[warioware]

So the other day I went to a restaurant and let the valet park my car. When it was time to go they took a mysteriously long time to bring my car around when they finally brought it I drove away and noticed that my gas gauge was no longer set to boost (I have the jb4) so I went into the menu and found out that it was on map 6 when I had it on map 5. I guess the valet guy went into the menu and freaked out switching around the settings unless he knew what he was doing which I doubt.

[Comet]

I never give my car to valet.
The horror stories from my friends' experiences is enough.

Friend of mine's new M3 was spotted by his gf picking up girls. Turns out it was valet.
When they get busy, they leave the keys in the car, in the ignition, on the street. (friend of mine who works in insurance told me you'd be amazed how many cars get stolen this way)
Donuts.
Friend of mine had his clutch burned.
Joy ridding.
Accidents, and not minor ones.. like total loss (from my friend who is in insurance)
some have been caught drag racing.

etc...

[JMX328]

I HATE valets. Generally I will park myself unless I'm going somewhere that is 100% valet.

I was on business a few months ago, and my bank put me up at a fairly nice hotel chain near the conference location. It was 100% valet parking at the hotel, so I had no choice.

First morning I get my car? They punched a freaking hole into the front passenger side of my door. STRAIGHT through the metal.

The hotel was very apologetic (they ran the valet service, it wasn't third party), and they paid for the full repair of the damage, but I was still pissed.

Not to mention I'm 6'4", and have my seat back a fair amount because of my height. Most times, valets mess with it and change the settings. It's like... don't mess with my settings. Oh, and half of the time I've dealt with valets, they change the radio. It's like, you're going to be driving my car for less than 5 minutes. Don't turn on your music station. Deal with the seat being back and the radio off and just do your job.

[Comet]

valet are the scum of the universe

they have no appreciation for other people's property
they took the job so they can ruin cars for others

[BKV122]

My friend valeted at a country club one summer made some good tips and a few guys only gave their car to my friend to park. It was him and another white kid and the others valets were spanish. He told me dont worry about the spanish guys bc its how they make a living, its the younger white college kids doin it just for the summer.
He bragged about all the cars he drove, and he had fun in them even tho it was a smallerparking lot. He got fired for doin burn outs in a E class Mercedes, but his boss called him back a few months later

[FDM68]

Many moons ago in high school I had one friend who worked for a rental car company and the other as a valet.....not even gonna mention the trashing of cars that went on with us behind the wheels.

[Comet]

Originally Posted by BKV122

He bragged about all the cars he drove, and he had fun in them even tho it was a smallerparking lot. He got fired for doin burn outs in a E class Mercedes, but his boss called him back a few months later

bragging how? "bro, I valeted a lambo bro, it was so hot bro, I'm pimp yo! cuz I valet cars yo! now suck on deez nuts! bro!"

sounds like a douche bag.

I always imagine valets as small thugs looking to ruin beautiful cars out of sheer jealousy

[gatorfast]

I absolutely hate valeting but fortunately I have never had anything bad happen.

[JoeyO]

I've never put my car through a valet or a mechanical car wash.

I like my car too much for that.

[warioware]

Yea I think that's the last time I use valet I rarely even let my friends drive my car much less some random person

[DSB335d]

Originally Posted by JoeyO

I've never put my car through a valet or a mechanical car wash.

I like my car too much for that.

+1
Although I have had to valet a couple times, I generally avoid it.

[daixloxbmw]

I never valet my car so I don't have any personal stories to share.

However, a friend of mine worked as a valet for the Four Seasons Hotel and one of his colleagues wrapped a customer's Ruf Porsche around a tree. The owner was obviously pissed but not because of the money or the car but because he had to wait an entire year to have his Porsche tuned by Ruf and he just had it delivered a few weeks ago.

[SebringS2k]

I used to work as a valet in college, and for the most part, we took care of the cars...but, there's been a few times we took out an M5 or AMG Benz onto the street to joy ride, so I'd avoid at all costs. Best would be to drive your beater/cheaper car, no real pleasure for them to ride out in an Accord/Civic lol

[Its_lobelt]

Some places in LA are valet only, so you can't park the car yourself. I just grossly exaggerate the price of my front lip and how easily it is damaged. They tell me to pull the car up in front and just pay them their valet fee . Works well and you get the best parking spot lol.

[Patrick303]

Went to my gf's company Christmas party years ago at a high end country club in my Audi A6. They had complimentary valet parking for the event and it was damn cold, so we valeted.

When we tried to leave they took forever to bring my car around and instead a police officer finally appeared with an accident report for me. The valet didn't know how to shift a german manual transmission and put the car in 1st instead of reverse and hit the car in front. My front bumper was cracked and scratched up.

I found out later that whenever this country club has a large event, they hire high school and college kids looking for extra money to park cars that night!

[JasonCSU]

I absolutely hate valet. I've seen them abuse cars on several occasions, nor would I trust any of them to know how to drive a manual. Just today, my parking garage was completely full (even though I have a monthly permit) and if that happens, we're supposed to use the valet service.

[MidwestGolfBum]

Of the few times that I have been required to valet my car I have been happy, except for the last time. Got my car back and had curbing on all 4 of my wheels, guy behind me complained of the same. Basically was told that unless I could prove it didn't happen before they had the car, they weren't at fault. Talked to management and have new wheels/tires on the way, but shouldn't have to deal with that to start with with their "professionally managed valet drivers".

[S_M]

This isn't something newer BMW owners have to worry about, but most cars still have spare tires. Many of them are just donuts, but on some expensive cars they may be a full size aluminum wheel and full size tire.

4 of the same car = one full set of brand new wheels and tires.

Off to eBay they go and your out a nice chunk of $$$ that was sitting in your trunk. Not to mention the inconvenience when you actually get a flat.

[KwlAznKid]

i never valet, at valet only places i pay them to let me park myself

[Baremeg55]

I only valet park at a few restaurants. They always park the bimmers at the front door, kinda showcase the establishments. I'm secure in the knowledge the car is parked where I can see it, it's not driven to an offsite parking garage, and is safer than where I would have to park and leave it.

[Mr Tonka]

Man, the last time i used the valet absolutely nothing happened. But the time before that they parked my car next to a Acura. The effing nerve of these people!! WTF?!?!?

[gnhm3]

Originally Posted by MP0WER

Man, the last time i used the valet absolutely nothing happened. But the time before that they parked my car next to a Acura. The effing nerve of these people!! WTF?!?!?

Are you serious?