, who's opinion on living in NYC would you value more... a dude who has lived here continuously in 3 boroughs for 25 years or a guys who visited a few times?
As I already said, cabs are quick, the hospital is basically down the block, family is a 40 minute train ride away, etc. Having a car here is a more of a sacrifice than not having one.
And as far as my finances, my gf just got us a 10% reduction on our rent. That, coupled with a reduction of about $400 a month in car related expenses brings my total living expenses down to a little under 40% of my take home... and that's counting everything: food, gym membership, alcohol + going out etc... so affordability is def not an issue. Getting rid of the car is more of an issue of freeing up time and not having to have more shit to deal with.
I am the only person I know in my social circle who doesn't drive to work, but has a car. It just doesn't make sense.
The car you have now is not ideal; you need something that you don't think about, like a used Civic. But it seems like you've weighed the options as you see them, but me personally I wouldn't do it nor recommend it.
Quote from: GoCougs on November 10, 2009, 10:20:42 AM
It is, unless you're a liberal or a Canadian, and expect government to take care of you a la Katrina and/or abominable nationalized health care...
The problem is living in an area that demands $325/mo insurance for a $1,000 car.
This Zipcar idea is so uber fail it makes my head spin.
You're an idiot.
Quote from: Payman on November 10, 2009, 09:43:38 PM
You're an idiot.
And you're taking things a bit too seriously. It was just a friendly jab at my fellow 'Spinners...
Quote from: GoCougs on November 10, 2009, 09:48:44 PM
And you're taking things a bit too seriously. It was just a friendly jab at my fellow 'Spinners...
And I was smiling when I typed that. :ohyeah:
Quote from: GoCougs on November 10, 2009, 08:44:03 PM
The car you have now is not ideal; you need something that you don't think about, like a used Civic. But it seems like you've weighed the options as you see them, but me personally I wouldn't do it nor recommend it.
The only need I have for a car is to do my laundry and grocery shopping. If I own a car I will be paying at least ~$200/mo to insure it plus whatever to fuel & maintain it. Zipcar allows me to do my laundry & grocery shopping for $75/mo. If you can step outside of your situation and look at those of others then sometimes things you wouldn't do yourself can make sense.
You obviously use your car to do more than grocery shopping. Of course you don't need it for any of those other things (you mentioned cabs and the Long Island Railroad as alternatives). I was just cautioning you to do your due diligence, which isn't bad advice.
I'm not even saying it would be cheaper to keep your car, I'm just saying you should go forward with a reasonable and objective view of all the costs.
You're comparing the ~$400/month cost of owning your car with the $75/month cost of Zipcar, and only seem vaugely aware of all the attendant costs that comes with (I.e. "Yeah, I'll have to use cabs or trains for this or that, but it shouldn't be too much")
Well, find out how much it's going to be. Don't just assume that it's a trivial amount.
What if this Zipcar idea ends up costing you $300/month once you factor in all the attendant costs? Would that make a difference in your decision? Even if it's still a little cheaper than owning a car, is the sacrifice harder to swallow?
Quote from: Tave on November 11, 2009, 08:49:50 AM
You obviously use your car to do more than grocery shopping. Of course you don't need it for any of those other things (you mentioned cabs and the Long Island Railroad as alternatives). I was just cautioning you to do your due diligence, which isn't bad advice.
I'm not even saying it would be cheaper to keep your car, I'm just saying you should go forward with a reasonable and objective view of all the costs.
You're comparing the ~$400/month cost of owning your car with the $75/month cost of Zipcar, and only seem vaugely aware of all the attendant costs that comes with (I.e. "Yeah, I'll have to use cabs or trains for this or that, but it shouldn't be too much")
Well, find out how much it's going to be. Don't just assume that it's a trivial amount.
What if this Zipcar idea ends up costing you $300/month once you factor in all the attendant costs? Would that make a difference in your decision? Even if it's still a little cheaper than owning a car, is the sacrifice harder to swallow?
Well I can itemize all the stuff now for a month, realistically.
Metrocard for subway use: (already have to get one for work)
Zipcar membership: $75/2 = $37.50 (assuming we don't go over, which I just don't see happening)
Monthly trip to parents (LIRR + cab): $25
2 nights out in city, cab both ways (which I wouldn't do): $25 each way x 2 ways x 2 nights / 2 = $50
So $112.50/mo TOPS, barring the unforeseen incidents (which I have yet to encounter in 3 years), vs the $500 I was paying before.
