Ah, Mondays.  Not only are these days dreaded because it’s the start of the work week, but chances are, it is also a reminder that you didn’t check off half the stuff you claimed you would get to over the weekend.  Trip to Ikea?  Big grocery shopping trip?  Laundry?  More often than not, the only things crossed off on my weekend to-do list are Happy Hour, brunch and finally watching programs on my DVR. 

This weekend though was a completely different story.  After weeks of saying that we needed silverware and glasses from Ikea, we finally made the trek out to Red Hook.   Instead of wasting an hour heading out by subway, we decided to rent a car.  This wasn’t just any car – but a Smart Car.  And boy, let me tell you – I’ve never witnessed so many friendly gestures from NYC drivers.  People were giving us the thumbs up, others were waving, some mouthed “nice car”, all because we looked hysterical in this tiny car.

We rented this little car through Connect by Hertz, a car service with hourly rates.  One way Hertz has differentiated themselves from other car companies, is by offering Smart Cars.  While a Smart Car may be impractical for a big shop, when you need to pick up something small in another borough, it is an extremely affordable choice at only $4 an hour.  I’ll be honest - what originally pushed us towards the Smart Car was our main intention for the trip.  It wasn’t Ikea, but rather a trip to a restaurant that we saw on a recent Brooklyn episode of Man vs. Food - perfect for this type of vehicle.  A trip to Ikea through justified renting the car, rather than the fact I was too lazy to walk from the subway for a roast beef sandwich.

Already envisioning a trip to Target?  Hold up.   In order to start renting a car through Connect by Hertz, you need to become a member.  There are a variety of membership plans available, but if you only envision yourself renting a car a few times a year, I’d suggest the Connect Plan, which has a $50 annual fee, and a $25 membership fee.  Membership includes gas, insurance, GPS, an iPod dock, roadside assistance and 180 free miles per rental – perfect for driving around the city.

Before signing up for Connect by Hertz, check to see if you can have the membership waived or get driving credits instead.  For example, my building, which has a garage attached that hosts Connect by Hertz cars, waives the membership fee.  Alternatively, swing by Amnesia on Thursday, April 22^nd to earn free driving credits.  Connect by Hertz is an official SAG Partner of the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure, and will be celebrating its participation in the race at a kick-off party at Amnesia on Thursday from 6-8:30 p.m.  While there, snack on free food, but more importantly, bring a friend and if he or she signs up, you’ll both receive a $50 driving credit.  RSVP at Newyork AT diabetes.org.

We were able to store all of our Ikea purchases in the Smart Car, but if planning a bigger shop, consider renting a car after work.  Members who rent a car between 7 p.m. EST and 10 a.m. EST, Monday – Thursday are charged a flat rate of $25 – no matter the make and model (anyone want to cruise around town in a BMW?).

Only need to rent a car once and don’t want to pay a membership fee?  Don’t worry – there are still some deals out there from Hertz. Rent a midsize car in Manhattan for $79 a day, and use the code RQ Code FUEL when making your reservation to receive a free tank of gas. Code expires 4/30. Hope you all remember how to drive!