Having a ‘nice’ car makes your life more stressful?

[clk320x]

Maybe it’s just me but…..owning a nice car is amazing—until it turns into a full-time job just to keep it nice! I can’t just park anywhere; it has to be the perfect spot, with no risk of dings or scratches. Honestly, sometimes it takes me longer to find a parking space than it does to decide on the restaurant!

I’ve reached the point where I’m checking Google Street View before heading out just to scope out the parking situation. Restaurants with safe parking are my go-tos now, and I might even turn down a place if I can’t guarantee my car’s safety …

And, yep, I’m that person who sometimes has to “create” my own spots if that’s the only way to keep the car out of harms way! (Whilst inconveniencing no one I must add..)

If only people would stop swinging their doors open at every given opportunity… and yes my car has Sentry mode so I could claim off their insurance to teach them a lesson, but that would still lead to my premium rising (annoying!)…

 

[Bellow]

'Soon, your possessions will own you' goes the cautionary expression.

 

[baxlin]

I’m not quite as bad* as the OP, but I have to admit it does take me a while to find a space in an empty car park…




*Mrs B would say I’m actually worse

 

[W1ghty]

Maybe it’s just me but…..owning a nice car is amazing—until it turns into a full-time job just to keep it nice! I can’t just park anywhere; it has to be the perfect spot, with no risk of dings or scratches. Honestly, sometimes it takes me longer to find a parking space than it does to decide on the restaurant!

I’ve reached the point where I’m checking Google Street View before heading out just to scope out the parking situation. Restaurants with safe parking are my go-tos now, and I might even turn down a place if I can’t guarantee my car’s safety …

And, yep, I’m that person who sometimes has to “create” my own spots if that’s the only way to keep the car out of harms way! (Whilst inconveniencing no one I must add..)

If only people would stop swinging their doors open at every given opportunity… and yes my car has Sentry mode so I could claim off their insurance to teach them a lesson, but that would still lead to my premium rising (annoying!)…

I hear ya buddy .

 

[TC350]

I'm the same.

My fear of my car being damaged increased even further way back in 1996 when I bought a brand new Peugeot 306 Roadster. It was hardly a supercar but it was rare, it cost way more than any previous car, and it was mine. The second day I had it I took my wife out to a fairly nice restaurant to celebrate. When we came out we spotted that some jealous toerag had keyed the full width of the bootlid

I now park a long way from places I'm visiting where necessary. But I'm nearly as bad when I'm in a rental car overseas. I simply value things, whoever owns them.

 

[KennyN]

Yep , i wonder (not worry) on a daily basis if its worth while owning a "nice" car.

I never really take the Cayenne anywhere apart from work / gym / Morrisons at the far side of the car park , if we go for a run in the summer it gets used sometimes. Never take it into the city center as it doesnt comfortably fit into any NCP parking spaces and is a bit too wide to negotiate the narrow turns in multi storey car parks plus the brain dead f##kwits will run a key along is flanks because it is a nice car.

Every time the security light comes on at the front of the house i am like a jack-in-the box off the couch , and that blasted neighbours feline knows it.

Constantly listening for expensive noises from the engine.

Being obsessively cautious with the wheels + tyres.

Wondering if the services will come with a complimentary tub of Vaseline.

Not being able to sit down for a week after paying for the insurance.

Instructing the wife that "no handbags to be stored in the passenger footwell , they must go on the rear seat prior to take off" as they can scratch the glove box on exit as they have done previously.

Wife - No makeup to be applied during the journey , checking permitted.

Daughter - Fake tan must be fully cured before the taxi meter is reset prior to journey commencement , same for her friends.

Anything destined for the tip goes in the wifes Juke , same goes for canine transportation.

So having just read what i have just written makes me out to be a complete nutter , and a stressed one at that.

Would i change my vehicle for a "beater" that i didnt give a toss about , not a chance - i enjoy owning a nice car and long may it continue as long as health and wealth permit.

