R50/53 Am I being too obsessive???
4th Gear
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 473
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From: Exit 9 New Jersey Turnpike
I share your fear of valet parkers. Just ask yourself who these folks are - typically some local kids off from school (or dropped out of school) trying to earn a few bucks from tips and entrusted (occasionally) with some very expensive machinery to care for. They would otherwise be caddies or lifeguards or whatever romantic teenage summer occupations that pass the time and make a little money. My point is, though, that they are SELDOM long-term employees with the kind of reputation and accountability that goes with that. Hence, you get a lot of cowboys in such positions.
Once, I went with my wife to a wedding reception at one of the swankiest reception halls on Long Island - and because we were early we stopped at a convenience store and bought some food to tide us over, leaving most of that food in the car when we valet parked it. After the reception, the parkers hustled you in your car and got rid of you so fast that it took us 15 minutes to notice that all of our food was gone. Now, the value wasn't great but I really felt violated and mad as hell. That was the last time I ever parked by car by valet at ANY reception hall. I will only do it at high-end restaurants where the parkers are long-term trusted employees of the restaurant with some skin in the game of keeping their jobs.
Trust my MINI to a valet parker???? Never. If forced to, I would pay a valet guy $10 to let me park it myself (and take the keys) in a safe place.
You are not crazy !!!
B
Once, I went with my wife to a wedding reception at one of the swankiest reception halls on Long Island - and because we were early we stopped at a convenience store and bought some food to tide us over, leaving most of that food in the car when we valet parked it. After the reception, the parkers hustled you in your car and got rid of you so fast that it took us 15 minutes to notice that all of our food was gone. Now, the value wasn't great but I really felt violated and mad as hell. That was the last time I ever parked by car by valet at ANY reception hall. I will only do it at high-end restaurants where the parkers are long-term trusted employees of the restaurant with some skin in the game of keeping their jobs.
Trust my MINI to a valet parker???? Never. If forced to, I would pay a valet guy $10 to let me park it myself (and take the keys) in a safe place.
You are not crazy !!!
B
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
From: Everett, WA
Originally Posted by Funk_Flex
I recently got a wedding invite. As of now I'm still deciding if I should go or not b/c of the parking situation 
According to the invite, the ceremony is being held at a church the suburbs. For you NY metro people it's out in Pt. Washington Long Island. So I figured it's in a nice residential area with a parking lot. I checked google earth and the church it located right next to a golf course with a decent sized parking lot. My Mini should be fine. I just have to get there extra early and get a spot far far away.
But it's the reception that I'm concerned about. It's being held at a resturant/catering hall in Flushing. The establishment's lot is small considering the size of the establishment. And during peak hours, it turns into a valet lot
. So cross that idea off. The surrounding area isn't much better. Parking in the area is pretty tough and even if you managed to get a spot, you can count on some a** to park by Braille and damage your bumper. A half mile or so north of the resturant isn't that bad though. It's mostly residential. But two of my cousins' cars were vandalized while parked a mile or so from the resturant.
Anybody else give this much thought before going anywhere since they got their Mini?
Oh BTW, the invite didn't specify where the couple registered for their gifts
. I had many friends who registered and it made things a lot easy for me. Just go to their website, see what they want, order it and have it sent to their house. Easy as pie. But I'm assuming they want cash instead.
According to the invite, the ceremony is being held at a church the suburbs. For you NY metro people it's out in Pt. Washington Long Island. So I figured it's in a nice residential area with a parking lot. I checked google earth and the church it located right next to a golf course with a decent sized parking lot. My Mini should be fine. I just have to get there extra early and get a spot far far away.
But it's the reception that I'm concerned about. It's being held at a resturant/catering hall in Flushing. The establishment's lot is small considering the size of the establishment. And during peak hours, it turns into a valet lot
. So cross that idea off. The surrounding area isn't much better. Parking in the area is pretty tough and even if you managed to get a spot, you can count on some a** to park by Braille and damage your bumper. A half mile or so north of the resturant isn't that bad though. It's mostly residential. But two of my cousins' cars were vandalized while parked a mile or so from the resturant. Anybody else give this much thought before going anywhere since they got their Mini?
Oh BTW, the invite didn't specify where the couple registered for their gifts
. I had many friends who registered and it made things a lot easy for me. Just go to their website, see what they want, order it and have it sent to their house. Easy as pie. But I'm assuming they want cash instead.I don't blame you one bit. I would drive my old truck to the wedding. I don't leave mine for a billisecond. Cars depreciate fast enough. Nobody needs help from some Do Do in a camry to mess up your fabulous MINI.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,212
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From: Cherry Log, Georgia USA
As to the MINI thing, I think you've gotten enough input.
