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Zipcar Canada
Category: Hotels & Travel Car Rental Car Rental [Edit]
147 Spadina AveToronto, ON M5V 2L7
Neighbourhoods: Entertainment District, Downtown Core
(416) 977-9008
14 reviews for Zipcar Canada
14 reviews in English
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Review from Jane C.
Toronto, ON
4/13/2012
For folks like myself who live downtown and had a car on lease for years... Zipcar was a substantial savings. On just about all aspects.... lease payments, insurance, gas, maintenance. And I was paying for it to sit in my underground garage all these years.
No More!
I do still own a motorcycle but I can't always carry larger cargo on it so Zipcar offers me benefits like no other.
The convenience of having many cars within 2 mins walking distance of my home is the first positive. The other positive would be the various types of vehicles available. I drive the red mini when I feel like driving something zippy and only carrying passengers. When I cart around more people and cargo then I get the Honda CRV or the Ford Escort.
Once I had to pick up 300 boxes of fish sticks (don't ask). This was my first Zipcar experience and it was fantastic. I had a Toyota Matrix and it fit everything plus! I couldn't rent the truck because I had to run errands and was worried that someone would find and steal my fish sticks.
I have rented the truck on numerous occasions after and it is super for carting around large items.
They have improved their gas card recently. Now you can use it at any gas station as opposed to just Esso stations - where you would be cruising around the city on your own dime looking for one to fill up at (though they have a handbook in the glove compartment).
Love the fact that I can extend my reservation while driving the car on my iPhone app. -
Review from Sergey S.
2/23/2012
Zipcar is really good. No, really good - seriously!
I am with them for the past two years and drove lots of their cars from many different locations.
Yes, unfortunately you have to move your ass if the booked car is not available - hence many locations besides those I'd like to get a car from. This happens often enough to notice and be prepared to spare some extra time getting to the other car.
Generally call centre people are generous enough to give a better car, though once I faced a girl who just did not want. So she gave me a Mazda 3 instead of a Mini - and I had to walk towards that Mazda from QQ to FCP.
Not fun, however, most of Zipcar folks are maybe the most helpful around - not only they always resolve the issues, they are also saying "I'm sorry" in the only correct way for the business entity - giving me money for the trouble.
Very, very smart. I seriously appreciate that.
My only complain is directed towards the acceptance of the, let's say, not quite civilized members by Zipcar. Honestly, how many times those lovely Civics and Mazdas look like a pig shack when you get them? Stinky, filled with garbage? Too many times, in my experience.
Complaining about people unable to return the car on time looks futile. Too many of us are unable to plan the lane change in advance, let alone estimate the trip and return time correctly - or actually drive up to the plan. That's too much to ask, I understand.
However, I always meticulously report any damage, hoping that the one who did that will be somehow punished, and maybe even banned from using the Zipcar later on - so the next time it will be cleaner, without ripped off handbrake, scratches and bumps all around, coffee spills and candy wraps on the floor...
I also hate it (very much hate it) when some miserable souls are booking a Mini or A3 for 15 minutes. So the car gets unavailable for a day, unless you book it in fractions before and after those photo session bookings.
Yes, certain people are rats enough to book a car only to snap some photos next to it - I've seen that, otherwise I won't believe it. Maybe making something like one hour a minimum booking time could help, eh, Zipcar? What do you think?
Otherwise, despite quite a punishing prices, I still take Zipcar for up to the daylong rentals for not too far a distance. More than that, it becomes completely uneconomical.
Oh, and also wanted to mention - Zipcar website is a marvel. And their iPhone app is a piece of crap. Just so you know. -
Review from Patrick M.
Toronto, ON
8/7/2011
Awesome!
Zipcar would be considered an "essential service" if this were a perfect world. The world is not perfect, however, which means countless people continue to pay inflated insurance rates, service fees, storage costs, and so on for their vehicles... while we get a near-mint car when, where, and for how long we need it, virtually hassle free. Did I say "awesome"?
Some might complain that their late fees are punitive, but we actually appreciate them. The service only works if you're on time... if everybody is five minutes late, suddenly the booking times are all out of whack and the thing breaks down. So hey, learn to be punctual for once, right? Right. Besides, it's stupid-easy to add more time to your booking if time is available, so getting stuck with a late charge is really your fault alone.
Anyway, here are the best things about Zipcar:
1) Gas and insurance are included in your price. That's right... *** Gas is Included! ***
2) Your membership covers all of North America, not just the city you live in. That means if we're visiting New York and need wheels, we've got 'em.
3) Remote service. If you have a problem, no worries, just call or text and they're quick to help. They can even remotely lock/unlock, or even start your vehicle if you're having troubles!
4) Clean. For a shared service, we've been amazed at how well-kept the vehicles are... usually even better than the rentals we've had.
