Would You Valet Your Viper??? Y/N???

[Supercharged Vipermad]

Well I just purchased my first Viper (2001 Sapphire RT/10). It should arrive sometime next week and I can hardly wait! Most every place now days has a valet service and I was wondering how many Viper owners out there valet your car? Of course I don't want to park a mile away and walk, I want to park right in front but I don't think I could trust one of those knuckleheads with a car like that. My friend in Boca Raton has a valet service for his apartment complex and he said that already the valet had wrecked a tenants Viper GTS and the other day he caught a valet attendant flying down the road with someone's Ferrari 360 Spider making all kinds of racket.

Let me know what kind of experience you have had with valet, good or bad. Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Dave Golder]

Why wouldn't you? It's still just a car. I can't see changing your lifestyle or going thru an inconvienence because of it.

Dave

 

[JimDavis MT 97GTS 650R]

Seems like a "no brainer" to me. Pay the kid to watch the car. Keep the keys.

 

[jimandela]

I let a kid park my new 2001 with only a couple hundred miles on it at a charity event. I figured why not..? it is just a car even though a great car!! and others were valeting Mercedes,Porsche, etc. everything went great I thought till a day later and I went to wax her... under the front fascia (could only be seen laying flat on your back) a small 3-4 inch scratch. looked like the kid hit hit the parking stop.
not a big deal little touch up paint cant even find the spot.
but a bit upsetting.
would I valet again... tough call; probably. depends on the situation with the parking...

 

[Martin D]

NFW!!!!!!!

Even in stock form I was not comfortable. But now, NEVER. I do like Jim's idea. I'll park it, pay you to watch it, and I'll keep the keys!!!!

Regards,

 

[AviP]

Never. Those idiots park the car the same way as they park my grandma's Civic.

If you know all the problems involved with parking a Viper, you'd learn to appreciate why I dislike valets.

- Poor visibility while parking.
- Wheels that are not curb friendly.
- Front fascia that hits everything more than 3" high.
- Large doors.
- Low clearance for most parking ramps, gotta drive at an angle.

I live near NYC where the roads **** and the parking lots are 95% valet. So it's a no brainer for me.

-Avi

 

[Y2K5SRT]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by AviP:
I live near NYC where the roads **** and the parking lots are 95% valet. So it's a no brainer for me.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

You are moving? Sorry, couldn't resist...

As to valet, I don't. I will give the guy $5 (or more, depending on the venue), ask him where the best spot is up front, and park it there myself. I end up with a great spot and no worries.

Chris

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

I bartended for 10 years. I know many cases of valets tearing up cars. Slip them 10 or 20, ask them to watch it and keep the keys. You won't think it's "only a car" when somebody else tears it up and you have to go through the hassle of getting it repaired.


There is one place in the Tampa Bay area where the valet requested the keys. I said "no thanks" and have not been back. No matter how hot the spot is, there is always somewhere else to go.

 

[Andrew2KRT10]

When Hell freezes over. Pay for the spot you want, and take care of him before you leave the car to watch it.

AC

 

[GTSREDDOG]

HECK NO!!! I have worked too hard to get my car so im not going to let some young punk tear it up for me...Besides after i bought the car i now cant afford to go anywhere where they have valet parking...LOL

RED 98 GTS REDDOG

 

[Tom Friend]

No. Not ever. Wouldn't even think about it.

I do not let anyone drive without me in the car. One exception- a particular Viper_super_tech named Cam... For oil changes, I pull the car onto the rack- or they don't do the job.

 

[garolittle]

Read my lips ..... No Valet Parking!!!!!

 

[Viper Wizard]

NO WAY!NOT A CHANCE!!!!

 

[Motor City Mad Man]

I valet park if available whenever I have to leave my Viper unattended. I only valet park it where I can leave it parked right in front of the place of business so I can keep an eye on it and don't have to worry about it being somewhere out of sight where someone might key it. Read Viperess's story about having her car keyed and you'll know why I valet park. I have only had one bad experience, about 2 months ago the valet must have back the right rear wheel into the curb and scratched it a little. I didn't realize this til I got it home the valet tag says damage must be claimed before you leave the premises. Well from now on I park the car myself even though I didn't realize you could do this.

To sum it up, I think I have less of a chance of my car getting damaged by using a valet than leaving it unattended where someone might key it or steal it.

 

[rschiltz]

I think it depends on the situation. I've valeted at some really nice steakhouses and have watched the valet's carefully park the car in the front spot and put the keys on the rack. If the car is in the front, its pretty hard for them to just take it out for a joy ride. I would be hesitant to let them park it, when they need to drive the car away to another spot.

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

With the exception of dumps like *******, most places want cars like Vipers parked up close.

