The New Aston Martin Rapide Luxury Car
By: Susan Roberts
Aston Martin plans to introduce their new four door sports car in early 2010 to compete with the Maserati Quattroporte and Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, along with the upcoming Audi A7, Porsche Panamera, and Lamborghini Estoque.
Designed by a team led by Marek Reichman, the new head of design at Aston Martin, it’s a four-door concept car with four proper seats built on an extended version of the DB9’s underpinnings. The VH architecture is at the heart of this manufacturing operation, its modular structure providing such inherent rigidity that it has given the company’s designers and engineers the same levels of freedom as their predecessors, 50 years before. In today’s marketplace, even low volume manufacturers like Aston Martin are governed by strict legislation and the need to balance power, weight distribution, handling and safety.
Based on Aston Martin’s unique VH (Vertical/Horizontal) architecture, the Rapide combines the company’s commitment to power, beauty and soul with space and practicality for every eventuality.
It was thought that the Rapide would post numbers that are in between the two Porsche Panamera V8 models. Those cars go 0-60 mph in either 4 seconds or 4.8 seconds, depending on which engine is chosen. However it has been confirmed that the Aston Martin Rapide will be powered by a 6.0 liter V12 engine that has been tuned, Aston Martin Rapide sports car may outputs 470bhp and 600Nm of torque. The Rapide’s rear wheels are driven through a highly responsive Touchtronic gearbox.
Inside, the four-seat Rapide will be much closer in theme to a Mercedes-Benz CLS than to a Mercedes S-class.
On the outside, the integration of the rear doors, however, is done so subtly, so that they aren’t obviously noticeable at first glance. The rear doors are ’swan wing’ doors – rising upwards and outwards as they swing open enabling access to the rear seats.
At the front, the production car has lost the concept’s quad air intakes, instead making do with a double-decker grille; whilst the rear features a redesigned bumper and boot lid, with a chrome strip running between the rear lights to split up the mass of bodywork on the rump.
Aston Martin’s press materials call the Rapide a “four-door coupe.” But because of the need for room for sedan-like seating, the Rapide’s overall length is longer than that of the Aston Martin V8 Vantage and DB9 coupes. The Rapide is 250 mm longer and now is a full five meters in length (12 inches longer), and 40 mm taller and wider.
The Rapide is the epitome of Aston Martin’s low-volume, high-technology approach, the synergy of modern methods and materials with traditional skills to create a new form of craftsmanship for the 21st century.
The Rapide will be the first Aston Martin to be built outside of Britain, with production being carried out by Magna Steyr at its plant in Graz, Austria. Production will start in 2010. The production version will feature a full-length glass roof and LED light bars on the rear end, two firsts for Aston Martin.
“Rapide will exceed expectations to deliver elegance and practicality in a form that will allow driving enjoyment and comfort beyond anything that exists today,” says Dr Ulrich Bez, “The Rapide will exist in a class all of its own, a true Aston Martin with the high performance and dynamic excellence that defines the brand, and a luxurious sporting grand tourer without equal.”
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/auto_and_trucks/article_3014.shtml
Many drivers pay more for auto insurance than it is required because of the reason that they are simply unaware where to look for in order to get inexpensive car insurance. One should take time to do little comparison to check if they are not paying more unnecessarily or they are not paying more for the same services that are available at a cheaper rate. one must do comparison shopping so that he/she is able to trim a little of their monthly premium payments.
The obvious and the biggest question is where and how to find the cheap and inexpensive car insurance. There is a solution for it. First one is, look out for the numbers of the agents and set an appointment with various insurance companies in town. You can get the numbers through yellow pages. When you go for this approach then make it a point to jot down the points on each meeting so that you are able to compare the information gathered later on. Compare the policies in relation to coverage, premiums and payouts.
The easier way than this is to make your way to internet instead of phone book or yellow pages. Internet is providing the customers an easy way to find cheap car insurance as maximum companies are advertising on the internet themselves. Over the past few years, many big companies have applied systems that allow customers to get car insurance quotes online. It is quite cheap as a lot of hard work and footwork has been replaced by keystrokes. Now there is no need to drive from one office to another or make unnecessary phone calls. The customer can simply input some information or query and can have a quote back in reasonable amount of time.
One most important thing to consider is to do background checking of the company from whom you are receiving quotes. Check it out if they have been around for a while or so? See, if they are reputed? Check if they are having good reputation in the market. Again the internet comes handy. Internet will help you gather as much information about the companies as you want. You can judge the company by the reviews and comments from other customers or clients. If you are not satisfied with the reviews and feedback about one company than there is always an option for you to revert back and direct wheels of your car insurance towards some other company.
