OT: Dont Valet- you already knew but heres my experience - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

MEnthusiast · 11th August 2001, 05:58

Last weekend we went to a friends wedding- my wife was in the wedding party- and we were running late. We wanted to get inside asap so I valet parked the car. We had a great time at the wedding and we hapily get into the car. As we drive off we notice that the passenger seat is drastically moved and I notice theres about 10 miles extra on the odo and the MPG meter on this tank of gas is 1MPG lower than before. I stop the car and check for any damage- there is none. the car drives fine. So I decided not to bring it back to the valet. Instead I called the owner of the facility to tell him whats going on- namely they were taking the cars for a joyride. Turns out this establishment was having a terrible time with this valet company and this was the last straw. I vowed- never again will I valet park a car. You just never know what might happen.

Fast forward to tonight. We go to a resturant with valet parking. We decide to park ourselves, thank you very much. After dinner we see there are a ton of police and other special services outside. Turns out the valet called up his underage friend to say theyve got a nice car to take for a joyride. The valet gives him the keys. This kid then proceeds to drive so recklessly that the car is wraped around a tree, and we were told that he is either dead or very badly injured. This valet should go to jail.

Im posting this so anyone who would valet their car- I dont care if you know the valet or not- you know what- dont do it. and if you own a resturant or other entertainment establishment that valets- maybe its time to stop. There is no getting around the fact that valets think its a free-for-all and drive like idiots.

Chris Foote · 11th August 2001, 06:13

Great points ME...no valet for me or ANY of my cars.

-Chris

Stallion M5 · 11th August 2001, 07:45

My point exactly...... I have just posted something about this valet parking issue a few days ago. I believe the topic was under "How much tips do you give for Valet parking".... well, those are not the exact wording but mainly that's the subject discussed.

I pointed out specifically that I wouldn't let any valet parking personel touch my car period. It's not that I'm stingy or anything but more because of the consequences that I have to face.

1. They may took the car out for joyride, even though just around the block.
2. They may park the car against the curb and scratch the wheels.
3. They may go through all of your personal belongings and steal something.
4. They may scratch the undercarriage for speed bumps or the underside part of the front bumper for the higher pavement.

After considering all of those possibilities and consequences, I'd just park my beast myself.

EBMCS03 · 11th August 2001, 08:18

NEVER!!!! EVER!!!! VALET PARK!!!!! Trust me!!! I have friends who valet park cars... and believe me you dont want to know what they do to those cars... PLEASE PLEASE do your car a favor... dont valet park her!! she will love you more for it...
I heard if you dont valet park your M5 it gains an extra horse power ever 1000 miles... *Shrugs* Thats just what I've been told... never hurts to try...

MEnthusiast · 11th August 2001, 14:46

I normally would never valet- I let my guard down that one time- look what it got me- someone abused my car for 10 miles- for all I know they took a thousand miles off the clutch- as we know the clutch is kind of the weak spot on this car. whats worse- I gave the guy $10 when I saw him and asked him to be careful with the car.

this stupid valet- you should have seen the look on his face- one of sheer shock over "I cant believe I let this happen" and guilt should go to jail. He basically killed his friend.

M PHATIC · 11th August 2001, 14:49

My son works for a valet company. Like lawyers (and I'm not one), all valets aren't bad. My son treats every care as though it's his own. Maybe he's the exception, but I'm sure many valets are of equal care.. For every valet nightmare, there is a door ding story from inconsiderate, careless people in parking lots. My suggestion; park as far away from any cars as possible, don't park in 2 spots (your asking for a "keyjob") and most of all, keep your fingers crossed.

MEnthusiast · 11th August 2001, 17:51

youre right- there are always good and bad but my point is simply we can avoid this all together by not valeting.

imagine a valet kills someone with your car- youre the owner and you could end up having to deal with a homocide. not exactly what you thought youd get involved with when you valet. bottom line- just say no to valets.

fais2000 · 11th August 2001, 18:03

Quote:

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imagine a valet kills someone with your car- youre the owner and you could end up having to deal with a homocide. not exactly what you thought youd get involved with when you valet. bottom line- just say no to valets.

really

if a valet lets my car out for a joyride, i would believe i would shout theft ?!

Jim Dolan · 11th August 2001, 19:14

Me, I shouldn't have to tell you how I feel on this subject. My views have been posted before but I'm glad you posted reinforcing what I and many others have been saying for a year now.

Motto: If you can't park it yourself, take another car, take a taxi or stay home. There are no other options unless your valet is over 50, and he's the only valet, his average customer is a Ferrari and is know for parking in wide spaces. Did I leave anything out

Stallion M5 · 12th August 2001, 07:05

No offense to anyone. I have heard how some people say that they will take care of the car like their own, but then again....... we don't really know how they take care of their cars....

That's what I mean, we kind of have different standard when it comes to taking care of cars....

My principle is better to avoid than to fix.

Rezf · 12th August 2001, 10:07

I have only valet my car twice. Both times, it was impossible to find parking in the busy streets of Boston. So when I got to the restaurant, I told the guy that I want my car right in front of the restaurant so I can always see it. I also asked If I can hold onto the keys. One time, the guy said No because they may need to move the car. So I subtly activated the "CODE" feature. It was great. Needless to say my car did not move until I left the restaurant. Guys, the CODE is a great feature. Don't be afraid to use it, especially in these situations.
REZF

Jim Dolan · 12th August 2001, 14:40

Quote:

Originally posted by Rezf
I have only valet my car twice. Both times, it was impossible to find parking in the busy streets of Boston. So when I got to the restaurant, I told the guy that I want my car right in front of the restaurant so I can always see it. I also asked If I can hold onto the keys. One time, the guy said No because they may need to move the car. So I subtly activated the "CODE" feature. It was great. Needless to say my car did not move until I left the restaurant. Guys, the CODE is a great feature. Don't be afraid to use it, especially in these situations.
REZF

I don't know, now you've got an angry parking attendant.