R50/53 Who else only parks like this?
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2003
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Originally Posted by E1Designs
I find it odd the bitterness on parking spots and this entire thread. Park in 5 spots, 4 spots, 3 spots, whatever, lol...I got bigger things in life to worry about. 
Let's direct our anger to the "handicapped" drivers that park in the
designated handicap stalls in their monster trucks that are five feet
off the ground. I always wondered what kind of handicap person was
able-bodied enough to climb in and out of those.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Cincinnati
Originally Posted by ylwjkt
Let's direct our anger to the "handicapped" drivers that park in the
designated handicap stalls in their monster trucks that are five feet
off the ground. I always wondered what kind of handicap person was
able-bodied enough to climb in and out of those.
designated handicap stalls in their monster trucks that are five feet
off the ground. I always wondered what kind of handicap person was
able-bodied enough to climb in and out of those.
This usually happens during the Christmas shopping season when parking is really at a minimum and there are 20 unused handicapped parking spots 
6th Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,061
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From: Richmond, VA
Originally Posted by Greatbear
Hey! Short Bus has the right idea. Park aaaaaaall the way out in Bumpass VA! 
I love my yard. NO ONE parks near me (10 acres of yard, and even my parents park else where) i can leave all my stuff in my car, unlocked, and not worry about a thing. Although i DO worry sometimes when people get lost, and for whatever reason decide to turn around in my driveway... but dont realize the HUGE drop. Since i park in the front, they turn around at my car. Happens maybe once a year... but it's SO frustrating. Little do they know there's an entrance to a road that's wide open, and enough room to turn around at without TRESPASSING in someones yard. Hense all our orange and black STAY OUT signs.
But i'm in town alot for work and friends... so i have to worry quite a bit :P
5th Gear
Joined: May 2005
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From: MI, USA, Earth
I work for a company that rents space in an old Brewery building, with several other companies renting space. One of the companies employees had a BOAT and Explorer hitched, taking up at least 8 spaces! This setup was there for probably two or three weeks. No one complained as we were all sure he had gotten permission from the owner! Kinda crazy. So I was joking with two of my coworkers about taking up 4 spaces as a joke - they didn't catch on and said it was a sure way to get keyed . I even told them about bringing in some sandblasting equipment .
. I even told them about bringing in some sandblasting equipment .
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2004
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parking piggery
Originally Posted by ZenAudio
All you one-spotters, one question and be honest - how many door dings? I've ALWAYS parked this way in the MINI and ALWAYS in my 2000 F150. Running score: 0 Door Dings, 0 Keyings.
That said, I obviously don't take up close spots - I'm always way out in the lot or even far far away from the lot. I also NEVER parallel park where suckas can nudge my bumpers. I find a spot only a MINI will fit or get one that only allows a car behind.
You one-spotters - apparently you've never seen those rude people getting out of there cars using yours as a door stop. No single spot is safe from an SUV soccer mom on her 3rd Frappacino.
Keying and worse is vandalism which I would then fix under insurance.
K - if I had a Ferrari, I'd have the butler take it down to the body shop, but come on man, we are talking a virgin MINI!!!
Don't Tread (or Door Ding) On Me!
Mike
That said, I obviously don't take up close spots - I'm always way out in the lot or even far far away from the lot. I also NEVER parallel park where suckas can nudge my bumpers. I find a spot only a MINI will fit or get one that only allows a car behind.
You one-spotters - apparently you've never seen those rude people getting out of there cars using yours as a door stop. No single spot is safe from an SUV soccer mom on her 3rd Frappacino.
Keying and worse is vandalism which I would then fix under insurance.
K - if I had a Ferrari, I'd have the butler take it down to the body shop, but come on man, we are talking a virgin MINI
!!!Don't Tread (or Door Ding) On Me!
Mike
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2003
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I get really mad when I see people parked like that. I assume a person parked like that is some big ego, selfish jerk. (hey.. I am not saying that about you specifically... I don't know you at all). But I think the general consensus is that it is a lame thing to do.
I park my MINI away from other cars when possible... or in wider spaces... but there is only so much you can do. Door dings, unfortunately, are part of life. That being said... my car is over a year old.. and there are barely any marks on it and no door dings that I have noticed.
