dseag2

So today we went to see a show at Music Hall in Dallas. I asked the valet parking attendant to park my car up close so we could make a quick exit after the show was over. I've done that for 10 years with no issues.

I was in shock and disbelief as I watched him drive it into a cement parking bench. He was brand new to the job. I wished I could just take that moment back. So now I get to spend the next few weeks getting the car repaired. The parking manager did provide his information and said they would pay for everything, but you all know how this still hurts. The car is 1 year, 4 months old and is (was) pristine.

LexBob2

Ouch! That stinks. Here's hoping the repair goes smoothly and you are satisfied with the results.

dseag2

Thanks! As I was leaving the parking manager said "that's a really nice car". I said "no ****".

Stroock639

damn, that's terrible. valet must've been an M3 guy.

i'll let Mr. Leno take care of this

Fizzboy7

Sad story. I can only assume the driver at fault also felt bad inside (really bad). If not, he should have.

Stormwind

Guaranteed he was doing something like this when he crashed it.
Never valet your nice car.

TangoRed

That would have legitimately ruined my night.

UDel

Sorry to hear about your car, hopefully everything is taken care of.

This just adds to the reasons why I never use valet's and park my own car for free, heard too many stories of joy rides, theft, damage, even totaling cars but mostly young poorly paid valet parker's.

Aron9000

I've worked in that industry off and on for 10 years, both as the low rung valet guy and in management. I would never valet my car, EVER. We straight up employed criminals who would show up to work high at the one company I worked for. Just because you have a valid TN driver's license and a clean record doesn't mean you know how to drive or park a car, I saw that problem a lot as well. First accident these kids would get into would be in a customer's car. Basically to get a TN driver's license, you drive around the block in a residential area, back the car out of the space and park it nose first when you get back, you passed.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

very sad to read your post.

reason 1 billion why i almost NEVER valet my car. besides, i need the exercise from the 'self parking' lot or whatever.

mmarshall

Not much I can add to this thread....I've cautioned against valets many times in the past. I'm sorry it happened, and I hope the repairs are done satisfactorily. I also hope the young guy who wrecked your car learns to be more careful, though my guess is he will lose his job.

tex2670

Well--at least you actually saw him do it, so they couldn't come back and tell you "That was already like that" when you picked the car up.

pbm317

So sorry to see that dseag2! Love the S5....

SW17LS

That sucks! I cannot even imagine.

I always try and avoid valets, but in some situations in some cities theres no other option...

BrownPride

That's why I've NEVER valeted any car in my life. I only want myself touching the car inside and out, and don't trust anybody's judgment but my own. Call me OCD, but I value my car to much to trust somebody else with it. There are too many stories of valets taking cars on joyrides, revving the engines, damaging them (as in OP's case), etc.

If a place has valet-only parking I'll say "sure I'll still go park it myself" and they usually allow it.