Go ahead and do cash as the gift if you'd like. It's certainly easy and always welcome. Just make sure to put it in a nice card/envelope. Go to the wedding and enjoy, do your best parking the MINI and hope your kharma is good!
Annette
Go ahead and do cash as the gift if you'd like. It's certainly easy and always welcome. Just make sure to put it in a nice card/envelope. Go to the wedding and enjoy, do your best parking the MINI and hope your kharma is good!
Annette
3rd Gear
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 254
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From: Chicago
I'd say I wouldn't let the fear of parking prevent you from living. If you really value human interaction, then go to the wedding and enjoy yourself. Give the Valet a nice tip to take care of the car, and they will probably be pretty careful.
I had a similar situation recently, where I went to a party at the beach where there was valet parking - I hadn't let anyone valet the mini up to that point, and I tepidly turned over the keys, along with a nice tip. I watched as the guy drove away carefully, and put it right up front with all the other nicer cars (rolls, MB, etc) - when it was time to leave, the same guy went to get the car (and interestingly fired up all the fog lights) - then said "I love MINI's! Those togggles are so cool!"
I had a similar situation recently, where I went to a party at the beach where there was valet parking - I hadn't let anyone valet the mini up to that point, and I tepidly turned over the keys, along with a nice tip. I watched as the guy drove away carefully, and put it right up front with all the other nicer cars (rolls, MB, etc) - when it was time to leave, the same guy went to get the car (and interestingly fired up all the fog lights) - then said "I love MINI's! Those togggles are so cool!"
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 461
Likes: 1
From: Magnolia, Texas
Do whatever you need to do to enjoy the wedding and reception, and not be distracted by worrying about your MINI. I understand your point of view. I worked in a body shop during my school years, and I was the person who always got the job of removing all of the door dings and block sanding them out. I REALLY hate dents.
Here's a great valet story for you. A few years ago, I was helping a friend of mine check out places for his wedding reception. We went to a really nice country club one evening to look at their facility and they happened to have the valet staff working. Since we were both car people, we went out the back door to check out the parking situation. What we found was that the valet staff had set up their own mini racetrack around the parking lot. The "circuit" consisted of a nice slow takeoff from the front door and a leisurely drive around the building and out of sight of the car owner. Then it was full throttle, drift, full throttle, threshold braking, drift, full throttle, full braking and then park. But the real capper was that when they got out of the car, they "secured" the owner's keys by placing them on top of the driver's side front tire.
Whenever valet parking is required, we drive my wife's "disposable" car. 
John
Here's a great valet story for you. A few years ago, I was helping a friend of mine check out places for his wedding reception. We went to a really nice country club one evening to look at their facility and they happened to have the valet staff working. Since we were both car people, we went out the back door to check out the parking situation. What we found was that the valet staff had set up their own mini racetrack around the parking lot. The "circuit" consisted of a nice slow takeoff from the front door and a leisurely drive around the building and out of sight of the car owner. Then it was full throttle, drift, full throttle, threshold braking, drift, full throttle, full braking and then park. But the real capper was that when they got out of the car, they "secured" the owner's keys by placing them on top of the driver's side front tire.
Whenever valet parking is required, we drive my wife's "disposable" car. John
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 8,354
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From: Overthemountain, AL
Originally Posted by Funk_Flex
,Oh BTW, the invite didn't specify where the couple registered for their gifts . I had many friends who registered and it made things a lot easy for me. Just go to their website, see what they want, order it and have it sent to their house. Easy as pie. But I'm assuming they want cash instead.
. I had many friends who registered and it made things a lot easy for me. Just go to their website, see what they want, order it and have it sent to their house. Easy as pie. But I'm assuming they want cash instead.
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,742
Likes: 1
From: Cincinnati
Originally Posted by OmToast
Are you joking? You're joking, aren't you? tell me you're joking.
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 38,578
Likes: 2
No, I don't think you are being too obsessive and yes, I mean it. I, too, go way out of my way to avoid dings, scrapes, etc. In the process, I may appear to be nuts to the casual observer, but we all know that's simply not the case at all. 
This situation does present a problem, doesn't it? I vote with those advocating creative solutions...rent a car or get a ride w/ someone (carpooling is good, right?). Do something creative that helps you both enjoy the wedding w/o distraction AND protect your MINI!! Go for both and don't compromise.
And remember....it's NOT just a car, no way! 
This situation does present a problem, doesn't it? I vote with those advocating creative solutions...rent a car or get a ride w/ someone (carpooling is good, right?). Do something creative that helps you both enjoy the wedding w/o distraction AND protect your MINI!! Go for both and don't compromise.
