Where would or wouldn't you leave it? - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

P-nut · 08-20-2006, 02:40 PM

I see Porsches, Mercs, Bimmers, Lexuses (Lexi?) and all manner of $60k+ SUVs parked in the airport parking garage for days at a time.

This ain't no $200k Ferrari or priceless diamond. Drive it and park it where you please. If necessary, let the insurance company pay YOU for a change, and then go buy a new one.

coiguy · 08-20-2006, 05:34 PM

I think it's a matter of how much you care for the car. Not how much the car is worth in dollars. I tend to be very careful with my toys (phone, PDA, camera, cars, et c.) and like to keep them looking as new as possible.

I avoid taking the car to the mall or stadiums and work. I have a second car. But there are those days when I itch to take the Porsche, then I would park far, in the middle of nowhere, or in a big corner space.

As far as getting your money back from insurance companies. Sure, if your car was stolen and not recovered, then it's worth it. But I dread the smaller things (broken windows/lights, being keyed, deep door dings, et c.) that would be more of a hassle, and perhaps not worth claiming due to the deductible.

MNBoxster · 08-20-2006, 08:21 PM

Hi,

Hey... it's just a car and you have insurance. Take it wherever you want. If you're that paranoid, you should have never bought it to begin with.

I realize that for many, this is their first real car and so it's understandable that they'd have some apprehension. But, once you've owned numerous classics, performance cars and the like, you realize that it's not worth being held hostage by a machine.

I drive my Esprit and park it anywhere (to be sure not under a tree where birds can do their thing or up close to a supermarket), same with my Boxster, I just use common sense. If it gets dinged or scratched, that's the way it goes.

A friend who just got a GT-40 (FANTASTIC RIDE!!!) to go along with his 996 Turbo, Esprit V8, Europa, M3, Supercharged Works Mini and Gen 2 MR2 (Yea, he's a Surgeon) and I went to lunch and he just pulled in and didn't even lock it. Life's too short to worry about what could happen. Don't worry... Be Happy!...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Jeph · 08-20-2006, 09:31 PM

I agree with coiguy. It's not about the monetary value, or that we're too wrapped up in something that's "just a car." Some people like their things to be in tip-top shape. So if you can avoid dings, jerks, and bird crap to take care of your ride, do what you gotta. Being cautious helps with 2 things. A) It keeps the car looking good, B) It keeps me from wasting money on things like dent removal, touch-up paint, and deductibles.

Granted, if I were... say, a surgeon, it would be easier for me to be a bit more care free about where I park it because it's easier for me to afford to repair it more frequently. Or maybe a door ding would be enough reason to get a new car?

blinkwatt · 08-21-2006, 12:20 AM

I used to be super protective of the car when I first got it. I told my parents "let me take your cars,I don't want mine to get dinged",and they always let me use theirs.
Then I got a couple of doors dings at work,and a scratch and I started thinking...."What did I buy this for? To sit in the garage or cruise?".

That was the end of that.

threpwood · 08-21-2006, 02:53 AM

I agree with Jeph and coiguy as it's not about monetary value. Some people like their things to be in top shape (perfectionist if I may say) and some are attached to their toys. Sure, insurance may replace the car with new one, but it's not the same car that you originally looked, bought, and loved in the first place.

I would try to avoid at all cost taking the boxs out to groceries, sports game or to concerts (grocery carts, hooligans in sports game, drunks in concerts). I take my second car, or just go by train and walk.

I take the boxs out for out of town enjoyment such as going to hot springs, to park, to lake etc). As for parking outside in crowded or dangerous area, I don't mind spending extra $ for better parking spots such as underground or valet.

Enjoy the car, but like Jim said, just use your common sense for these things and you'll be fine. If you don't like getting scratch, prevent it if you can, and if you don't mind getting scratch, then it's no problemo.

airboxster · 08-21-2006, 05:04 AM

I agree with threpwood. Don't have many dents or scratches so I'm more cautious in any parking lots. Try to park away from others when possible but I take the Boxster most places.