Realistically, 80% of the driving I do in this car is either to find parking, or to get parts or head to a friend's shop to fix it. I have yet to use it for work in the past 2 years, and if I need a car for work will have no problem getting reimbursed for a rental. I don't need this car.
Plus the sacrifices I would make not having it aren't much worse than the sacrifices I make to have it. Obviously the financial one is a biggie. But there's also the time I spend looking for parking and fixing it. I mean I could find a reliable enough car within the same price range and not work on it.... but to a degree I like modding it and making it more enjoyable to drive. If it wasn't fun to drive I would rather walk etc.
I'm going to try it. If it's really that awful, which I doubt it will be, I will just get another car. This isn't a lifelong commitment, just a temporary deal until I can get out of NYC.
Your parents live on LI?
Quote from: sportyaccordy on November 11, 2009, 11:17:11 AM
Well I can itemize all the stuff now for a month, realistically.
Metrocard for subway use: (already have to get one for work)
Zipcar membership: $75/2 = $37.50 (assuming we don't go over, which I just don't see happening)
Monthly trip to parents (LIRR + cab): $25
2 nights out in city, cab both ways (which I wouldn't do): $25 each way x 2 ways x 2 nights / 2 = $50
So $112.50/mo TOPS, barring the unforeseen incidents (which I have yet to encounter in 3 years), vs the $500 I was paying before.
Realistically, 80% of the driving I do in this car is either to find parking, or to get parts or head to a friend's shop to fix it. I have yet to use it for work in the past 2 years, and if I need a car for work will have no problem getting reimbursed for a rental. I don't need this car.
Plus the sacrifices I would make not having it aren't much worse than the sacrifices I make to have it. Obviously the financial one is a biggie. But there's also the time I spend looking for parking and fixing it. I mean I could find a reliable enough car within the same price range and not work on it.... but to a degree I like modding it and making it more enjoyable to drive. If it wasn't fun to drive I would rather walk etc.
I'm going to try it. If it's really that awful, which I doubt it will be, I will just get another car. This isn't a lifelong commitment, just a temporary deal until I can get out of NYC.
Having to move your car constantly seems like more of an inconvenience than walking a few blocks to a Zipcar station.
Quote from: CALL_911 on November 11, 2009, 11:31:54 AM
Your parents live on LI?
Yep
Quote from: TBR on November 11, 2009, 11:53:25 AM
Having to move your car constantly seems like more of an inconvenience than walking a few blocks to a Zipcar station.
I have a rhythm going, and knock on wood have only had 1 ticket due to parking in the wrong place at the wrong time this year (I didn't know they had street cleaning on Saturdays). But it is an added burden, and probably terrible for gas mileage as that makes up a lot of my driving. Just a mega pain.,
Quote from: sportyaccordy on November 11, 2009, 11:17:11 AM
Well I can itemize all the stuff now for a month, realistically.
Metrocard for subway use: (already have to get one for work)
Zipcar membership: $75/2 = $37.50 (assuming we don't go over, which I just don't see happening)
Monthly trip to parents (LIRR + cab): $25
2 nights out in city, cab both ways (which I wouldn't do): $25 each way x 2 ways x 2 nights / 2 = $50
So $112.50/mo TOPS, barring the unforeseen incidents (which I have yet to encounter in 3 years), vs the $500 I was paying before.
Realistically, 80% of the driving I do in this car is either to find parking, or to get parts or head to a friend's shop to fix it. I have yet to use it for work in the past 2 years, and if I need a car for work will have no problem getting reimbursed for a rental. I don't need this car.
Plus the sacrifices I would make not having it aren't much worse than the sacrifices I make to have it. Obviously the financial one is a biggie. But there's also the time I spend looking for parking and fixing it. I mean I could find a reliable enough car within the same price range and not work on it.... but to a degree I like modding it and making it more enjoyable to drive. If it wasn't fun to drive I would rather walk etc.
I'm going to try it. If it's really that awful, which I doubt it will be, I will just get another car. This isn't a lifelong commitment, just a temporary deal until I can get out of NYC.