5) Convenient. Ok, maybe this should be #1. There are so many locations to pick up a vehicle, you're practically guaranteed access even for last minute needs. You might have to walk a bit further, but rest assured, they've got you covered.
For the record, we use the St Helens/Bloor, Dundas W/Bloor, and Dundas W/Ritchie pickup locations, and have been pleased with all three.
So, hurray for Zipcar... if you don't have a membership, seriously consider one. Or check out Autoshare. Whatever -- just consider getting out of the world of car-ownership and into the world of car-sharing!Listed in: Group Buy Coupons Work!
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Review from Eugene M.
Toronto, ON
3/9/2011
It is convenient but I got tired of paying $30 for being 5 minutes late. It would be understandable if someone was waiting for the car but ...
I can rent a car for the day for the price of a 3 hour Zip car rental. Yes its convenient but who needs to be constantly watching the clock. -
Review from Cameron O.
Toronto, ON
10/26/2010
I joined Zipcar before I had the means to get my own wheels... And what did I do foolishly as soon as I had the means? Yes, I got a car. Sadly this car is painfully expensive now that my starving artist income has returned.
I do still maintain my Zip membership because it's super handy to have access to all sorts of various sized vehicles. Also, if my wife takes the car for a few days to visit family, I'm not SOL if I have a gig. The good part of maintaining a membership, even if you don't have your own car and even if you don't use it... it maintains your insurance history so if you ever do need to become a cage-dwelling 9-5 rage-o-holic, then at least your insurance will start off cheap until you plough into the back of a cop car while texting and drunk on your way to work in the "crush" hour traffic.
I suspect I might return to carlessness with the help of Zipcar in the future... Probably when my current vehicle becomes too expensive to maintain on my budget of $12 per month. -
Review from Nicole B.
1/6/2010
I use Zipcar often. I work downtown 5 days a week so buying a car is fruitless. On the weekends, I use it for a variety of stuff. It's easier than using my dad's car. At least Zipcar won't nag me about when I'm bringing the car back.
I agree with Chris P that if you want it for a last minute weekend thing, they can be hard to find. But if you know of your plans in advance, definitely book it beforehand and you'll have a plethora of cars to choose from.
They aren't always the cleanest. But I'm not as bothered since I only see it as a means from point A to point B. Do remember to check around the car for damage before getting into it--cuz you could be blamed for the damage and have to pay.
Also, their automated system bugs me. I recently had an issue where I thought I had lost my Zipcard (used to enter the car). I wasn't near a computer and my phone at the time didn't have internet. I called their service but you need your Zipcar number to get through the initial prompt. Guess where that number is printed? On the actual Zipcard! I did eventually end up finding it. Still, how can I let the company know I've lost my card if I need the dang card to log in to their phone system? I love it but dealing with customer service can be frustrating at times.
One thing I do love is the ability to book and return cars anytime you want, like on holidays. With rental cars, you sometimes have to add another day because the rental car office was closed. With Zipcar, I can book a car to go to a party, return it around 5am, walk home, go to sleep and not have to worry about waking up early to return it to an office.
The service is extremely convenient and it works for when I need it. -
Review from Elvis A.
8/2/2011
Boy I love this service and keep recommending it my friends and associates. Living downtown and having a job that doesn't require me to do a commute requiring a car this is my go to service for quick shopping trip that require a car (read Costco you devil you make me buy things in bulk!) or a quick trip to the airport etc. I don't have to worry about paying insurance and have even rented out my parking spot :) They really do have good coverage if you are in downtown core and it does thin out a bit you stray off the Yonge/University line but that's understandable. So why not a 5 star? they have increased the deductible to 750$ now (hopefully I will never need it) and the rates have gone up a bit. Would I use it? sure in a heart beat.
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Review from Chris P.
8/7/2009
I got into Zipcar through participating in their "low car diet" program. For a month I had to give up my own car in exchange for a free Zipcar membership, 2 one month TTC passes, a $150 driving credit, and a few other freebies.
Of my experience I found that some of the cars are hit and miss. Some of them are in great shape and clean, while others are a little beat up and dirty. It didn't seem to matter how old they were either. Some of the vehicles with low miles were in worse shape than those with higher milage.
Getting a car on the weekend can be a challenge, especially if you get some last minute plans. During the week you'll have no problems getting a car and you'll probably have your choice of what to drive too.
This is a great option for people who live, work, and breathe downtown as Zipcar markets itself as the option for no needing to own a car at all. For me it's a great option for getting a car when I need it on the rare occasion when my wife and I need two cars.Listed in: Zipcar Pickup Locations
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Review from Christine T.
8/20/2009
I left my Pious Prius in California and not missing the car-traffic angst that typically accompanies the expense of city car ownership. Zipcar is my new love, as it is as close and easy as having a car without the bother or expense.
