Driving/parking the 993 in Manhattan...

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

I really, really want to take the 993 to NJ for Xmas this weekend, as I gotta put some miles on her. But I probably have to go to NYC to meet up with a friend while I'm in NJ. In the old days, I always parked at Newark's Penn Station for something like $7 and took the $1 PATH train to the WTC, which is no longer possible for obvious reasons. What's the best way to get into the City and just immediately park with no worries? Is it possible? I'll take the subway or taxis to get wherever I have to once there. If I take the bus to Port Authority from my folks' house, it's around $32 round trip per person. So for my GF and me it's probably cheaper to drive and park, no?

Jgordon · 12-20-2006, 02:31 PM

two points - the path station at wtc is, I believe functional. So you could do that. Also, I don't think it's such a big deal - I'd just drive it in and find a decent looking garage in midtown with some nice cars. Should be fine. Make a point to let them know there's nothing wrong with the car on the way in, give the guy a $10, and ask him to be careful with it. then enjoy the day.

NY65912 · 12-20-2006, 02:44 PM

People park cars everyday in Manhattan that are a lot more expensive than your 993.

Having said that, I would agree that tipping the attendant with a ten spot then telling him that there is more $ when you return is a good tactic. Now whether or not you fork over any more cash is up to you. Also, take a walk around the car with him and confirm any dings or dents are not there before you park........walk around again after you return, just to make sure.

Chocaholic · 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by NY65912
People park cars everyday in Manhattan that are a lot more expensive than your 993.

take a walk around the car with him and confirm any dings or dents are not there before you park........walk around again after you return, just to make sure.

Yes, do this if you want to pretty much GUARANTEE some new door dings and perhaps a key scratch or two. Yup, a clod with a $10 bill wants to conduct a tour of his 10+ year old car to make sure it's babied appropriately by the parking lot attendant in New York city.

Good advice..................................NOT.

Be smart. Leave the Porsche at home. Drive something else. Sheesh.

Jascha · 12-20-2006, 03:33 PM

I lived in Manhattan and still drive there to see my Family -the advice you got is sound. The fact is that parking in NYC is relatively expensive (and quite consistent at that) so choosing a place that brings you close to the destination and looks presentable is the only variable.

Have Fun!

Danny_Ocean · 12-20-2006, 06:45 PM

I took my Porsche to Manhattan one Friday and went straight to CitiBank. I asked them for a short-term loan for $15k and I would use the car as collateral. They gave me the $15k and kept the car. I came back on Monday and repaid the loan. Interest for the two-day loan was $15. The bank manager asked, while he was handing me back the keys, why would I need $15k for only a weekend? I told him I didn't need the money, but where else can you park a car for two days in Manhattan for $15?

Sorry...that's an oldie...couldn't resist.

Don Plumley · Don Plumley's Garage

If during the week, parking near the financial district will make your car look like an old Toyota. I was walking around a couple of weeks ago and must have seen 1/2 dozen new 997's coming out of garages. Tripped over two brand new Bentley's outside the Millenium Hilton.

NY65912 · 12-21-2006, 02:32 AM

Chocaholic.....when was the last time you parked in Manhattan?

Being a native New Yorker I've parked a few thousand times in Manhattan and rarely come across a clod parking cars.

Maybe it's just me. But I don't look like an "out of stater" nor sound like one. Ya knowwhaImean pal?

Oh when you do go around the car you must have an air of authority , you know......dont friggin F with my f n car or I'll F you up buddy!

Sorry for the rant but........

Mysterytrain · 12-21-2006, 03:04 AM

Rick,
You can park it at my house and I will give you a ride to the train station in Princeton Junction.

mjshira · 12-21-2006, 04:08 AM

when I lived in NYC I used to bring my 911 into the City about once a month. What I did was go the same garage each time and asked that the car be parked where it didn't need to be moved. Then I gave the garage guys a good tip. Over time these guys got to know me and took good care of me and important, my car. I'd recommend the same. The garage I used to frequent has since been leveled in favor of apartments but another good one is on 50th and 8th next to the Rita Aid. There is a large outside parking lot and next to it is the under ground garage I'd recommend.