About the Author:
Get answer to all of your auto insurance questions and obtain free car insurance quotes online.
Please Check Your Car Tyre Pressure
By: Brian Kirkland
Once you have years behind you as a trustworthy driver, it will come as second nature to make sure that your tyres are definitely performing well sufficient to perform at a high degree.
There are nevertheless several of you that will not have this kind of practice and in that situation it is crucial for you to know when to check your car tyres. This is of highest magnitude when you are on the verge of driving for a long distance such as going on vacation or visiting far away family. Make sure your tyres are solid and your tread is legal.
It is fairly straightforward to do, and this brief check can save you time and funds in the long run. I expect you wished you had checked your tyres if you found out you had a puncture tyre on the highway?! Not only that, you are reducing the danger that you could be drawn in in a car accident too.
Just the once a week is the figure I set myself to check the tyres of my sports car to make certain they are optimal for extensive distances. That way I can travel in the wisdom that I am a safe dependable driver along with that I had done my best with regards for my security and the safety of my passengers and the other drivers on the street. It must be believed that if you make a decision not to verify your tyres then you are putting not just yourself at jeopardy, but loads of others as well.
You could find symptoms of minimal pressure tyres if you find that your car is starting to coast off in one way all the time. This in actual fact damages your car tyre tread which in turn will amount to more funds spent by you to repair the tyre. Who wishes that sort of circumstances? Not me!
There are actually no excuses when checking your pressure, you have all the time in the world to do it as it simply takes a a small amount of minutes of your day. Why not take a peep at them next time you stay by the gas station to fill your tank up? Your outside the vehicle anyway and most petrol stations these years in fact have there own pressure apparatus.
It is in truth the responsibility of the individual to get their car tyres repaired and studied. Just make certain you do it, that way you are doing your best to avert accidents from happening as well as saving time and funds in the long run.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/auto_and_trucks/article_3068.shtml
The History of Armored Car Services
By: Thomas Almendarez
The history of armored transportation stretches as far back as the movement of large cargo. Traditionally, smaller valuables were transported in a more cloak and dagger fashion. Carriers would attempt to fit in with other travelers so that they didnt reveal the value of their cargo. This strategy doesnt work, however, when the precious cargo is large.
Early transports were caravans with armed personnel. Even Spanish galleons were armed with cannons to battle would-be thieves on trips to the New World. Later, stagecoaches become common. They were outfitted with reinforced lockboxes while guards sat shotgun, literally carrying a shotgun for defense. This is the origin of the colloquial term now shouted to secure rights to the front passenger seat.
World War 1 saw the first military armored transport. Tanks, armored personnel carriers, and even an armored Rolls-Royce were developed in the 1910s for the new style of military combat. Armored cars allowed for mobile anti-aircraft guns as well as for safe movement of precious cargo. The success of these vehicles led a Chicago company named Brinks to beginning armoring school buses for carrying currency in the 1920s. The Brinks armored bus was closely followed by a Model-T full of armed guards.
Many parts of these early armored cars were still made of vulnerable materials. Over the years, the materials used in armored transport have changed from wood and glass to more durable and bullet proof material. Steel is now the most common armor for vehicles. It is hardened by either heat treatment or by the addition of chromium and nickel during production. Windows are now made of thick automotive glass and bulletproof optical plastic.
While armored cars are still used for military purposes, their civilian use is also vital. Armored transportation is now used for the transportation of funds to and from banks and ATMs, medical deliveries and pickups, and other expensive cargo.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/auto_and_trucks/article_3015.shtml
Why Getting Arrested By The Police DoesnÂt Always Mean Losing Your Licence
By: Chris Sweetman
For most people getting stopped by the police whilst driving is as stressful an experience as they are ever going to encounter. Most of us have been brought up believing that the Police are the law, and the thought that you may be able to question the decision of a police officer would never cross our minds.
However, the most important thing to remember is to seek advice as quickly as possible. It is easy to sit with your head in your hands waiting for someone to take away your licence but how much is your licence worth to you? Walking to the shops is an inconvenience but it wont change your life. However, losing your job will and in many cases a serious driving offence, such as drink driving, dangerous driving or careless driving are seen as gross misconduct and therefore grounds for dismissal.
