Just to give you an idea of what a huge discount that is, I paid $1,450 to have the front end of my LS460 done in Suntek film. Thats a very typical price for that...

Around here that full car job starts at at least $5,000

So something that for most people doesn't make sense to do...

 

I wasnt able to read the whole thread, but two things i try to do:

1. Park Near High End Cars/garage queens and well taken care of cars. I feel there is a less of a chance that that guy who brought out his garage queen car he cares for to ram his door into mine as opposed to the same guy when he brings out his daily beater that has all those small chips in the sides and bumpers. Today I parked near this Range Rover that was parked out in the corner. Yes I am that guy that parks near you when you are in a corner . But I exercise extreme caution, and I have a feeling that that person does also. Even if it peeves him, i feel he is better off then the numskull that would park near him. And this way if in a parking lot, we both reduce our chances of getting hit by carts . If a cart comes rolling there is some chance that it hits him and saves me, and vice versa.

2. park near 4 doors and not coupes. Coupes usually have large doors that swing way out. Its easier for them to go out of control.

 

i have film on the front. If you get a small stone hit and film is little damaged, moisture is easy to trap there and your will get rust easier

 

Rust just isn't a concern where I live.

 

At work I used to park on the roof in one of the end spaces with the yellow lines at the end. I would park about a foot over the yellow lines to leave a lot of space between myself and whoever parked next to me. Apparently someone else picked up on this and started taking the space.

 

LOL! I am surprised that you parked on the roof, exposing the car to sun and rain. Nowadays, I pay attention to how and where people park, and, not surprisingly, many people care dearly about their cars and trucks. I have seen the strategies discussed here used for nice looking Subarus and Ram pickups. So the competition for these choice spots is intense!

 

My wife and daughter know I'm not parking at some random spot. If they ask, I'll just drop them off and then go park the car. Sometimes I go park at the back of a parking lot, get back to the entrance of the building, and see other cars still circling around trying to save themselves a thirty-second walk. I don't get that.

 

Where I work most of the parking spaces are assigned to residents. Believe me whenever I can I try to park in one of the covered spaces but the early birds usually get them.

 

I see your point. However, I keep cars 10+ years and build emotional connection with them - its wired, hard to explain. Lets go with number side, owing this ES for 16 years with currently 273k miles. Assuming I drive 50 mph, I have spend appo 8 months inside the car!. Besides that countless hours on washing/ waxing her etc. Last year when I took ES to Lexus dealership for service, SA was surprised to see 2000 model came for service. Came out to check the car. First question he asked me was 'is it still in original paint?'. Nodded my head, with disbelief he literally walked around the car, showing stunned face - priceless to watch his reaction

For me regardless of its age, I try to keep them immaculate. Attaching some pics which I took yesterday......

 

That's a pretty cool story, I try to do the same but unfortunately the color of my 460 is not cooperating. I have the dark blue, almost black color and it's a real pain to keep "clean". Scratches show on this thing like you wouldn't believe. I was it every other month and take care of where I park, etc...doesn't matter. Every time I bring it into the shop under that kind of lighting I notice more and more blemishes.

You're lucky you have a white car, that's such an easy color to hide scratches with. The only thing with white is that rust will really show (if you have it). Other than that it's a great color...looks clean, hides blemishes. It's awesome that you keep your cars in such great shape!

 

I told my buddy id pay him more and that he could charge me more because i know i am getting a great deal but he refuses to. Wrapping new cars is his hobby and he enjoys doing it for me.

I return the favor by getting him football gameday tickets and discounts at all my businesses.

 

Have you guys considered carrying a traffic cone in your trunk and when you do park take them out and place them on parking spots next to your car to prevent people from parking next to it? This way you can park anywhere you want without any worries. LoL

I think I saw a movie where the protagonist did this exact same thing. I forgot which movie and dont know how legal this would be though.

 

LOL, That's an awesome idea!!!

 

I think that is not fair to other people. You are taking other empty spaces

 

That is a good friend. At that price I'd wrap my cars and my bikes without hesitation.