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I've seen it discussed on here a few times but no matter how far away I park from the crowds, there's always that guy that parks right next to me even tho there might be 10 extra spots around me
I agree, but it is not just my Corvettes - I am pretty OCD in that regard with my leased Grand Cherokee, and will 99.5% of the time park it as far away from the crowds or in a well protected location. The only difference is I will valet the Jeep at good restaurants and country clubs - won't do that with the Corvette: at my club, the valet guy lets me self park (he still gets the $5 tip).
Thats a great idea on valet. I’m in the same camp regarding all cars. My wife gives me $hit, but my 2014 F150 has zero dings and her SUV is dinged on every panel.
I can remember the day when wanting to take care and keep your stuff nice was looked upon as a good trait and not that you had something wrong with you.
I can remember the day when wanting to take care and keep your stuff nice was looked upon as a good trait and not that you had something wrong with you.
There’s a distinct difference between wanting to take care of a car and being afraid to drive it because you’re OCD about parking anywhere. My ‘14 has been my daily driver since I bought it over 4 years ago. I’m careful about where I park it, but I’m not afraid to drive it to a restaurant, mall, theater, hotel, etc. It’s still in good shape with no “dings,” and I’ve enjoyed every minute of driving it. When I traded my C6 in on it I swore I would enjoy it instead of saving it for the next owner. I’ve never regretted it.
I'm very ocd about my cars.. Always park on the end and/or far away to avoid the people who just don't care. I've literally walked out to my car (which I parked a good distance away) where a lady was sitting in her SUV, on her phone texting or something, with her door open right against my car. She was completely oblivious and could care less!
I was not amused...
I enjoy my cars when they look their best. Dinged, swirl marked, and scratched up cars just look like uncared for vehicles.
Sad we even have a thread about this.SOME people? I mean Moron's are not disciplined.These types usually don't even work for their cars or the gas in their tanks.
If i can't see it.It will not get parked.Or on a angle,in the rear,next to a island on one side.Backed in...
I do take the road and parking into consideration, but it's not usually a problem. We do park out where it's hopefully quiet, and look for a good end spot. I draw the line at valet parking. We have a SUV to drive if we need valet.
I am careful where I park any of my cars. Always try to find end of row spots, etc. And throw me in the flame pile as there are definitely places I will not drive the Vette due to parking or other concerns.
At the end of the day, it is my car and I get to decide how it is treated.
There are some driveways/parking lots that I just cannot get in or out of because of low splitter height. There are some parking spots that I just can't feel comfortable leaving my car in without worrying about the treatment that it gets when I am inside doing business. Finally, there are some places that I go to that are frequented by people that I would not turn my back on, let alone leave my car unattended while I'm doing business.
I guess what I really need a $200 clapped out pickup ...
No, but I do park away from others... with ALL my vehicles. I need the walk to and fro, anyway.
And, it's good exercise, as you say. Plus, it's kinda like the guys who repair (or don't) that one little dent or paint over something. They always know it's there. I won't jinx my cars but I like the walk BACK to my car and seeing no dents, chips, etc.
Hey, I wouldn't like looking at a very slow drip of oil under the car either even if it had no effect on the car's performance.
The good thing is the panels are not going to dent like metal. Many mars will rub out. The abundance of compact car parking is not your fault. I'm more fretful of outright malicious vandalism. Still a problematic concern since I started driving a Corvette.
The Corvette has pretty much become a point A to point A car for me. The only place I will take it to Point B is the Club and I only will take it there because I arrive at 6:30 am and get my choice of all the parking spaces and have a couple that are larger and protected except on one side. Also there is a row of 3 that several of us that arrive about the same time will use and we can park together. If I need to go to dinner or lunch or a movie I have a DDer that is a relatively small 4 door and it can fit in the smaller parking spaces and frankly if it gets dings I would be less concerned about it.
Even with that level of care things can happen. I have been on IR lately due to some very minor surgery and had a buddy park in one of my preferred parking spaces early one morning and he came out later and saw his car had been backed into. Happily the perp left his name and number and that small quarter panel ding is being repaired at one of the best local body shops to the tune of $3700. Not much you can do but hope.
At the risk of the usual unhelpful condemnation, I sometimes take it a step further. If we are planning a trip to somewhere unknown to us I will look it up on Google Maps. Zooming in on the satellite view can be very useful in getting an overview of available parking in the area.
I always do the exact same thing. Did it yesterday. Glad to know I’m not the only one.
Unlike my prior Vettes, my C7 is not a daily driver. But since I got it in January, I use it primarily for local trips around town.
However, I'm finding that my decisions to drive it often surround where it can be parked and the type of parking. So much of the parking areas in my area only have compact car spaces and even that is stretching it. I live in fear at the thought of the dreaded door dings.
I'm afraid I'm becoming somewhat OCD over this issue and my wife is losing patience with me. "This is not a museum piece!" she sniped at me yesterday. I admit, it's getting out of hand and I may need professional help. Is there any cure for the abnormal fear of door dings?
I'm not OCD but like you don't want door dings. But then I didn't want them on all the DD's I drove, including my modified S10 pickup when between my 5 Vettes!
Been living in a more rural area for 35 years and even in CT where we lived prior to moving South, our home was in a less populated area than Dallas! I can always find a place to park where are others aren't! When I worked full time (18 years ago) I parked at the end of our parking lot. We had ~800 folks and only a few of us were parking at the far end, ~100 yards from the front door. One of my product managers and an engineer friend who had a restored Karmann Ghia! There were enough empty spots and rows that we didn't even park directly next to each other! Even on the busiest times and days never have an issue parking in an empty area at the Mall, Walmart etc! The exercise is also great!
Understand it may not be that easy "in a big city!" When living in CT liked visiting in NYC on Saturdays. Much less traffic and I had an "Off-Road" CJ5 Jeep I brought from OH! It was perfect as I could ride over all the holes and steel plates in the street and have fun. Did not care where I parked it!
08-17-2018, 10:36 PM