In many cases a prosecution can also lead to a custodial sentence. Drink driving convictions can carry a custodial sentence depending on how high the reading was, and a conviction for death by dangerous driving is often accompanied by a significant jail sentence.
But this is not always the case. In recent years celebrity lawyers acting on behalf of major public figures have hit the headlines, when they have successfully defended a court action taken by the CPS that most of us would never have dreamed was defendable. Most recently Lord Ahmed was released from prison after serving just 16 days of a 12 week sentence for texting whilst driving his Jaguar on the M1 motorway, an offence he openly admits he was guilty of.
In Lord Ahmeds case Lady Justice Hallett said the court would not quash the prison sentence, insisting there was ‘not one law for the rich and powerful and one law for the rest’ a fact she felt, quite rightly, needed to be restated.
One may be forgiven for thinking that this kind of thing can only happen if you are a Labour peer or rich enough to afford a top barrister to argue your case, but this is simply not true. In fact, the majority of cases thrown out of court for technicalities or issues relating to the Police not following procedures are won by local solicitors, admittedly, highly trained in these areas.
The fact is that the police and prosecuting authorities must follow strict procedures at the roadside and in the police station in relation to your legal rights. They must also take into consideration any medication, medical or mental health problems that you may have had at that time. There are also very strict procedures to be followed during any procedure, especially in cases of drink driving, and failure to follow these rules may result in evidence being excluded.
Compliance with procedures set out in legislation and the correct operation of specified and approved equipment is also essential and it is this area that often causes the prosecution problems. In addition, the prosecuting authorities dont always introduce their evidence in the correct way and this can prove fatal to some prosecutions.
There are also special cases, where in certain circumstances the Courts may decide that on the facts presented to them there are Special Reasons not to disqualify you or endorse your licence. There is a body of case law and specific guidelines as to what constitutes Special Reasons, you may fall into this category and this just may save your licence from being revoked.
Many people also believe that pleading guilty to an offence means that you cannot defend a prosecution, however, if you are accumulating points on your licence and are at risk of being disqualified, there are legal points and representations that can be made on your behalf to persuade a Court, that in all of the circumstances, even though you are guilty of an offence, you should not be disqualified. Cases such as these are called Exceptional Hardship and as the title suggests, for it to be taken into consideration the hardship must be exceptional and more than mere inconvenience. It doesnt just have to affect you either, it can be your family or dependants or employees.
In all these cases it is imperative that you get good advice as quickly as possible. Immediately you are aware of an impending prosecution pick up the phone and speak to a specialist drink driving solicitor.
Unfortunately, there are hundreds of websites on the internet that will gladly take your money before they will consider your specific case and prices can be punitive. So, ensure that you have all you papers to hand and find a solicitor who will speak to you on the phone first. Following that conversation an experienced driving law solicitor will be able to advice you of your next steps, ensuring that you do everything in your powers to save your licence.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/auto_and_trucks/article_2977.shtml
How To Choose A Good Auto Transport Company?
By: FloresAccalia
Before choosing an auto transport company you should ask them certain basic questions regarding contract issues, licensing, insurance, scheduling etc. Take some time to find out whether you are dealing with the right people or not. Call multiple companies; ask friends if they have ever used a transport company. Make sure they were in business for a few years. Review quotes, terms and conditions and BBB (Better Business Bureau) ratings. Find out whether the company listed in Better business bureau has a clean record. Bureau keeps record of unresolved complaints and problems. If you find out that a particular company has plentiful complaints it would be better to drop that company. Don’t choose a company that offers you lowest price. Good service should be given utmost importance. Make sure that they provide DOT and MC number. You can check the validity of their DOT number at the FMCA website. Make sure that the auto transport company provides insurance for your vehicle. In ca se of any damage to your vehicle at the time of transit you can claim for damages from the auto transport company. If you choose an uninsured auto transport company you may not receive compensation for damage or loss that has occurred at the time of transit. Make sure you read the contract and understand the provisions before signing it.
Make a decision about which company to use and book your transport. Get a confirmation via fax or email. Before transporting your vehicle see to it you remove all your personal or valuable items. Make sure you have less than a quarter tank of fuel as it decreases the weight of the vehicle. It is a good idea to wash vehicles before the inspection report at pick up. This ensures the car’s condition is readily recognized before shipping.
Shipper and driver will do a through inspection of the vehicle at the time of pick up. In case of any damage in the vehicle it will be written in the Vehicle condition report. You have to sign the report and a copy will be handed over to you. Do keep this report until the car is delivered. Before accepting the vehicle, see to it that car does not have dings, dents or scratches. This is your opportunity to claim damage, so please take your time. If any damage is claimed, make sure that the carrier signs the condition report and make sure you retain a copy of your records.
