Can you help me solve a mystery?
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 916
Likes: 8
From: CA
Can you help me solve a mystery?
Why is it that no matter how far away I park my car from others, no matter how many empty parking spaces there are surrounding my car; I always find some beater parked right next to it and sometimes really close to it? Usually it's scary old SUV. I've owned several new cars in the past few years and each one attracts old cars like bees to honey.
Are people subconsciously attracted to shiny objects? Is it a herding instinct? I asked a woman once why she parked her van so close to my car that I couldn't open the door why she did that -- in an out of the way parking place when there were so many other empty spaces nearer to the bank -- and she went off on me about America being a free country and she could park anywhere she wants and she could give a F$#k about my new car.
I know some of you feel the same frustrations and try to park far away too. What do you think?
Are people subconsciously attracted to shiny objects? Is it a herding instinct? I asked a woman once why she parked her van so close to my car that I couldn't open the door why she did that -- in an out of the way parking place when there were so many other empty spaces nearer to the bank -- and she went off on me about America being a free country and she could park anywhere she wants and she could give a F$#k about my new car.
I know some of you feel the same frustrations and try to park far away too. What do you think?
Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 916
Likes: 8
From: CA
It's like to goes beyond most people being *******s -- which they are. It like it's cosmic. Yesterday I park in a part of the lot -- well away from stores and there are at least 10 empty spots around my car. Boom! I come out and there a 1978 Cadillac **** shaker wedged up next to mine. Hard to believe even an ******* would go to great lengths (like walking extra far) to inflict their *******ness on me.
I'm in the same boat as you. No matter where I park, I always end up next to big SUVs next to me both sides. My OCD kicks in with checking for door dents once I see this. Even if I park far away there's always someone.
Rookie
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: CA
Lol. My thoughts exactly. Ever since I got my IS, I have been parking far away from other cars. So far, people have left it alone. But it got rear ended two weeks ago and I was like "Oh man, why me?" Now I am driving around in a rental car, while my car is getting patched up in the shop. The universe has a way of saying "**** you" to us all, no matter how careful we are. lol.
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: CA
I haven't taken my car out for shopping yet--I work in SF where most parking spots are parallel, and I try to get the really long spots. I swear, I might sound like a diva or someone who feels entitled, but I am so considerate of other people's property, that since most aren't, I'm parking horizontally when I got shopping from now on and will take up several spots, just to ensure that no one bangs into my car! You're probably thinking that's counterproductive... -_-
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Thread Starter
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 916
Likes: 8
From: CA
Trying to find long spots -- I do that too. Good luck in SF. I lived there many years. I don't know how you're going to use that car around the city if you have ocd around it. Yesterday while park in a way that left a long spot behind I watched from the restaurant as a dingbat tried to drive nose 2st into the spot and then park. That never works. She came so close to hit my rear bumper I freaked. She went back and forth 2 times trying to park and then gave up. if she'd just pulled parallel to my car and backed -- she would've been good. My wife tells me what I resist persists.
Last edited by Glashub; Feb 23, 2014 at 01:46 PM.
same boat here. first day I went to the gym after I got my IS. I parked it on farthest place of the parking lot you can park it. it was empty when I parked. coming back to my car a HUGE pickup truck decided to cram in right next to me. its like go figure
Driver
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 141
Likes: 2
From: Indiana
While parking in the "unsociable zone" of all parking lots, an occasional "old beater" will park next to me. The conclusion is that many of these car owners either seek out opportunities for exercise or have a great deal of pride in their cars. A co-worker that owns an old Chevy SUV routinely parks out with the luxury cars. One day, as he was admiring the IS, the guy stated that years ago he owned an auto detail shop and could clean up cars better than me. He then proceeded to rub his finger across the bumper of my car. Obviously, he was never a good detail man.
Interestingly, the first time I parked my Audi in a normal car space, someone opened their door into the side of my car. At least the dent repair man was able to fix the damage.
My wife feels that parking out in a lot results in attracting unnecessary attention to your car. As the war between have and have nots escalates, many people are likely just parking next to us out of spite which is the most likely reason.
Interestingly, the first time I parked my Audi in a normal car space, someone opened their door into the side of my car. At least the dent repair man was able to fix the damage.
My wife feels that parking out in a lot results in attracting unnecessary attention to your car. As the war between have and have nots escalates, many people are likely just parking next to us out of spite which is the most likely reason.
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 395
Likes: 9
From: CA
Same story here. I try to park next to curbs (if there are any) so I know for a fact no one will be at least on one side of my car! And I try to park as close as I can to it and give more room for people, just in case. But this only solves the problem 50%. And I would advise against taking up multiple spots or even parking on the line. Some people won't be so understanding and you'll find yourself with more problems than an old van parked next to you. One will walk by and say "what a d*ck", another will just scratch your car. The key here is still to remain respectful and civil, even if people around you are a-holes. Stooping down to their level makes you no better. Another solution is to try and park next to nicer cars and see how they park. Usually people who care about their cars (and others') will try to park straight and even to be considerate. I try to look for those kind of spaces.
Last edited by TheShaddix; Feb 23, 2014 at 01:58 PM.
Rookie
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Fl
Same story here. I try to park next to curbs (if there are any) so I know for a fact no one will be at least on one side of my car! And I try to park as close as I can to it and give more room for people, just in case. But this only solves the problem 50%... Another solution is to try and park next to nicer cars and see how they park. Usually people who care about their cars (and others') will try to park straight and even to be considerate. I try to look for those kind of spaces.
As to those who take multiple spots... That tends to bring out the people who will intentionally damage your car, rather than accidentally...