Car Shares: All the Perks, None of the Work

Car ownsership really isn't all it's cracked up to be. As I watch my sacred '89 Volvo slowly deteriorate before my eyes (she's clocking 290,000 miles and then some), I wonder what my next move will be. I'd love to be able to justify the expense of a new car, so I can get a shiny new hybrid. But in all honesty, I have more important things to save for. I could always buy a beater but not only does that require more maintenance and expense, it's not the most sustainable option.

I could buy a motorcycle, which uses less gas, but I don't trust San Francisco drivers. I could buy a bicycle, but that won't help me with the groceries. So what's a girl who loves to drive to do? The answer is car shares. Car sharing services are basically low-cost community car rental agencies. Most provide a fleet of cars (some even offer hybrids), which you may access for a nominal fee. You reserve a car parked near you, use an electronic key to get in, and then return the car to the same space when you're done.

There are a number of car sharing services throughout the U.S.:

1. City Car Share (Bay Area only)
   
2. ZipCar (multiple states)
   
3. I-Go (Chicago only)
4. VirtuCar (Ottowa, Canada)
5. FlexCar (multiple states)

For a comprehensive list of car share companies around the world, visit Earth Easy's list. Have you used a car share service? Share your comments and experiences with us by posting a comment, below.