Certain warnings before choosing an auto transport company. While making a reservation, avoid booking with another company as it may hinder your transport. When two companies are trying to move the same vehicle, most drivers will pass on that vehicle and go to another. Car shipping company is not a guaranteed industry. Delays can be created due to weather conditions, mechanical problems, waiting for earlier customers at pick up or delivery etc. Never pay a deposit before work has been done.. Make sure that a carrier has been assigned and provided you with pick up and delivery date and their name and phone number.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/auto_and_trucks/article_2997.shtml
What Brand of Bike Rack is a Good Fit For Your Car, Truck, or SUV?
By: Gary Lindsey
There are many bike rack companies that make trunk bike rack systems for multiple SUVs. Among these bike rack system companies are Allen, Hollywood Racks, Yakima, Thule, Saris and a few others.
All the various trunk bicycle rack work almost the same way. Most of them strap onto the trunk of a auto and secure your cycle to your car for secure transport. Nothing else to it.
Allen, Thule, Hollywood Racks and a few others have trunk mount bike rack systems that will hold more than one bike and can mount three bikes. This freedom is useful when bicycling as a group and ride sharing.
Some models that I would recommend are the Saris Bones, Hollywood Racks Baja Rack, Allen AL102A and several others. All these trunk-mounted bike rack options are just a starting point.
The Allen AL102A trunk mount bike rack weighs 9.5 pounds, fits on most sedans. The single configuration design makes it easy during set up and installation. The 12″ long carry arms easily carries up to two bikes. You’ll have it up and running within seconds.
Another well-liked trunk mount bike rack is the Bones Series bicycle rack. The Bones Series by Saris features injection-molded arms and legs. These parts are the most durable on the market and assembled with 100% recyclable, non-rusting material. Ratcheting anti-sway straps secure and stabilize bikes. The novel Arc-based design is compatible with most spoilers and separates bicycles on different levels. Plastic parts on Saris racks are injected during the manufacturing process with a UV stabilizer. Therefore, colors will not fade/crack; additionally fading and cracking are covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. Lastly, they come in a few fun colors: blue, red, yellow, and black.
The Yakima King Joe trunk mount bike rack is best. This bike rack for your car comes with a Quick Trigger Hub System which makes for a simple installation process. The trunk mount bicycle rack can work with the broadest range of vehicles of any Yakima strap style rack. Narrow arm design is compatible with a most of bikes. Premium Tri-Padded feet and padded metal buckles protect your cars paint job. The Integrated StableCradles secure bikes in place. The folding arms on the Yakima King Joe make storage easy.
The Baja Rack by Hollywood comes with patented Micro-Adjust hubs which guarantees easy installation. More that 5 straps solidly attach the Baja to the backend of your sedan. Bike separators with anti-sway blocks ensures the bicycles firmly attached to the trunk bike rack. A last point, the rack folds flat for easy storage in a trunk or garage.
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/auto_and_trucks/article_2998.shtml
These younger insureds pay higher rates for automobile coverage, since they cost the insurer more. Teenage new drivers have more accidents than older more experienced drivers. This is hard to ignore.
Your policy's premium will go up when you add a young inexperienced driver to your automobile insurance policy, but you can reduce the sting of the increased premiums by using certain strategies.
Lowering Your Rates
Shop Around Before your Child gets His or Her Learner's Permit
Explore Every Automobile Insurance Discount
Drivers Education
Good Student
Get The Right Automobile
Reduce or Eliminate Extra Coverage
Shop Around Before your Teenager gets Their Learner's Permit
Many car insurance carriers won't offer a new policy to a you if you have a teenage driver if they haven't been a customer for a while. Your family is in a better position to get the best price if you price shop before your child is old enough to drive. Inform your auto insurance agent that you want to see what the premiums would be now and what they would be when your son or daughter starts driving. You should compare costs and benefits based on what the insurance would cost when you do have a teenage driver. .
Get All Auto Insurance Discount
Discounts can drop your premiums substantially. There are 2 discounts that everyone with a teenage driver should look into. They are the “good student” discount and the driver's ed discount. Qualifying for one or both of these price reduction opportunities can save you hundreds.
Your teen driver will probably cost you less if they has good grades. This will qualify them for a discounted premium with many carriers. If your son's or daughter's grades aren't up to this level, driving privileges may be enough of an incentive to get him or her to get better grades.