I hope you start parking normally like everyone else, but it is your call.
I park my MINI away from other cars when possible... or in wider spaces... but there is only so much you can do. Door dings, unfortunately, are part of life. That being said... my car is over a year old.. and there are barely any marks on it and no door dings that I have noticed.
I hope you start parking normally like everyone else, but it is your call.
Originally Posted by MSFITOY
That only works if they stay longer than you...more often than not, you'll come out to fine a rusted van parked inches from you
If they stay longer than you, it doesn't matter WHERE you park or WHAT you park next to, since they won't have an opportunity to ding you. So the example is still valid, as it improves the odds you'll end up OK.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2002
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I think I may have seen your car parked in that seemingly aweful Miami Children's Hospital garage and noticed the "protective" way in which it was parked
I don't work there but from time to time I have to take my nephew there and I honestly hate going to that place. The parking there is scarce, tight and plain bad.
I don't work there but from time to time I have to take my nephew there and I honestly hate going to that place. The parking there is scarce, tight and plain bad.
Originally Posted by ingsoc
I have a conundrum for you all. I think you'll find it funny . Any feedback is appreciated :
I do research at the Miami Children's Hospital, where I have to park every day in a covered, multi-level parking lot. You read right: the CHILDREN'S hospital. Now, I love kids and in fact I want to go into pediatric spinal surgery, but I've seen with my own eyes that kids open doors like reckless fiends!
. That, coupled with the fact that the garage inexplicably has mostly COMPACT spaces (which are strangely TOO SMALL to park my MINI in!!!), has got me thinking about how/if I can keep my car as safe as possible. End spaces are in short supply... . Here's what I've figured out:
1) kids don't drive, so they will be exiting on the passenger side exactly twice as often, at least. They also don't usually sit up front.
(so, I figured, I should park my car closer to the right car's driver's side which has more 'responsible' occupants)
2) but, I still can't park THAT close to the driver's side either, for obvious reasons.
After much deliberation (no lie!), I've decided to park *slightly* diagonally, with the front of my MINI nearer the left car's passenger's side and my rear nearer the right car's rear driver's side. This puts the middle of my car roughly in between the right and left front doors, but gives me maximum space at the left car's right rear door (ie, the DANGEROUS one!). So far, so good ::crosses fingers::. Does anyone have any better advice or keener insight? Laughs are welcome and will be considered constructive criticism. Thanks!
. Any feedback is appreciated :I do research at the Miami Children's Hospital, where I have to park every day in a covered, multi-level parking lot. You read right: the CHILDREN'S hospital. Now, I love kids and in fact I want to go into pediatric spinal surgery, but I've seen with my own eyes that kids open doors like reckless fiends!
. That, coupled with the fact that the garage inexplicably has mostly COMPACT spaces (which are strangely TOO SMALL to park my MINI in!!!), has got me thinking about how/if I can keep my car as safe as possible. End spaces are in short supply... . Here's what I've figured out:1) kids don't drive, so they will be exiting on the passenger side exactly twice as often, at least. They also don't usually sit up front.
(so, I figured, I should park my car closer to the right car's driver's side which has more 'responsible' occupants)
2) but, I still can't park THAT close to the driver's side either, for obvious reasons.
After much deliberation (no lie!
), I've decided to park *slightly* diagonally, with the front of my MINI nearer the left car's passenger's side and my rear nearer the right car's rear driver's side. This puts the middle of my car roughly in between the right and left front doors, but gives me maximum space at the left car's right rear door (ie, the DANGEROUS one!). So far, so good ::crosses fingers::. Does anyone have any better advice or keener insight? Laughs are welcome and will be considered constructive criticism. Thanks!
Banned
Joined: Jul 2002
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It is incredible how different parts of the USA are like totally different "planets".
Here in Miami you are forced to lock your car doors, your house or you risk getting robbed. Home invasions are common place in South Florida. People used to be able to sleep with their home windows and doors wide open, but that was like 40-50 years ago.
It is very sad. But I guess Miami has the same level of crime as most major metropolitan cities. What makes it really bad here is that unfortunately questionnable elements make it through our borders, seaports and airports.
