Did You See Anything Good Today? [Read First Post]

[TheCracker]

Our family's Peugeot costs twice as much as that Daihatsu Charade across the street. The Mitsubishi Lancer costs twice as much as our Peugeot, while the Lancer EvoIIV costs three times as much as all combined.

So the Charade gets one space, we get two, the Lancer gets four and the EvoIIV gets 28 spaces. Right, makes sense.

No no, it doesn't work that way.

You get 1 parking space for your F430/DB9/Gallardo and an adjacent space for your ego

 

[sn00pie]

Our family's Peugeot costs twice as much as that Daihatsu Charade across the street. The Mitsubishi Lancer costs twice as much as our Peugeot, while the Lancer EvoIIV costs three times as much as all combined.

So the Charade gets one space, we get two, the Lancer gets four and the EvoIIV gets 28 spaces. Right, makes sense.

Yet all those cars can be repaired quite cheaply when banged up. When you're out five thousand of any strong currency (so CAD or EUR) every time some ass rubs up against your Murcielago I won't judge them for taking up two spaces.

 

[Metar]

Yet all those cars can be repaired quite cheaply when banged up. When you're out five thousand of any strong currency (so CAD or EUR) every time some ass rubs up against your Murcielago I won't judge them for taking up two spaces.

A Murcielago costs over 100,000$. A minor repair is what? 5000$? That's 5% of the purchase price.

Our Peugeot costs, roughly estimated, less than 1000$. Each dent costs around-300$ to repair, with some dents requiring a whole new panel. We have five of those, plus a huuuge scratch all over the left-rear door which requires a complete new door to fix completely. Repairing those would cost us around three times the value of the car.

 

[1X83Z]

It doesn't mean that you should have to pay for repairs if someone dings/scratches your Metro in a car park either. The value of the car is totally irrelevant.

Absolutely not. Did you read the article I posted? $1,900 for a simple door ding! Furthermore, as Chris said, and particularly in Europe, people will go out of their way to maim expensive cars just because they're jealous or thieves.

What I consider to be extremely comical is that though this group, in general, is against exotic car owners taking up multiple spots, they're unable to provide any proof except SOME anecdotal evidence that exotic car owners actually do this. Whereas a few pages ago I posted about thirty photos of exotic cars parked within the lines, correctly, causing no trouble to cars around them. In fact, in my car-spotting "career" which includes physically hundreds of exotic cars over the last two and a half years, I'm yet to see a single exotic car mis-parked in a parking lot.

What I think this bunch needs is perspective. On this forum, we're a bunch of normal car owners, with normal car repair bills. Have a look at THIS wonderful Michael Sheehan article from the December 2006 issue of Sports Car Market and try to understand things from an exotic owner's point of view. Or, for those of you inclined to learn even more about the costs of ownership of one of these things, read THIS article by the same author from the August 2000 issue of the same publication.

Simply put: If you were putting this much money into these cars, you would understand. It always troubles me when "enthusiasts" fail to identify with others' enthusiasm.

 

[TheCracker]

Yet all those cars can be repaired quite cheaply when banged up. When you're out five thousand of any strong currency (so CAD or EUR) every time some ass rubs up against your Murcielago I won't judge them for taking up two spaces.

Yes but the owner of a Murcielago which costs, what, $400k? - can afford $5k for repairs in the same way the owner of a $25k Golf can probably afford to pay $600 for a few light repairs.

 

[Philly]

I saw a DB9 drive by my classroom this morning. It really surprised me. I wish I was able to get my phone out to snap something.

 

[sn00pie]

Yes but the owner of a Murcielago which costs, what, $400k? - can afford $5k for repairs in the same way the owner of a $25k Golf can probably afford to pay $600 for a few light repairs.

This strange argument again... citing rich people shouldn't bitch and just pay up. Because hell - they have so much money. Think of resale. Value appreciation. It's not exactly marginal when dealing with cars in the $200 - $400k price range.

I think it's okay that next to enjoying it - they like to protect their investment.