In addition, many companies will offer a lesser premium for teenagers who participated in a formal drivers ed class. This should be supplemented with practice driving with a family member, but the drivers education certificate will probably qualify you for a reduced rate. This lesser premium may save you enough money to pay for the drivers ed certificate. And although you might be very safe driver, allowing your teen driver to learn from a professional driving instructor can make your child a safer driver.
Get The Right Auto
Some vehicles cost less to buy coverage for. Sports cars can be more expensive to buy coverage for particularly when you have a teen driver on your automobile insurance policy. Buying a slower automobile for your teen driver has its advantages over faster newer autos.
Eliminate Extra Coverage
You may be able to lower your car insurance rates by dropping the collision and other than collision coverage on the auto your young driver will drive. You will take more risk. If your son or daughter gets into an accident, your insurance company may compensate the other diver, but it won't compensate you for any repairs to your automobile . You will have to decide based on your level of desire to save, but removing these extra benefits is likely to lower your costs.
Lower Insurance rates Go Hand in Hand with Safety
Cost isn't the only issue. A driving lessons might make your teenaged driver not only a less costly driver to insure, but is also a less dangerous one. The same goes for buying a slower less dangerous car if you were contemplating getting a fast, expensive auto for your teenaged driver.
Lower The High Rates for Teen Car Insurance Cover
With some of the ideas you see above, you may save thousands of dollars.
About the Author: Alston Balkcom has been an insurance agent for almost a quarter century. He can help you find Georgia house owners insurance quotes and Low Cost Car Insurance
Speeding Leads To Couple\’s Fatalities
By: Catherine White
Recently a trial was held that was focusing on the death of a couple, after they were involved in a car accident caused by a speeding Subaru.
The couple were killed when the high-powered car travelling at 87mph smashed into their vehicle, the court heard.
The man and woman were pronounced dead at the scene after the crash on the B4598 Raglan and Abergavenny in south wales on April 20th last year.
Dangerous driving
A female driver has been accused of causing their deaths by dangerous driving after her Subaru Impreza hit the couples Saab 95. The prosecutor Michael Mather-Lees said the female driver was trying to avoid an oncoming Rover vehicle, which was turning into the Hardwick pub lay-by just prior to the shattering accident.
The 29-year-old defendant from Penpergwm, Abergavenny, south Wales, denies both counts. Mr Mather-Lees said the female driver’s Subaru veered to the right to avoid a crash but clipped the Rover in doing so, colliding with the couple’s Saab which was also travelling in the opposite direction on the national speed limit road.
Mr Mather-Lees said: “We say the manner of driving of the defendant fell far below the standard of a competent motorist and we don’t say that simply because of the dreadful events that took place.
“We say the manner of driving a little way before the accident demonstrated quite clearly how she chose to use the road and that car that day.”
However, such a manoeuvre is prohibited on the road, due to an approaching brow of a hill. A witness, Mr Hughes, who is a retired bus driver, said at Newport Crown Court, that he was overtaken by the defendant a short distance before the crash on the stretch of road, where the move is banned.
Mr Hughes and his wife Kay were travelling with their young granddaughter from their home in Merthyr Tydfill to the Usk area on the day of the accident.
He told the jury he noticed a “large car” coming up “quite quickly” behind him as he travelled at about 35mph.
“As we go up the next bend it overtakes me on double white lines on the wrong side of the road,” said Mr Hughes.
“It passed me and cut back in sharply in front of me and I saw the back end of the car go down as it accelerates away from me.”
Mr Hughes said after his Citroen Berlingo had negotiated the brow of the hill he saw in the distance the Subaru move across the road in a ’slanted fashion’ to the right before ‘ploughing’ into another car.
Mrs Hughes said she was feeding her granddaughter a yoghurt in the back of the car when they were overtaken by the defendant.
“We had just come off the roundabout and were travelling at about 30mph and the car (Subaru) was doing at least double of what we were doing,” she stated.
Mr Mather-Lees said: “We say, members of the jury, that the manner in which she overtook the Hughes’s Citroen was just the prologue to something terrible that was going to happen.”
He added: “She was driving along that road wholly dangerously and inappropriately and she substantially caused this accident.
“It is the prosecution’s case, ladies and gentleman of the jury, that when you have heard all the evidence, that you will come to the conclusion that the female driver, was a substantial cause of this accident and the death of these two people.”