 

[BobK898]

The essence of the question is would I let someone drive my car unsupervised? Not a chance in hell.

 

[motomike]

This is an easy one. NO way! Ever see the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off?

 

[BigsViper]

I have found that everywhere I've gone with the Viper that has valet understands expensive car owners and have no problem with you parking it yourself and keeping the keys. I usually give the guy $10 up front and another $10 for a job well done when I return. Then take the time to answer their questions and maybe let them sit in it (if appropriate).

Baknblk95/RT:
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>
Most nice resturants here in Dallas will not let you park your own car in a valet spot.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I have not found a restaurant in Dallas that has not allowed me to self park up front including Chamberlains, Bob's, Del Frisco's, The Palm, Pappas, etc. Tell them I said it's OK!

 

[Vip-RT10]

I completely agree with Chuck 98.....
Kids are dieing to drive those cars and will cause them to do stupid things.

If you absolutely have to give them your keys, mention that you will stay there and watch how he treats/parks the car, then you'll give him another tip if he treats her nice.

 

[Steve Miehe]

No, No Way!

 

[Kid97GTS]

Well, I know quite a few former valets, and not all are knuckleheads, but there always will be the bad apples that wrap the Ferrari around the palm tree on the way to the lot (read: Ritz Carlton Dana Point). However, there are quite a few good reasons to valet the Viper:
1) If you live in a civilized part of the country where more than one $80,000 + car is parked a night, the valets and people in general will not be as likely to treat the car like a rental from "******'s Garage and **********."

2) The odds of getting vandalized/stolen are much lower while parked in front in the valet corral than out in some dim area of the lot.

3) If you give the valet a tip to start with (a REAL tip, i.e., $20, not a fin that is likely to just piss them off) they actually can be cool and leave your ride up front or let you park it if you like. Also, if they ask how long you will be, NEVER say more than an hour - more than an hour and your car is going to the back lot until around the time you say you'll be out, no matter how nice your tip.

4) Last, but certainly not least, rolling up to a club with a huge line in front, stepping out of the G-Ride and handing the valet a $20 is likely to pay HUGE dividends later on that evening. Every chickie in line will know you are the stud in the chickmobile without you even having to say anything once inside the place. Also, you are much more likely to avoid the line altogether and be escorted into the VIP area. Of course, the treatment you receive will vary depending on your location (a shiny Pinto in Jerkwater, Mississippi may get you the same attention that would need a Lambo in L.A.). Heck, even a complete knob can get action when valeting the 5-5-0 outside an OC club.....

 

[Chuck 98 RT/10]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Kid97GTS:
3) If you give the valet a tip to start with (a REAL tip, i.e., $20, not a fin that is likely to just piss them off) they actually can be cool and leave your ride up front or let you park it if you like.
<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Kid is right, a $5 aint squat. $10 is marginal depending on where you live. $20 guarantees it.

Sounds like a lot but when you consider many places are charging $5 or $10 to park anyway. $20 gets parking, peace of mind, and insurance.

 

[Scott J]

ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! I was a valet at a hotel back in my high school days and the majority (perhaps 8 out of 10) of the guys on staff liked to "see what this thing will do." I disagree with some of the above feedback based on my behind the scenes experience. Sure, this was nearly 15 years ago, but have kids changed for the better these days? My wife, the local Viper technician (and a few friends) are the only ones that drive the car - period!!!

 

[Kid97GTS]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Smackie Chan:


They've all got insurance so if your precious "snake" gets wrapped around a tree at the Dana Point Ritz Carleton, guess what? You get a new car--with ABS!!!

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Yeah, but then you'd be forced to roll around in a cream puff with a wimpy cam and brakes that fail when pushed to the limit on the track, not to mention that wanna-be blue/white color combo.

 

[Russ M]

Two words, NO WAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Four of my friends use to work as vallets for a very reputable hotel in Beverly Hills, dont want to mention names but lets just say that at the time a Shiek owned it. The stories they have all shared with me send shivers up my spine. They range anywhere from cars being raced through the underground garage to items being stolen out of YOUR cars. Every single one of them is all grown up now, and all never give their cars to anyone. Give the valet 10 bucks and tell him you want it outfront with the keys in your hand. If you dont you will be a victim without a doubt, sooner or later.

 

[Kid97GTS]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by LilRedZ07:
I think some of you need to relax. What do you think you are driving? A McLaren F1? Please.

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

NIIIIIIICE

 

[v8huntr]

NO NO NO!

 

[paul]

I did one time..and it was the last time forever

They stalled it out so many times that they killed the battery, so they came and got me, I end up having to jump it off from a friends car, I was not a happy camper that night!!!

 

[ACR Joe]

NFW .....