Good luck!

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Mysterytrain
Rick,
You can park it at my house and I will give you a ride to the train station in Princeton Junction.

Oh, I forgot all about that train. When I went to Lawrenceville, we used to take that train into the city for booze runs. Back then, almost no one in NYC asked for id from teenagers.

Still not sure if this trip is gonna happen, as my friend has no cell phone and hasn't firmed up with me yet.

audi2.7t · 12-21-2006, 05:25 AM

It's not the parking garage you have to worry about, it's running the gauntlet of taxis to get there. My s/o takes one of the cars to the city 2-3 times a week and we've never had a problem. Even though your car is nice, it pales in comparison to the hundreds of $150k+ Benzs', Bentley, etc that they park all day. The only reason I would say not to drive is because the city is a mad house this time of year, it can easily take you 2 hours to get in and even longer to get out.

mschuep · 12-21-2006, 05:39 AM

I would park up at port imperial in Weehawken, then take the ferry to midtown. If it's too cold for the ferry you can take the Light Rail to Hoboken, then the path to NYC.

There are some free parking spaces by a nearby PF Chang's and high rent condominiums if you don't mind walking a 1/2 mile to the ferry or light rail stations...Driving my p-car in the city makes me nervous. Let me know if your interested in this route I'll send ya a satellite image of the area w/labels.

88911coupe · 12-21-2006, 05:58 AM

I just got back from there and I have to say I can not believe the extremely expensive cars parked all over the place, of course there's really not much option. We were staying on the Upper East side and parking didn't seem horrible since there were definitely some spots but down around Midtown is a madhouse now. It would take forever to get anywhere.
There is a thread about this on Rennlist (996 board I think but maybe 993) and there may be some suggestions there regarding parking.

gaijindabe · 12-21-2006, 06:04 AM

This weekend will have too many last minute shoppers and day trippers in cars. Lots of traffic unless you come in real early - and leave real late. The PATH train is back working at the WTC site. The new station is something to see and a good place to start a day trip into the City.

Vin-barrett · Vin-barrett's Garage

You can park in the big garage in downtown hoboken for less than $30 for 24 hours. Path train is only two blocks away.

Rick Lee · Rick Lee's Garage

Hoboken might be the way to go too. I have also parked at the Staten Island Ferry many times and taken the ferry to Battery Park. If I don't hear from her today, trip will be postponed until later and I'll take the 993 to my folks' house with no worries.

Chocaholic · 12-21-2006, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Chocaholic
a clod with a $10 bill wants to conduct a tour of his 10+ year old car to make sure it's babied appropriately by the parking lot attendant in New York city. [/B]

Mike2 - Please read what I wrote. I didn't suggest the attendant was the clod. It's the owner that will come off that way. These guys park $100k cars all day long. Prancing around your comparatively old junker waving a $10 bill could potentially have the opposite effect than you're trying to achieve.

Only suggesting a little common sense. If there's any concern at all for the safety of your car, why risk it? Wait for a nice clear sunny day and go for a nice long drive in the country.

304065 · 12-21-2006, 06:51 AM

Rick, the odds of your car being stolen in Hoboken are statistically higher than in NYC in a garage.

Just drive in, take the Lincoln tunnel, and park in Midtown. There is a good garage at 42nd and 12th Avenue (the West Side Highway) in the basement of the "River Place" building-- I used to park my 964 there long-term with nary a dent. Also, around there there are NUMEROUS garages, there are about four on 43rd street between 10th and 11th alone. You may have to walk a bit east to get to the action, but that's better than trying to drive-- NYC is a traffic NIGHTMARE around the holidays. I also agree with the tip/bribe concept, see if they will put the car up on a lift so it doesn't get bumped into.

And enjoy our city, the greatest City in the world! If you have never been by WTC, I highly recommend it. Every American should see what happened there.

gaijindabe · 12-21-2006, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by john_cramer

And enjoy our city, the greatest City in the world! If you have never been by WTC, I highly recommend it. Every American should see what happened there.

+1. Merry Christmas and enjoy the sights.