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/auto_and_trucks/article_2994.shtml
Zipcar Vs. City Car Share: The Battle Royale
By: Jeremy Ambers
I’ve had a recurring conversation, with many people, about the two Community Car Share companies in South of Market. Which one is better? Which one is cooler? Which one should I use?
Everyone seems to have their own opinion, but I’ve been wondering which of the two is better based solely on facts about each. I’ve spent this morning compiling all of the necessary data, and the results are in…
The following information is based on both Zipcar and City Car Share’s basic 1 year membership plan for residents of South of Market. The information I have compiled is for SOMA only. They both offer additional plans for more frequent users, students and businesses. For more information on those, you can check out their websites.
Membership Fees: Advantage Zipcar
Both Zipcar and City Car Share have ‘application fees’ as well as annual or monthly fees. Zipcar has a $25, one time application fee, and charges $50 for a one year membership commitment. City Car Share has a $30, one time application fee and charges $10 per month with no commitment. That means that for the first year, CCS will cost $150 just to be a member, while Zipcar is only $75. Unless you’re only looking to be a member for a month or two, it makes more economical sense to go with Zipcar.
Amount of Available Cars: Advantage Zipcar
There are 125 Zipcars located throughout South of Market. City Car Share has only 25.
Types of Cars Available: Advantage Zipcar
Both companies have very similar vehicles in their fleet. City Car Share offers a slightly more ‘environmentally friendly’ selection. Nearly 33% of their cars are hybrid’s that get over 40 mpg. However, in terms of variety, Zipcar takes the pie. They have all the cars that CCS offers, as well as a number of others including two different types of BMW. Of course, if you want to drive around impressing everyone in a beamer, it’ll cost you. Those are the cars that cost $13.50 per hour. Hey, you gotta spend money to look good!
Location of Cars: Advantage Zipcar
City Car Share currently offers 15 different locations throughout South of Market, while Zipcar has 34 from which to choose. You can view all of the different locations for both Car Locations HERE.
Hourly Rate: Advantage City Car Share
I’m not entirely convinced that the advantage should go to City Car Share, but based on just reserving a car for one hour, CCS offers 24 of the 25 cars in SOMA for $5 per hour, and the other one for $7. Most of the Zipcar vehicles are $8.75 per hour, with a couple that were $7.o0, and a few at $13.50.
However, Zipcar offers 180 miles free with your reservation while CCS charges $.40 per mile, so if you reserve a car for 3 hours through CCS, and drive 180 miles, it would cost you $87 while the same rental through Zipcar at $8.75 per hour would cost you $26.25. Ultimately, it depends on what you’re renting the car for. If you’re just going down the street to Trader Joes, you’ll save money using CCS, but if you’re doing a 3 hour relay to Sacramento and back, you may want to go with Zipcar.
Ease of Reservations: Advantage City Car Share
Both companies have a very simple online reservation system that allows you to reserve cars in realtime. However, the slight advantage goes to City Car Share because they allow you to reserve cars in 15 minute increments while Zipcar gives you 1/2 hour blocks.
Additional Fees: Advantage Neither
Both Car Sharing companies have a number of extra fees. The good news is that if you’re a responsible driver, and you take care of your reservations as well as the vehicle while it’s under your control, you’ll be alright. Most of the fees have to do with negligence on your part. For instance, if you return the car dirty with excessive pet hair or odors, bith companies charge a $50 fee.
They also have fees if you fail to cancel your reservation within a certain amount of time. The timing varies based on the length of your reservation, time of cancellation before the reservation begins, etc. The bottom line is don’t return the car dirty, low on gas or broken, and always remember to cancel your reservation in a timely manner. If you get an added fee, it’s your own fault!
Overall: Advantage Zipcar
I honestly have to say that I think it’s a no brainer. Zipcar is just too big and excessively available that they take the prize of best Car Sharing Company in South of Market. I’d love to side with the Nonprofit City Car Share, however they just don’t have the car power or availability to compete. Not to mention they cost $70 more per year just to be a member!
In an effort for full disclosure, I’ve been a member of Zipcar since 2006. When I moved to South of Market and discovered City Car Share, I looked into whether it would be more beneficial to join their service, or even to be a member of both. It’s been my experience with Zipcar that they not only have cars within a block from my apartment, but they’ve yet to not have a car available for me when I need it, even at the last minute. Therefore, I have no incentive to switch or add CCS. It’d just be an added expense. What do you think?
Article Source:
http://www.articlecity.com/articles/auto_and_trucks/article_3043.shtml