 

[TheCracker]

Absolutely not. Did you read the article I posted? $1,900 for a simple door ding! Furthermore, as Chris said, and particularly in Europe, people will go out of their way to maim expensive cars just because they're jealous or thieves.

I don't think anyone here has expressed that they would like to damage or even see someone damage an expensive car, i just think that there is a disliking towards the attitude that some expensive car owners seem to have that because they've spent a large sum of money on their car that they deserve some kind of special treatment.

What I think this bunch needs is perspective. On this forum, we're a bunch of normal car owners, with normal car repair bills. Have a look at THIS wonderful Michael Sheehan article from the December 2006 issue of Sports Car Market and try to understand things from an exotic owner's point of view. Or, for those of you inclined to learn even more about the costs of ownership of one of these things, read THIS article by the same author from the August 2000 issue of the same publication.

Simply put: If you were putting this much money into these cars, you would understand. It always troubles me when "enthusiasts" fail to identify with others' enthusiasm.

If you desire to own such a car and have the means to do so then you should be fully aware that these vehicles come hand in hand with huge bills for parts and servicing and also to expect massive depreciation. You go into exotic ownership with your eyes open. $2k for some cosmetic repairs on a car that cost you upwards of $300k is a drop in the ocean compared to the 70-80% depreciation you'll suffer over 5 years of ownership.

I think it's okay that next to enjoying it - they like to protect their investment.

An expensive ($200-400k) car is highly unlikely to be anything other than a money pit - certainly not an investment, unless the car is never used or happens to be one of a very short run of cars.

 

[Metar]

What I consider to be extremely comical is that though this group, in general, is against exotic car owners taking up multiple spots, they're unable to provide any proof except SOME anecdotal evidence that exotic car owners actually do this. Whereas a few pages ago I posted about thirty photos of exotic cars parked within the lines, correctly, causing no trouble to cars around them. In fact, in my car-spotting "career" which includes physically hundreds of exotic cars over the last two and a half years, I'm yet to see a single exotic car mis-parked in a parking lot.

I never argued that Exotics are inherently badly-parked.

My argument was that Exotics have exactly the same rights and dutys as others when it comes to parking - and that double-space parking isn't "justified" just because your car costs more.


And when you park your car perfectly, you allow people to wonder at the car, without you risking it, nor annoying people by taking up two spaces. If you want to protect it, park it somewhere safe - and that includes a normally-spaced parking-slot on the street. When you keep your car in the confines of your space, you're less likely to get hit.

 

[Brett]

First off, I want to say that the price of a vehicle should be not be a factor in whether or not the owner can afford to pay for the bills of repairing dents and dings. I also want to say that just because a vehicle costs a large amount of money does not entitle you to special privileges when parking. An owner of a vehicle, be it a Geo Metro or a Ferrari Enzo, should not have to worry about the vehicles parked next to them being a potential dent, ding, and scraping tool. Each individual should be considerate enough to be extremely careful around another's property. It does not get much more simple than that.

Having said that, I go out of my way a lot of the time to park in a space where only one car will be next to me. I then park as far away from that car as I can. This is to minimize the risk of the other car owner damaging my car in any way. Is my car damage free? Heck no! I have a key mark about the length of the passenger door and a couple nice dings. I also have to say I have not pissed any one off or have an ex-girlfriend that would do such (been girlfriendless for much too long now). People just had a lack of respect for my possession.

It really comes down to some people have a complete lack of respect for anything and some people do have respect. Those that do have respect are good candidates to park next to, those who do not are not. It just seems those disrespectful people tend to have more visible means of showing their respect, or lack thereof.

 

[Roo]

The antidote to supercar parking - we put 6 Minis in 4 spaces:

 

[Digital-Nitrate]

The antidote to supercar parking - we put 6 Minis in 4 spaces:

👍

I bet you could have even gotten nine of them in those four spaces, by parking the middle row of three first, then the two outside rows so that the drivers had an exit.