And remember....it's NOT just a car, no way!
6th Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,478
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by gokartride
I, too, go way out of my way to avoid dings, scrapes, etc. ...
And remember....it's NOT just a car, no way!
And remember....it's NOT just a car, no way!
OM got it right
againGoCart, you live way out their in TX. While you do have big cities, it ain't like NYC ... Which begs the bigger question ...
for Funk ...
You had to know where you live ... you had to know the areas you would probably frequent. Did you not take that into account when you bought this car or did you think that considering you have only one car (I presume) that you would never have to go anywhere undesirable?
Unlike others telling you to get a rental, I'd say to rethink your entire MINI ownership because your most likely to have one miserable experience after another when you gotta go somewhere!
or realize its just a hunk of metal heading, one day, for the junkyard or Mexico so relieve yourself of the stress and accept that. If you don't, the stress is going to kill ya!
Coordinator :: Hawaii MINI Motoring Club
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 626
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas - U.S.A.
I second that
--Flying golf ***** and vandals!? NO I don't think you're being too obsessive. I mean I tend to go movie theatres where I can valet the car and watch them park my MINI right in front of me. When we go to low rent functions I have my friend drive us in her Saturn (love those plastic panels).
I look at it this way. Some people see their MINI's as transportation they love and some people see their MINI's as a work of art. I lean more towards the latter, with a smidjen of the former. Just as I would prefer my Venus de Milo WITH arms I would also prefer to keep my MINI pristine as long as I can help it.
Sure it's bothersome, sure it costs more money, and sure it may make you look obsessive but man you'll take that rental car or your dates car and you'll be able to RELAX while you're at that function. You'll be able to enjoy the whole day or the whole night.
Not run out every 15 minutes to check on your MINI. C'mon admit it! I'm betting a lot of us have done it when parked in sketchy places.
It's like buying extra insurance. It's hardly ever necessary, but if keeps you covered.
Just my $0.02. Even though we all are hairy bears.
I look at it this way. Some people see their MINI's as transportation they love and some people see their MINI's as a work of art. I lean more towards the latter, with a smidjen of the former. Just as I would prefer my Venus de Milo WITH arms I would also prefer to keep my MINI pristine as long as I can help it.
Sure it's bothersome, sure it costs more money, and sure it may make you look obsessive but man you'll take that rental car or your dates car and you'll be able to RELAX while you're at that function. You'll be able to enjoy the whole day or the whole night.
Not run out every 15 minutes to check on your MINI. C'mon admit it! I'm betting a lot of us have done it when parked in sketchy places.
It's like buying extra insurance. It's hardly ever necessary, but if keeps you covered.
Just my $0.02. Even though we all are hairy bears.
Originally Posted by 62Lincoln
Priceless. 
Ignor the sermonizing, Eric has it figured out!
Ignor the sermonizing, Eric has it figured out!
6th Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,478
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by pyratio
C'mon admit it! I'm betting a lot of us have done it when parked in sketchy places.
Dude ... the stress is going to kill you. Maybe not tomorrow but over time it builds up. If your that "obssessed" I'd worry about your health.Life is just to short to worry about the small stuff.
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 64
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by pyratio
--Flying golf ***** and vandals!? NO I don't think you're being too obsessive. I mean I tend to go movie theatres where I can valet the car and watch them park my MINI right in front of me. When we go to low rent functions I have my friend drive us in her Saturn (love those plastic panels).
I look at it this way. Some people see their MINI's as transportation they love and some people see their MINI's as a work of art. I lean more towards the latter, with a smidjen of the former. Just as I would prefer my Venus de Milo WITH arms I would also prefer to keep my MINI pristine as long as I can help it.
Sure it's bothersome, sure it costs more money, and sure it may make you look obsessive but man you'll take that rental car or your dates car and you'll be able to RELAX while you're at that function. You'll be able to enjoy the whole day or the whole night.
Not run out every 15 minutes to check on your MINI. C'mon admit it! I'm betting a lot of us have done it when parked in sketchy places.
It's like buying extra insurance. It's hardly ever necessary, but if keeps you covered.
Just my $0.02. Even though we all are hairy bears.
I look at it this way. Some people see their MINI's as transportation they love and some people see their MINI's as a work of art. I lean more towards the latter, with a smidjen of the former. Just as I would prefer my Venus de Milo WITH arms I would also prefer to keep my MINI pristine as long as I can help it.
Sure it's bothersome, sure it costs more money, and sure it may make you look obsessive but man you'll take that rental car or your dates car and you'll be able to RELAX while you're at that function. You'll be able to enjoy the whole day or the whole night.
