Zipcar @ Vanderbilt University

There are a lot of things about zip car that makes me want to only have positive things to say. Their service makes it possible for me to live without a car, since I can supplement my bike with a car when need be. Their cars are Eco friendly (though I think that’s more because it’s better for their bottom line to pay less in gas). Their cars are usually clean, and their iPhone app is super easy to use.
Yet, I’ve had more problems than I’d like with the cars at the lot (84) that I usually go to. Twice in a row, I haven’t been able to reserve a car because the battery in the car’s locking mechanism was dead. In these cases, I’ve found its best to call their support line as soon as possible — they are often helpful, though not particularly friendly. There was another instance where my car was not back from the previous person, and they forgot to give me the call to let me know.
There is room for growth and improvement for Nashville’s zip car service — I really hope that they do!

I used the Zipcar today. And I have to say that today’s experience was just as unpleasant as my previous ones… checked the gas card. (yep still from May 2011). I reserved the car for an hour and a half and went on my merry way to the mall. Anyway, an hour and 28 minutes pass and I realize «oh shit, I’m not gonna make it!» I call to extend my time and they tell me that its been 1 hour and a half so they can’t extend my trip since it is no longer on the system. So yeah, they charged me a $ 50 late fee along with the time it took to bring it back. Yes, it was my fault, but $ 50 seems ridiculous, especially if no one wants to use it and you’re only a few minutes late, which counts as an additional half hour since they only calculate in 30 and 60 minute increments. So I was charged $ 70 for 2 hours :’(
The only plus was that I had an emergency and the service rep was helpful. The car wouldn’t turn on because apparently I locked the doors before I put the keys in the ignition which automatically turns off the car. Whacky, but anyway, the rep helped me turn on the car and gave me a bonus 30 minutes for the future.
Bottom line: Don’t be late by even a few minutes because they will charge you $ 50! And I didn’t give them 1 star because I plan on continuing to use their services. Oh the struggles of a student/​carless person…