Enjoy your peaceful rural lifestyle.
Here in Miami you are forced to lock your car doors, your house or you risk getting robbed. Home invasions are common place in South Florida. People used to be able to sleep with their home windows and doors wide open, but that was like 40-50 years ago.
It is very sad. But I guess Miami has the same level of crime as most major metropolitan cities. What makes it really bad here is that unfortunately questionnable elements make it through our borders, seaports and airports.
Enjoy your peaceful rural lifestyle.
Originally Posted by The Short Bus
That's a good one.
I love my yard. NO ONE parks near me (10 acres of yard, and even my parents park else where) i can leave all my stuff in my car, unlocked, and not worry about a thing. Although i DO worry sometimes when people get lost, and for whatever reason decide to turn around in my driveway... but dont realize the HUGE drop. Since i park in the front, they turn around at my car. Happens maybe once a year... but it's SO frustrating. Little do they know there's an entrance to a road that's wide open, and enough room to turn around at without TRESPASSING in someones yard. Hense all our orange and black STAY OUT signs.
But i'm in town alot for work and friends... so i have to worry quite a bit :P
I love my yard. NO ONE parks near me (10 acres of yard, and even my parents park else where) i can leave all my stuff in my car, unlocked, and not worry about a thing. Although i DO worry sometimes when people get lost, and for whatever reason decide to turn around in my driveway... but dont realize the HUGE drop. Since i park in the front, they turn around at my car. Happens maybe once a year... but it's SO frustrating. Little do they know there's an entrance to a road that's wide open, and enough room to turn around at without TRESPASSING in someones yard. Hense all our orange and black STAY OUT signs.
But i'm in town alot for work and friends... so i have to worry quite a bit :P
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I NEVER double park, no sir!
That's asking for trouble. Don't bring opportunities to losers and vandals in a silver tray. Double parking is rude, inconsiderate and it only brings more problems than what it tries to prevent.
I always park far, far, far away from the crowds in malls, supermarkets, etc. If people could drive thier cars inside the food store or Macy's they would do it
I always look for end row parking spots. My wife gets annoyed but I reminde her that fixing a ding costs $80-$100 plus the aggravation of dealing with an upset me .
So far so good. I enjoy parking in far spots because it gives me the opportunity to take a nice short walk.
If car manufacturers were more proactive in addressing this old time problem with door dings, we would not be having this 6 page thread going!
Too bad Saturns are so ugly and mediocre cars. But given their ding resistant door panels, I can see why they could be appealing in that particular aspect.
I am waiting for MINI to release ding resistant LEXAN door panels
That's asking for trouble. Don't bring opportunities to losers and vandals in a silver tray. Double parking is rude, inconsiderate and it only brings more problems than what it tries to prevent.
I always park far, far, far away from the crowds in malls, supermarkets, etc. If people could drive thier cars inside the food store or Macy's they would do it
I always look for end row parking spots. My wife gets annoyed but I reminde her that fixing a ding costs $80-$100 plus the aggravation of dealing with an upset me
.So far so good. I enjoy parking in far spots because it gives me the opportunity to take a nice short walk.
If car manufacturers were more proactive in addressing this old time problem with door dings, we would not be having this 6 page thread going!
Too bad Saturns are so ugly and mediocre cars. But given their ding resistant door panels, I can see why they could be appealing in that particular aspect.
I am waiting for MINI to release ding resistant LEXAN door panels
pug poo picker-upper
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,803
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From: California
Oddly enough, I saw this thread this morning, and this afternoon for the first time I saw someone parked over two parking spots with a new MINI. These two spots both say "Reserved" on them. The spots definitely belong to the guy parking there, because every other time I see someone parked their, they are parked over both spots, but in that case I understand it, because the other car is a beautiful black DB9. 
pug poo picker-upper
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,803
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From: California
Originally Posted by C4
Too bad Saturns are so ugly and mediocre cars. But given their ding resistant door panels, I can see why they could be appealing in that particular aspect.
Originally Posted by DiD
because the other car is a beautiful black DB9.