Just off outside to align the internal vents as i recon one is 0.010" of the square , followed by making sure the pointy bit of the Porsche crest on the wheel centres lines up perfectly with the inflation valve as that is a main point of discussion on Rennlist - seriously.

K

 

[HappytalkAgain]

Yep , i wonder (not worry) on a daily basis if its worth while owning a "nice" car.

I never really take the Cayenne anywhere apart from work / gym / Morrisons at the far side of the car park , if we go for a run in the summer it gets used sometimes. Never take it into the city center as it doesnt comfortably fit into any NCP parking spaces and is a bit too wide to negotiate the narrow turns in multi storey car parks plus the brain dead f##kwits will run a key along is flanks because it is a nice car.

Every time the security light comes on at the front of the house i am like a jack-in-the box off the couch , and that blasted neighbours feline knows it.

Constantly listening for expensive noises from the engine.

Being obsessively cautious with the wheels + tyres.

Wondering if the services will come with a complimentary tub of Vaseline.

Not being able to sit down for a week after paying for the insurance.

Instructing the wife that "no handbags to be stored in the passenger footwell , they must go on the rear seat prior to take off" as they can scratch the glove box on exit as they have done previously.

Wife - No makeup to be applied during the journey , checking permitted.

Daughter - Fake tan must be fully cured before the taxi meter is reset prior to journey commencement , same for her friends.

Anything destined for the tip goes in the wifes Juke , same goes for canine transportation.

So having just read what i have just written makes me out to be a complete nutter , and a stressed one at that.

Would i change my vehicle for a "beater" that i didnt give a toss about , not a chance - i enjoy owning a nice car and long may it continue as long as health and wealth permit.

Just off outside to align the internal vents as i recon one is 0.010" of the square , followed by making sure the pointy bit of the Porsche crest on the wheel centres lines up perfectly with the inflation valve as that is a main point of discussion on Rennlist - seriously.

K

Post of the month so far Kenny.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Maybe it’s just me but…..owning a nice car is amazing—until it turns into a full-time job just to keep it nice! I can’t just park anywhere; it has to be the perfect spot, with no risk of dings or scratches. Honestly, sometimes it takes me longer to find a parking space than it does to decide on the restaurant!

I’ve reached the point where I’m checking Google Street View before heading out just to scope out the parking situation. Restaurants with safe parking are my go-tos now, and I might even turn down a place if I can’t guarantee my car’s safety …

And, yep, I’m that person who sometimes has to “create” my own spots if that’s the only way to keep the car out of harms way! (Whilst inconveniencing no one I must add..)

If only people would stop swinging their doors open at every given opportunity… and yes my car has Sentry mode so I could claim off their insurance to teach them a lesson, but that would still lead to my premium rising (annoying!)…

I’m the same, most people who enjoy cars are, regardless of what they’re driving. I have cars in different shapes and sizes and I park them all as if they’re the biggest and most precious!

 

[MSG2004]

Apart from my first car, every other car I've bought has been no more than 18 months old or brand new.
The most money I've spent on one car was the GLE in 2016
I've always parked away as much as possible from the cars with child seats as a few have marked my cars.
I tend to always reverse park so safer out
I tend to park with the cars back up against a wall or barrier so there is less chance of people hitting it
When my GLE was approx two weeks old, the driver's side was keyed
Then a few weeks later or so a parasite put a dent just under the front door, passenger side door handle
I used to wash the car every 3 weeks or so or get it washed but noted new marks/damage.
So like with my other cars when I've had them for a few months, they get washed twice, once with the car service and the other time car wash
Imo it keeps peoples eyes off it. The inside remains very clean self-clean as it does not get dirtsy and I
just lift the mats out and shake them
Changing to a brand new or nearly new car has always put extra stress on me. Often I think, is it worth changing my car and yes it is

There are carparks I won't visit and at times when we go to Bluewater shopping complex, my car is always parked away from other cars with its back up against a wall or barrier and often next to a wall, kerb on the other side so little chance of others parking

TBH, I'd happily pay to park in the middle of two bays but this choice is not available atm

As the car is now 8.s years old - I worry a lot less but still park as before but the new marks on the car don't hurt as much. One of the several reasons why I/we have not bought a brand new or 18 month old GLE

 

[SpikyMikey]

TBH, I'd happily pay to park in the middle of two bays but this choice is not available atm

Buy a BMW and just do it

 

[MSG2004]

Buy a BMW and just do it

I see...