I think Zipcar is a good solution for your situation. I personally wouldn't live in NYC. But with my experience there, I remember parking at least 10+ blocks away from where I was intended on going because I couldn't find a space nearby and having to take the subway there.. not something you would normally do in any other city other than NYC. Driving definitely doesn't make sense.
Quote from: sportyaccordy on November 11, 2009, 11:17:11 AM
Well I can itemize all the stuff now for a month, realistically.
Metrocard for subway use: (already have to get one for work)
Zipcar membership: $75/2 = $37.50 (assuming we don't go over, which I just don't see happening)
Monthly trip to parents (LIRR + cab): $25
2 nights out in city, cab both ways (which I wouldn't do): $25 each way x 2 ways x 2 nights / 2 = $50
So $112.50/mo TOPS, barring the unforeseen incidents (which I have yet to encounter in 3 years), vs the $500 I was paying before.
Realistically, 80% of the driving I do in this car is either to find parking, or to get parts or head to a friend's shop to fix it. I have yet to use it for work in the past 2 years, and if I need a car for work will have no problem getting reimbursed for a rental. I don't need this car.
Plus the sacrifices I would make not having it aren't much worse than the sacrifices I make to have it. Obviously the financial one is a biggie. But there's also the time I spend looking for parking and fixing it. I mean I could find a reliable enough car within the same price range and not work on it.... but to a degree I like modding it and making it more enjoyable to drive. If it wasn't fun to drive I would rather walk etc.
I'm going to try it. If it's really that awful, which I doubt it will be, I will just get another car. This isn't a lifelong commitment, just a temporary deal until I can get out of NYC.
Why are you halving the costs for the Zipcar scenario but not for your current situation?
I say give it a try and see if it works for you. Be sure to do thorough tests of the cars you drive and post your experiences. :ohyeah:
Quote from: Tave on November 11, 2009, 12:18:16 PM
Why are you halving the costs for the Zipcar scenario but not for your current situation?
Because he's paying for all the cost of the car but she would help pay for the cost of Zipcar...
Quote from: sportyaccordy on November 11, 2009, 11:55:29 AM
Yep
I have a rhythm going, and knock on wood have only had 1 ticket due to parking in the wrong place at the wrong time this year (I didn't know they had street cleaning on Saturdays). But it is an added burden, and probably terrible for gas mileage as that makes up a lot of my driving. Just a mega pain.,
Alternate side parking is a PITA.
If you don't mind me asking, whereabouts on LI?
Quote from: CALL_911 on November 11, 2009, 12:39:21 PM
Alternate side parking is a PITA.
If you don't mind me asking, whereabouts on LI?
His parents are your neighbors.
Quote from: CALL_911 on November 11, 2009, 12:39:21 PM
Alternate side parking is a PITA.
If you don't mind me asking, whereabouts on LI?
Baldwin.
Quote from: Tave on November 11, 2009, 12:18:16 PM
Why are you halving the costs for the Zipcar scenario but not for your current situation?
GF wants no parts of the Beast from the East.
Do you get to count two drivers under one Zipcar membership, or would you just be the only driver?
This thread should be renamed, "Let's try and make sporty look stupid by pointing out things he could have forgotten." :lol:
I wonder what percentage of people that live in NYC proper actually do have cars. My sister lived in Boston for 5 years without a car, and she now lives in Seattle without a car.
Quote from: ifcar on November 11, 2009, 12:51:12 PM
Do you get to count two drivers under one Zipcar membership, or would you just be the only driver?
Pretty sure you get to put two drivers under one membership. Won't really matter as if you have two cars out at one time your usage time gets run through accordingly.
Quote from: MrH on November 11, 2009, 12:57:15 PM
This thread should be renamed, "Let's try and make sporty look stupid by pointing out things he could have forgotten." :lol:
Are they succeeding? This seems like a no-brainer to me.
Quote from: sportyaccordy on November 11, 2009, 02:58:21 PM
Are they succeeding? This seems like a no-brainer to me.
I don't think they're succeeding. Let's recap shall we?
Cougs: You're gonna die a horrible and tragic death in a terrorist attack/alien invasion/flood/hurricane/tornado/buildings spontaneously combusting if you don't have a car.
Well, that's about it. :huh: