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

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.

Perfectlap · 08-21-2006, 08:28 AM

I drive it everywhere but I certainly don't park it everywhere.

A little prevention will save you a trip to the ding guy and that's if
you are lucky enough to have him capable of fixing it. Matching silver paint
can turn into a night mare.

Even if I have to park at the furthest part of the lot I do it. I try to keep
it so that only one side is next to another car and park as far away from
it as possible. And any sensible woman would never cry about walking a
few more minutes with you. I've even offered the really nice ones to drop her off directly in front while I park. If she says "no don't worry I'll walk with you" well you that one's a keeper!

p.s.
Chicks in CaymanS's... wow that's my kind of lady.

wild1poet2 · 08-21-2006, 08:40 AM

I take it most places but wouldn't take it into Fenway Park. Some lots pack you in like sardines so you literally have no way to exit a vehicle without touching doors. Gilette Stadium is a bit better but you always have the drunk a**holes who like to key stuff especially when they're with all there buddies.

Boston is rough on any car. You often see cars paralleled parked with bumpers touching. SUV's and 4x4 pickups far outnumber cars.