Valet parking

[tirwin]

First, an amusing story...

Last night I had a work-related dinner engagement. I decided since it was such a beautiful day (not 100+ heat index), I would drive the 911.

I hadn't been to the restaurant before and as I pulled up my heart sank as there was only valet parking and street parking on a narrow street.

First thing that ran through my head was "I'll offer a really good tip and maybe they'll let me park it myself."

As I pulled up to the valet stand I saw a young guy and as he made eye contact with me he got a huge grin on his face. Now picture it in slow motion in your mind. His grin is getting wider and wider and I'm thinking "o-o-h-h s-#-!-t" at the same time. Horrible thoughts ran through my mind. Images of pimple-faced kids joyriding and wearing out the clutch flashed through my brain. My heart started to beat faster. I gripped the steering wheel more tightly. The little voice in my head was screaming "Turn around! Leave! Abort! Abort!"

The guy runs up to my window and says "What year is it? I have an '84 Targa!"

Well I felt about an inch tall.

He parked it right up front in one of the parking spots of honor and they took great care of it.

So, what do you guys normally do in a valet situation? What's your rule for when it's okay or not okay?

Are my fears and suspicions justifiable? Or was I just lucky?

Just curious.

[DRACO A5OG]

Oh man you are lucky to find another 911 owner as a Valet

But your concerns are valid. I will not allow them to park her. I just scream out "My clutch is broken so let me park it". they just wave me by

If they stop me I toss the kid $20 and done with it. Usually at Hotel or Expo events.

After my $4000 trans/clutch rebuild, I will not let anyone not familiar with 911's touch my baby, EVER!

[Mia911]

Did it once and they scratch my right rear wheel....and you know what the fine print says...their not responsible for any kind of damages or theft that happen to your car....so I don't valet anymore....lucky you....

[Ken911]

I have a turbo slant nose so when i valet park they usually just let me park it right in front and keep my keys. I usually pull up and let them know it's a 4 speed with a really stiff clutch. They just smile and tell me how about right here in front.

[86 911 Targa]

At least not this one!

Rockstar Parking - YouTube

[tirwin]

Originally Posted by 86 911 Targa

At least not this one!

Rockstar Parking - YouTube

That was awesome.

[porschenut]

If they even tried to put a paw on it I'd break their arm.

[911dean]

No way! Not even my 2001 325it ( it's stick and took me 3 years to find it). My wifes 2009 328 convertible no problem. Your situation akin to winning the lottery.
Dean

[Driver_X]

If I'm going to a place I know has Valet, then I drive our Auto. I never let Valet's drive any of my manual cars.

[Gustyones]

I usually just drive a different car if i know there is going to be a valet. It makes me VERY nervous to let anyone drive my '85. I don't even let family members drive it.

[Plecostomus]

I had a non-porsche being parked in nyc once. Put a huge dent in the rear q panel. I was angry!

[daniel911T]

In the past, before the car was restored, I used to love the look of sheer joy on the valet's face. It was also a bit fun for me because they were thrilled to drive a Porsche, and I knew the thing was... tempermental at best. Joke's on them. She's always come back unharmed, guess I'm lucky.

Now it's all fixed up, I'm not so sure I'd trust it with a valet. I guess it would depend on the place and situation. I wouldn't give a categorical "no."

-Dan

[klaus]

Given that my 915 isn't the easiest to shift I wouldn't chance leaving it with a valet, but if the car was easier to drive I wouldn't have a problem having a valet park it at most places here in Charlotte. I would be more worried about leaving the car at a mechanic I don't know and trust. I had a 944 Turbo with adjustable boost many moons ago and while having some paitwork done one of the guys took it for a toy ride and turned the boost up to 19lbs, when I asked about it, the shop played dumb and said it wasn't possible anyone there took it out for a drive. The extra 15 mile on the odo and the boost adjustment wasn't enough to get them to cave, I was just thankful nothing was damaged but a lesson was learned anyway.

[canamfan]

There are hardly any "valet" places in Ontario, Canada (thank god), I would NEVER, EVER GIVE IT TO VALET!!!! No matter what I drive or ride, It's just ridiculous.

[GH85Carrera]

Back in 1978 I did my banking downtown. The ONLY place to park was a valet. I was driving my 74 914 with the roof off. I asked the valet guy if he had ever driven a 914 and he said he could drive anything. Where I stopped there was a slight incline so I turned the car off, put it in 1st and pulled on the handbrake. The valet hopped in started it up and put it 2nd and killed the engine, start it up and put it in 3rd and killed it. Start it up and since I was standing there I suggested he try 1st gear since it will work better. He churns the shifter and tries 4th. Start it up and I asked if he wanted me to put it into 1st for him. He agreed so I reached in and put it in 1st and he looked puzzled. The parking brake was still on so he killed it again. I suggested it would help if he took off the parking brake. He looked all over the cockpit and under the dash for a brake release. He finally threw up his hands and I opened the door so I could release the parking brake. He parked it in the very first spot. When I returned he started to get my car and I told him reverse is hard to find. He just handed me the keys and let me pull it out. As I left I noticed he had parked it in the bank managers reserved spot.

I changed banks after that. I have no idea why I ever opened an account at a downtown bank when I lived 10 miles away. I guess I was just young and ignorant.

[bdisco]

[super9064]

I let them park my Cayenne GTS, but not my 911ST, or the 57 Speedster.

[JerryL]

I gave up on them years ago, The 67 250S mbz with a 4 speed on the column 2nd would get abused and they rarely could find reverse. And I had some friends in college parking cars in Newport Beach CA told some great stories in some crazy cars, Racing Ferrari's & BMW M1, that I would never want to happen to anything of mine.

Regards

[speednme1]

Simple...Not a chance in hell

[andyt11]

I wouldn't just because I've seen the tight spots they jam them into. Door banger central.

Plus, its not very easy to drive and I like my clutch.

I actually don't stay in hotels with the car if they only offer valet parking. Not worth the hassle.