As for the whole "do owners of expensive cars have the right to take up two spaces or not", I agree with everything VashTheStampede just said:

First off, I want to say that the price of a vehicle should be not be a factor in whether or not the owner can afford to pay for the bills of repairing dents and dings. I also want to say that just because a vehicle costs a large amount of money does not entitle you to special privileges when parking. An owner of a vehicle, be it a Geo Metro or a Ferrari Enzo, should not have to worry about the vehicles parked next to them being a potential dent, ding, and scraping tool. Each individual should be considerate enough to be extremely careful around another's property. It does not get much more simple than that.

Having said that, I go out of my way a lot of the time to park in a space where only one car will be next to me. I then park as far away from that car as I can. This is to minimize the risk of the other car owner damaging my car in any way. Is my car damage free? Heck no! I have a key mark about the length of the passenger door and a couple nice dings. I also have to say I have not pissed any one off or have an ex-girlfriend that would do such (been girlfriendless for much too long now). People just had a lack of respect for my possession.

It really comes down to some people have a complete lack of respect for anything and some people do have respect. Those that do have respect are good candidates to park next to, those who do not are not. It just seems those disrespectful people tend to have more visible means of showing their respect, or lack thereof.

+REP


It's also nice to see not everyone feels expensive cars deserve two spots:

Take a look at what Alex found parked in front of The Dorchester using Google Maps:

OK, so as impressive and extremely rare as it is to EVER find an MC12 out in public from a satellite photo, what really stood out for me was that not only was the MC12 parked between the lines, and not taking up two spaces as many exotic car owners feel they deserve, but the close proximity of the car directly to the right!

I guess they have very careful valets at The Dorchester.

However, I wonder how the owner of that MC12 felt seeing his $1.2-1.5 million dollar car parked sooo close to another car.


This reminded me of the lengthy heated debate that occasionally comes up in this thread about whether or not exotic cars deserve to take up two parking spaces.

 

[Serge.D]

An English bus.


Bentley Flying Spur.


Saab 9.3 2.0T cabrio.


MGB.


Mercedes 280SL.


Honda Integra Type R.

 

[1X83Z]

It's also nice to see not everyone feels expensive cars deserve two spots:

That vehicle is valet parked.

TO END THIS DISCUSSION:

If anyone has ANY evidence that exotic car owners, in general, actually do the things this bunch is accusing them of, post it. Otherwise, quit arguing.

 

[Digital-Nitrate]

If anyone has ANY evidence that exotic car owners, in general, actually do the things this bunch is accusing them of, post it. Otherwise, quit arguing.

First of all, be careful when you say things like "this bunch", as that suggests we all feel that way, which clearly is not the case.

Second of all, it appears most people made no accusations on what exotic car owners, in general, actually do, but rather are disagreeing with the feeling a couple people here have said that by owning an expensive car that in some way now justifies why they should be allowed to take up two spaces.

Personally, I find many expensive cars parked within allocated parking spaces, and like VashTheStampede said and does, and like I do, they look for parking spots far away from congested areas in a lot, or prefferably the end spaces where you can park your car far away from the next space over.

I suspect the only arguement is whether or not expensive cars deserve to take up two spaces, not whether or not exotic car owners, in general, actually do that... which from my experience they do not, which is yet another sign that they also don't feel they deserve to use two spaces, which would support the opinion of those of us who also feel they do not deserve to use two spaces.

 

[land sea air]

If I ever see an exotic parked in a manner that is keeping from getting a space, I will let the air out of their tires. I know it's an a**hole thing to say and I know I would get pissed if someone messed up my car but I won't be the one parked like a moron.

 

[sn00pie]

If I ever see an exotic parked in a manner that is keeping from getting a space, I will let the air out of their tires.

Well then sir you are a proper ass. If it really angers you so much leave a note.

 

[McLaren]

Well then sir you are a proper ass. If it really angers you so much leave a note.

He wouldn't be an ass if the owner of the vehicle hadn't been an ass himself.

I own a car valued at $54,000 new. And yet, you do not see me here acting as if I am deserving of 2 spots.
The plain & simple point is, if you take up 2 spots purposely, you're an a-hole and you deserve every right for someone to damage your car.

