Newbie Q: Where do you park?

I've lurked off and on for a while, wanting my first p-car. Thanks for the great commentary I've learned from here. I've analyzed and bounced around from 993s to 996s to 997s. Now I'm about ready to pull the trigger on a 40th w/ 7k for low 60s as a daily driver. Given that I'm cheap and **** about my cars and this is twice as much as I've ever paid for a car, I have one simple question: Where do you guys park and how do you feel comfortable about it? I mean at the grocery store, the gym, the Target, etc.? Driving the old BMW - who cares. But a mark on this car would make me physically ill. Just looking for positive reinforcement that it's ok. And I will become a rennlist member w/ the car. TIA for any and all comments. (except the occasional nasty one ) Thanks for all the response! Makes me feel more comfortable about it. Unfortunately, this one didn't work out - so still in the hunt for an 02+ coupe.

I use my car every day - except days when I use the motorcycle. I park at a park-and-ride near NYC but have deliberately picked one that never gets full. Since most people are too lazy to walk even a few feet more than necessary I can park well away from everyone else and not have to worry about door dings etc. On the whole though, although careful, I just get on and use it - that is what it was made for isn't it? Good luck! Barry

Far end of the parking lot in an end spot if I can. I enjoy the walk and decrease the odds of a thoughtless stranger kissing the side of my car.

I usually try and park as far away as possible, away from any danger of being hit. But with that said, if you can't find parking in a "safe" spot, then you got to bite the bullet and risk it. I used to freak out over the thought of being side-swiped or someone nicking my car, but its not worth the thought or paranoia! Park it, ride it, and enjoy it! Sh*t happens (sometimes)...

end spot for sure. try to park on the passenger side of the car you're next to - chances are they won't have a passenger and so that door won't even open - decreasing the 'opportunity' for bad things..... there was a thread here a while back that talked about the fact that you may draw even MORE attention to your car if you park WAY out from everyone else.....if you park on the fringes, it blends in....END spot on the fringes, but the fringes.....

All of the above, and then in the following order if you MUST park next to another car: Avoid parking next to pickup trucks and vans Avoid "old" drivers' cars such as Cadillacs, large Buicks, Oldsmobiles (they tend to open their doors wide) Avoid beat up "station cars" etc. Remember, it doesnt hurt to be overly paranoid....

Oh yeah...and avoid other Porsches unless yours is better than thiers

I always park off from other cars. I am quite picky with both of my cars. I will say however, if you buy a car as a DAILY USE car, you are going to have to come to terms with daily car wear eventually. As hard as a I work at it, i cannot keep my daily looking like my concours winner. There's just no way. You will get random scratches from things flying up on the road, etc... Ive just gotten over it and accepted it wont be as perfect as i prefer. I still keep it up as best i can though.

My car is a daily driver. Usually, I try to find wide spots that are also end spots. If I can't find an end spot, then I'll go with a wide one. Otherwise, I select the best spot available. I try not to park too far away from everyone else, though, because, based on the recommendations of others on Rennlist, I do my best to avoid drawing attention to myself. That might be kind of pointless, though, because it is a 911. However, something is working--I haven't gotten a door ding for about 8 years now.

If possible end spots and never park on top of other cars.

I always part at the furthest part of the parking lot, drives the wife crazy. In case of a full lot I try to park next to new cars.

...what about paralllel parking? I avoid tight spots that might cause me to scuff my tires and wheels and I avoid situations where the car in front or behind will be tempted to kiss my bumper...I will give up the end spot to the other guy so he can egress more easily, thereby avoiding me...are we **** or what?

Wherever I can find a parking spot. The only thing that I think i consciously look for in a spot is 2 empty ones so i can just drive thru one, park in the one on the other side of the line and just drive off (plus it looks better) without the trouble of backing in. As long as the guy next to me hasn't parked crooked or crossed into my spot I'm comfortable leaving it. Besides, Canadians are just nicer people

Of course when I park my baby I usually cover it as well for that added protection.

If the lots not full, I park as far away as possible. If the lot's full, I drive around until I find an end spot.... used to drive the wife nuts but she's used to it now. When parking in an end spot, I back in and put the passenger side tires as close to the curb/striped line as possible to provide maximum distance between my car and the car next to me.