IMO, Parking is an art. You never want to make yourself obvious, yet you try to stay away from vehicles with too much obvious disregard for care and/or vehicles with long doors. You don't want to park too close or too far, just near the outer fringe where you're out of most harms way but not looking like you're trying to. That seems to be the fuzzy zone where door dings and vandalism is minimal.
pug poo picker-upper
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 9,803
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From: California
Originally Posted by Ryephile
So Dave, the DB9 is allowed to park illegally just because you like it?
It's perfectly acceptable to park across two reserved spots in a private garage if you're the one that those spots are reserved for. You may have issues with the appropriateness of such an action, but it is acceptable and it isn't illegal (again, private property in reserved spots).
And yes, I totally understand why someone that owns a DB9 and owns the right to two parking spots on private property would park said DB9 over both of those spots. DB9 or not, I don't have any right to park in either of those reserved parking spots anyway.
If it makes you feel any better, if I were in the same position, I'd probably have the two spots repainted to be one extra wide spot. But hey, it's all chat over the internet because unless something miraculous happens that situation isn't going to present itself.
Until then, I'll happilly drive my MINI and park it in normal and compact spots (occupying one space only). I'll park with a little bit of care, but in the end it won't matter because someone will always park closer than I'd prefer in normal parking situations no matter how vigilant I am.
Ultimately, it's all for not anyway, because if the door dings doesn't get you, the road debris will.
Last edited by dave; Jul 19, 2005 at 10:49 PM.
5th Gear
Joined: Feb 2005
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Originally Posted by BartMack
I've found shopping carts to be way more deadly than door dings....
I see (mostly) women in big SUVs give their shopping cart a little shove to the side after they've unloaded it... almost NEVER do I see someone return a cart!! Then the wind blows them or other people push them around to clear a space (sometimes pushing them with their cars!)
I've had shopping cart dings on 3 out of 5 of my last vehicles.. the latest on the rear bumper of my (current) 2002 Thunderbird convertible. I was so mad!
Grrr. So I usually park somewhere in the north 40 and push carts the whole way back
(BTW Mike, I think you lost consensus on this one dude!
)
I see (mostly) women in big SUVs give their shopping cart a little shove to the side after they've unloaded it... almost NEVER do I see someone return a cart!! Then the wind blows them or other people push them around to clear a space (sometimes pushing them with their cars!)
I've had shopping cart dings on 3 out of 5 of my last vehicles.. the latest on the rear bumper of my (current) 2002 Thunderbird convertible. I was so mad!
Grrr.
So I usually park somewhere in the north 40 and push carts the whole way back (BTW Mike, I think you lost consensus on this one dude!
)
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,431
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From: Boerne/SAtown TX
smart guy
Originally Posted by E1Designs
I find it odd the bitterness on parking spots and this entire thread. Park in 5 spots, 4 spots, 3 spots, whatever, lol...I got bigger things in life to worry about.
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 70
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Originally Posted by MINI Steve
That's an SUV / H2 kinda thing to do and should be beneath sophisticated MINI drivers!!
Why not park sideways!! (90o)
That would get some smiles... even though you'll get keyed sooner or later.
Why not park sideways!! (90o) That would get some smiles... even though you'll get keyed sooner or later.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2004
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I was in Nice, France about 12 years ago and saw a Testarossa jammed between two beat up Renaults in a parking garage. I have no idea how any of them were getting in and out but if he can do it with that car.......do all Mini owners a favor and don't start to give us a reputation as AS.....S.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: New Hampshire
On the subject of shopping cart irresponsibility, about four years ago I was walking out of a grocery when I saw a woman push a cart off and it ended up hitting someone's SUV. I immidiately acted like it was my vehicle, screaming and yelling as I walked up to her. She started apologizing profusely until I sprung the truth on her that it wasn't mine, but that she should be a little more considerate.
She got a lesson (hopefully one she learned from) and I got one hell of a laugh.
She got a lesson (hopefully one she learned from) and I got one hell of a laugh.
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,218
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From: Milford Mass
I think the main thing that will attract vandalism is bringing attention to oneself....so in a very large lot, I get to the end of where cars are parked and then go 2 more spaces out and park in that one.....I don't park way way out by myself as it attracts attention and someone walking past it may feel free to do damage since it is away from everyone else