As I said earlier, when will folks see the risk of getting 1 dent in the door from an simple accident is far better than getting several hundred dents and broken glass from some guy who snaps after seeing you in 2 spots.

 

[Tornado]

As I said earlier, when will folks see the risk of getting 1 dent in the door from an simple accident is far better than getting several hundred dents and broken glass from some guy who snaps after seeing you in 2 spots.

So what you are saying is, it is okay for a someones car to be wrecked simply because he took two spots? Total overreaction. How is that reaction any better than a guy wrecking a car simply because he is jealous? Because he has a reason? Right...

I don't agree with taking up two spots (I just park at the far end of the parking lot, and I don't exactly own an Aston), but I see why car owners do it (be they owners of Fords or Ferraris) and it certainly isn't right for people to damage those vehicles because of it. There are fines for parking illegally, not vigilantism. If they break the law, they get a ticket. Simple as that. If they pay off the ticket and continue ti break the law, then I suggest you write your congressman because there is nothing else you should do about it.

 

[land sea air]

I know it would be an a**hole thing for me to do, but I've seen people scratch or dent cars for the same reason. I could do much worse than letting the air out but I would rather inconvenience someone than cause property damage. I think we are going to have to agree to disagree on this one before the discussion gets out of hand

 

[sn00pie]

I know it would be an a**hole thing for me to do, but I've seen people scratch or dent cars for the same reason. I could do much worse than letting the air out but I would rather inconvenience someone than cause property damage. I think we are going to have to agree to disagree on this one before the discussion gets out of hand

If someone were to drive off on empty tires you could cause much worse, believe me.

 

[Serge.D]

Honda NSX.


Saab 9.3 Aero cabrio.


Saab 9.5.




Jaguar XK8 cabrio.


New Honda Civic.


Honda Civic.


Suzuki cabrio.

 

[Holdenhsvgtsr]

Honda Civic.

erm.......

 

[Tornado]

What is that cool little Suzuki?

 

[1X83Z]

First of all, be careful when you say things like "this bunch", as that suggests we all feel that way, which clearly is not the case.

"This bunch" refers to those of you who are taking the position to which I was referring.

 

[SlipZtrEm]

A handful of spottings this week in Toronto:

A Gallardo Spyder, followed not a minute later by a F430 Spider.
And the highlight today, a brand new R8, white with the black "chunk". While I still can't decide if it's beautiful or ugly, it definitely is eye-catching, and unquestionably modern. Looked slick.

 

[McLaren]

So what you are saying is, it is okay for a someones car to be wrecked simply because he took two spots? Total overreaction. How is that reaction any better than a guy wrecking a car simply because he is jealous? Because he has a reason? Right...

Did I say that? No. However, you can't act surprised when someone does because you decided to be a d*ck.

All I'm saying is the risk of 1 dent is far better than that of crazy person.

Oh, and jealousy has nothing to do with it. I love how this is the excuse for supercar owners.

 

[1X83Z]

I love how this is the excuse for supercar owners.

No - just coked-up Lamborghini guys.

V8 Vantage. And before we get on this vehicle for being crappily parked, it was valeted.

This thing. I liked it. You may not.

 

[Blackbird.]

Saw this last friday across the street from my school with a friend, after school.

(It was clean)

 

[Tornado]

Did I say that?

No, but you sure as hell implied it.

However, you can't act surprised when someone does because you decided to be a d*ck.

Actually, I would be quite surprised when someone performs a felony because I decided to violate a store parking policy.

All I'm saying is the risk of 1 dent is far better than that of crazy person.

Of course, if that were true then we would be seeing even less poorly parked vehicles than we actually do see.

Oh, and jealousy has nothing to do with it. I love how this is the excuse for supercar owners.

Like that Viper that was torched in Russia, right? Regardless, I wasn't referring to jealousy as being the spark the ignites the powder keg that is double parking. I was merely referring to it as a different, yet still totally unacceptable practice.