The zipcar website has a very slick user interface that shows all locations of all cars within whatever parameters you choose. What's not to like? -
Review from S C.
Toronto, ON
12/13/2008
Zipcar is outstanding. My wife gave it four stars but I'll give it 5. We do not own the car because we live downtown and walk to work. But, once in a while it's convenient to drive around. The zipcars are all over town, parked in all kinds of places that you didn't know existed. Our zipcars are parked right across the street from our condo. They are always there when you have reserved them and clean and ready to go.
No need to pay for gas -- there is a credit card in the car you can use when you need gas. Also, no need to worry about insurance -- it's covered.
Two very cool things: 1. you can use your zip card to reserve cars in many other cities in North America and even London. So, if you travel to NY or Chicago or wherever, you can just book a car online. 2. There are discounts at many stores, hotels, spas, etc. with the card. There is a list of places where the zip card gets you a discount on the web site.
This is a great idea and cannot recommend it more highly. -
Review from Kurt G.
ON
3/12/2009
Zipcars in Toronto are amazing and only getting better. There are no less than 20 of them within a few blocks from where I live.
I completely despise the time and hassle in renting a car. At a typical rental company, I have to show up during business hours and spend a minimum of an hour going through the details and getting the car etc.
With Zipcar, I can usually find one available last minute in under 5min walk from home, take it out for 1 hr or even a day. The cars are always well maintained and not having to worry about gas and insurance is great. There is always a good selection of smaller and larger cars depending on my purpose as well.
For me, driving could not be more convenient. -
Review from Kat T.
Updated - 5/3/2009 1 photo
Even better! Zipcar now allows 200 KM per full day of "barrowship". Specifically, that allows me to take it to Niagara on the Lake and possibly even to a friend's cottage in the Huntsville area. But be careful, each additional KM is $0.25.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/29/2008 First to Review
Zipcar is a car share company. I like to think that I own a small piece of every zip car out there.… Read more »
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Review from Andre D.
Edmonton, AB
1/4/2011
I've been a fan of car sharing since it was introduced to me while I was living in LA. At first I was happy with Flexcar when there were locations over downtown LA. Then I was disappointed when Zipcar took over and then removed a location that was down the street from me. So when I moved back to Toronto, there was a location at Yorkdale then at Marlee/Glencairn. Both were removed and replaced at Avenue Rd/Bedford Park. While I lived in Etobicoke there was a location close by to where I used to live.
Aside from the various setbacks, they were minor in the fact that they always have a funky way of marketing their services. As well they are very responsive whether it is by the phone or by tweeting. Even during the holiday season, they were able to offer me a credit because I was in a bind for a rental that Enterprise could not give to me. Well Enterprise pulled through in the end but I still needed a vehicle for today. They even let me know that I was able to ask them for a record of insurance.
Most of the time, zipcar users are very considerate and will give you at the very least a half a tank of gas. I think this resonates with the society we live in.
Carsharing should be available in all major cities in North America. It's a shame Edmonton doesn't have it and I was tweeted because there isn't the demand for it. I guess that's what happens in a car oriented society. -
Review from Mary C.
Toronto, ON
2/11/2009
Live downtown? And not a big fan of paying for the car lease, car insurance, parking, gas, repairs, etc, etc. GET A ZIPCAR!!
I've lived downtown for over 10 years and just discovered this neat little co-op program 3 years ago and i've been a loyal customer since. They have various fee structures to accomodate the weekend Ikea/grocery user to the business user. You can choose from a wide fleet of energy efficient cars and trucks or not so energy efficient fun cars or sporty cars. GAS AND INSURANCE is included with your payment options. Including maintenance expenses (car washes, washer fluid, oil changes, interior car cleaning - you pay first and they re-imburse you 100%).
And did i mention your fee includes GAS AND INSURANCE. The insurance record at Zipcar is also transferrable as car driving history if you do buy a car in future and require driving and insurance history for your car insurance provider.
You also have the added convenience of using the fleet at ANY location in the US and Canada.
In the 3 years i've used this service i have only experienced a few small inconveniences:
-sometimes a car may not be available in the closest lot of your choice - not a problem considering in most city centers the next closest lot is walking distance away
-the car you book may be a mess inside - not a problem considering you can (1) report the car to zipcar as being unclean and ensure that last driver is remprimanded, (2) work out an arrangement with zipcar to get the car cleaned somewhere and possibly have them cover the cost
-the car you booked is not there - not a problem as long as you call zipcar about the offense. they will either (1) book you in the next closest car or (2) call the driver using the car to get an ETA of arrival and possibly credit your account
I highly recommend Zipcar. The customer service is amazing and the co-op works quite efficiently.
