Many Elon students who don’t have access to their own car on campus are taking advantage of Elon’s recent merge with Cambridge, Mass.-based Zipcar, a car-rental company that supplies cars in cities across the country.

Sophomore Jacob Nienow is enjoying his access to a car.

“It’s great to be able to get yourself around again, without having to rely on friends,” he said.

Zipcar provides several options for car models, the most popular being Mini Coopers, Mazdas and Toyotas. Elon chose the Toyota Prius as the primary car on campus because it only comes in a hybrid model, adding to Elon’s attempt to create a greener campus for students.

Nienow has used the Zipcars a few times since they showed up on campus and only has a few complaints. He said it is difficult to see out of the back window, due to the design of the Prius, with its high back bumper and rear light design.

“There are also several blind spots within the car in the front,” he said. “It is a smooth ride, though.”

Standing at 6 feet 4 inches, Nienow suggested that Zipcar provide some SUV options, as well, “for those of us who have trouble getting in and out of small cars.”

“Reserving [the cars] is easy, since you do that online and you can use your Zipcard any place that has Zipcars,” Nienow said. “Being a Zipcar member gets you some discounts in different cities, so depending on where you live or where you plan on getting a Zipcar, you can get special deals on restaurants and stuff.”

Elon students seem to enjoy the idea of having cars available on campus. For $7 an hour or $55 a day, students have access to a hip, all-expenses included car.

As the Web site of Flexcar, another car-rental company that recently merged with Zipcar, says, “Why own the car when you can just own the drive?”

“[Users pay] just a simple hourly rate that includes gas, insurance and maintenance,” the Flexcar Web site says. The cost is $25 to register for a Zipcard and car access.

Besides just providing a car for those without one, this new service allows users over 18-years-old to be covered up to $300,000 in driver’s insurance, rather than North Carolina’s state minimum, which is $150,000.

Reporter: Emily Silva - 11/07/07