Not run out every 15 minutes to check on your MINI. C'mon admit it! I'm betting a lot of us have done it when parked in sketchy places.
It's like buying extra insurance. It's hardly ever necessary, but if keeps you covered.
Just my $0.02. Even though we all are hairy bears.
I DO worry more about my other toy, but even that I've become less obsessive over.
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,365
Likes: 2
From: Yinzer in Exile
It's not like it can't be repaired -- granted, it's a cost nobody wants to incur but it's just like paying for oil changes: it goes along with owning a car.
I don't view my car as mere transportation; I LOVE my car. I take care of my car. But I also only have one and, if I need to go somewhere well, that IS why I bought a car in the first place. Going somewhere often means parking. It would be nice if we lived in a world where we only had to motor on open, twisty highway but, to my knowledge, nobody is hiring for that position.
I don't view my car as mere transportation; I LOVE my car. I take care of my car. But I also only have one and, if I need to go somewhere well, that IS why I bought a car in the first place. Going somewhere often means parking. It would be nice if we lived in a world where we only had to motor on open, twisty highway but, to my knowledge, nobody is hiring for that position.
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: No Where Special
Go and enjoy the wedding, which would be the classy thing to do
As for the valet parking attendant, just remind him/her that reverse usually does not work, 1st gear is a bit stubborn and to not be shocked if the airbag goes off again. You will get to park your own car… works every time...
As for the valet parking attendant, just remind him/her that reverse usually does not work, 1st gear is a bit stubborn and to not be shocked if the airbag goes off again. You will get to park your own car… works every time...
6th Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,478
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by OmToast
Going somewhere often means parking. .
Going somewhere often means parking
OmToast
I got to remember that quote. Its one of the best I seen lately
It might seem self-evident but ya never know
6th Gear
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 38,578
Likes: 2
Yes, one inevitably has to park.....and I park at a park and ride every day. But...admit it...there's parking and "parking." I'll circle the lot several times to find an appropriate spot AND I've waited in a parking lot for ten minutes (or more) to wait for an appropriate spot. Isn't it careless to just park one's MINI any ol' place...big city or no? (please say yes. )
I am not casual about door dings and such (having had a few)...but perhaps that's just me, Mr. Funk, and some others here. I don't think it's something we have to get over. Some aren't as obsessive...fine (maybe even better), but if Funk Flex is more concerned about his MINI at this point in his ownership experience, he should take the necessary precautions to help him feel comfortable at the wedding. Look nice, have fun, bring a gift, protect the MINI....seems do-able.
If I sound pretty intense about this I sure as heck am, and I also think it's all pretty darn funny even though I do the exact same thing myself which frankly, based on this conversation, is starting to scare me a bit. 
"If ya want bling, accept no door-ding!!"
. ) I am not casual about door dings and such (having had a few)...but perhaps that's just me, Mr. Funk, and some others here. I don't think it's something we have to get over. Some aren't as obsessive...fine (maybe even better), but if Funk Flex is more concerned about his MINI at this point in his ownership experience, he should take the necessary precautions to help him feel comfortable at the wedding. Look nice, have fun, bring a gift, protect the MINI....seems do-able.
If I sound pretty intense about this I sure as heck am, and I also think it's all pretty darn funny even though I do the exact same thing myself which frankly, based on this conversation, is starting to scare me a bit.
"If ya want bling, accept no door-ding!!"
Coordinator :: Hawaii MINI Motoring Club
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 626
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Texas - U.S.A.
no no no
--Well that's the thing. I don't stress over it. I take action to prevent stress and or damage to the car. I DO take it to work. I DO park it at supermarket parking lots. I just do it smarter. I park it where shopping carts are less likely to roll into her. I go to markets that have less trashy people and where people take care of their cars. In the end I have LESS stress because I know I took a little more precaution on keeping her shiny.
Guys, gals, my MINI is a working, hauling, racing vehicle. She's got her share of scratches and one tiny ding. But I just take precautions so I can enjoy my time while out and about without having to worry about her.
Don't BE hatin!
Dude ... the stress is going to kill you. Maybe not tomorrow but over time it builds up. If your that "obssessed" I'd worry about your health.
Life is just to short to worry about the small stuff.
Guys, gals, my MINI is a working, hauling, racing vehicle. She's got her share of scratches and one tiny ding. But I just take precautions so I can enjoy my time while out and about without having to worry about her.
Don't BE hatin!
Originally Posted by chows4us
Dude ... the stress is going to kill you. Maybe not tomorrow but over time it builds up. If your that "obssessed" I'd worry about your health.Life is just to short to worry about the small stuff.