I was an Audi driver in the very early 90's ie before they became infamous as our friends in BMW's

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I’ve always been a little “extra” (as my wife and children would describe me) about cars, doing all of the things described in this thread. I’ll do it regardless of which car I’m driving and whose car I’m driving - I’m exactly the same with courtesy cars and hire cars as I am my own cars!

When I was 21 I bought a “parking” car in the form of an 8 year old white Peugeot 205, which I could park in places and spaces which I wouldn’t want to park my car, a Rover 220 SDi. I specifically picked white so I could take it through car washes without causing visible damage, so I didn’t have to spend ages washing it (as I was very meticulous).

You guessed it. It only went through a car wash once, I couldn’t bring myself to do it again. It only parked in one “normal” parking space once, again I couldn’t bring myself to doing it a second time. It wasn’t a complete waste though as I didn’t worry too much if I didn’t find the perfect space. It was also the only car I ever made money on!

 

[pioneercollector]

All i can add is ' Yep That is me'

I tend to drive to supermarket in a neighbouring town - It has a huge carpark and where i park is just right for the SL, and as far from the front door as possible! I rely on the lazy factor and it works.
One day i am sure that i will encounter a doppelganger and there will be two cars crammed into the corner!!

 

[Tekman]

My Son Completely restored is Focus St stripped and rebuilt all new suppension all put back to factory spec wheels refurbed with a top notch paint job.
It requires another mot he has done 4 miles he says it worrys him to take it out its too nice to drive (ok why )

 

[KennyN]

he says it worrys him to take it out its too nice to drive (ok why )

Had similar a few year ago with one of the bikes , 2001 ZRX 1100 Lawson Rep with just 4500 miles and absolutely unmarked.

I got to the stage it was just an ornament in the garage and i felt it was too good (or scared) to use so i sold it and planned on getting another watch , either a Planet Ocean Ultra Deep or a Datejust but ended up getting a new kitchen , how the feck that happened i have no idea

K

 

[AP211]

With parking spaces only getting smaller relative to car sizes (and people...) and folk only getting more inconsiderate of others, whilst I like my car I do enjoy not having to worry about it due to its limited value.

 

[sgregory124]

I concur with everything said here. My car stresses my wife out something terrible, she’s anxious if we go anywhere in it now, because she can pick up my anxiety…..

I also do the street map thing when we go to new or unfamiliar areas, check out the best car parks etc. is it extra stress? Absolutely it is, would I change it for a beater? Absolutely no - this car, more than any I’ve owned is worth it.

 

[ALFAitalia]

As much as ib love my cars and bikes whether they are new or old and I look after them.... I'm glad I'm not like some of the posters on this thread! Life happens, things get damaged.... I'm sure we have all accidently damaged someone else's....or our own.... cars or property at some point.... but getting obsessive about it affects no one else at all except your own mental health. I've had my car about a month or so now.... someone, some how or other had managed to put a typical car park ping on my car.... but somehow they have managed to do it right on the middle of my boot lid. As luck would have it , it was not on a double skinned part so I can get it put.... but if it hadn't been... well that's just life.... no point shortening your life through worrying about it. I'll admit I try and park in big spaces or away from other cars.... but I'm not obsessive about it.

 

[jotter22]

To my wife's dismay i have even cancelled a short break in a lovely little hotel because the parking was hit or miss... Sorry love!

Tony.

 

[baxlin]

The way I look at it is that a car, while just being a “thing”, it is, for many, if not most of us, the second most expensive thing we own, after our house. That’s one reason I try to keep mine up to scratch (pun intended).