So I had absolutely nothing to do today and decided I wanted to head out and drive a couple of cars that I've read so much about, only to lack any personal insight.
I've wanted to drive a 350Z for a while and see what all the hype was, so I headed down to the Nissan dealership. There were a few salesman sitting around outside, so I got one guy's undivided attention when I pulled up in the X3. We walked around in the lot for a bit, he couldn't find a manual transmission model (which I insisted on from the very beginning). So we went inside and he was able to find one that was sitting around in the back lot... It was a convertible, sticker came out to around $40K. I would rather have driven an enthusiast trim coupe, but whatever. This one was brand new, around 14 miles on the Odo.
I had to talk out of my ASS and sell some real bullshit to convince him I was serious about buying (I felt like Trep, told him the X3 was mine and that I had a "brother" who I frequently switch cars with who drives a manual 325i and that we were rich off of family investments). In the end he let me hop in and he came along. Funny, I had to pull it out because he couldn't drive stick.
2007 Nissan 350Z Convertible
Engine
God, I love the VQ. Power at all ranges, a nice throaty roar, and damn... This thing GOES if it so much as smells gas. I can see what some of the magazines are saying about it being a little unrefined and loud, but personally that doesn't bother me at all... I want my GT's engine to have some personality. 9/10
Handling
I didn't get the chance to really take it on any backroads or through a slalom or even try out the turning radius, but I liked the steering. It doesn't communicate as much as my car does, but it's relatively precise. NA/10 (not enough driving to judge)
Suspension & Ride
I liked the ride/handling compromise. It felt properly stiff, but it also was pretty good at soaking up the bumps in the road. It also left me with the impression that the car was solid. Body roll is minimized. 8.5/10
Transmission
This was the Z's real achilles heel. The shifter was good, it felt relatively precise and had short throws that weren't too short. The clutch, on the other hand, is one of the worst I have ever encountered. It felt artificial, except for the fact that it felt like it was about to fall off whenever the RPMs climbed. Its travel was too short, it was too light, and the friction point was ridiculously hard to detect (much harder than my car, which has a delay mechanism!), and when I could feel it, it was way too high. In short, I've driven econoboxes with better clutches. 3/10
Interior
I loved the seats and it felt pretty high quality overall, I liked it more than I thought I would. I like how the gauges tilt along with the steering wheel. I'm not the biggest fan of the layout and the storage compartment in the middle of the interior looks like it's there because they couldnt think of anything else to put there. 7/10
The Verdict
A Japanese muscle car with a GT personality. You'd have to be positively crazy to spend $40K on the model I drove, but I think the lower trim levels are a good deal. I still need to drive a Mustang, though.
After that, I got the urge to head to the Mazda dealership down the street, I wanted to drive an MX-5. The salesman was a cool guy, he didn't even hesitate to let me drive it (and I don't think he even saw me pull up in the Bimmer). Part of it may be that he didn't notice I was under 21 (Illinois DLs make it very clear, that's why the guys at the Nissan dealership gave me a bit of trouble).
I was joking with him at first that we would need to see if I actually fit in it (I didn't fit comfortably enough to drive in the last-gen). Soon enough, I we were leaving the lot in a Sport model (the 2nd trim level).
2007 Mazda MX-5 Sport
Engine
To the Miata's credit, it didn't feel slow after driving a much more powerful car (the Z). It felt about as fast as my car. The 2.0 liter four-banger seemed more than willing to let me explore its powerband. 8/10
Handling
The steering was wonderfully precise, and the Miata surprised me with its amazing turning radius. It's one of the few cars I've driven that I felt communicated as much of the road to me as my 325i does. 9/10
Suspension & Ride
I got to take the Miata out on better roads than the Z, but even before that I noticed quickly that it felt light on its feet and a lot more nimble than the Z (which you can partially attribute to the Z being a convertible). The Miata also had a wonderful ride/handling compromise, after today I really wish I had gone with the sport package on my 3er which also has a good ride/handling compromise but could stand to be a little stiffer IMO with a little less body roll. 9/10
Transmission
I like long heavy clutches with well defined friction points. Perhaps I've been spoiled by having a BMW transmission. But it took me all of about 5 minutes to become thorougly acquainted with the Miata's clutch. It's a little short travel-wise, but it feels proper at its friction point and it's really really easy to get used to. The shifter was precise and had short throws. It could use a 6th gear, though... I believe higher trim levels have a 6-speed rather than the 5. I almost shifted into Reverse (although that isn't really possible).? :lol: 8/10
Interior
I was worried about fitting into the Miata, and at first I was sitting fine but I wished the steering wheel would go higher than it did. Eventually I got used to the seating position and it wasn't a problem at all. I like its interior more than the Z's although the seats aren't as nice (don't know if this is different at higher trim levels). The fit-and-finish reminded me of my 6s, it was very well put together. 8/10
The Verdict
I liked driving the Z, mainly because of the brute power, but this thing really put a smile on my face. Definitely one of the most fun cars I've ever driven. A bargain at a little over $20K, I reallly think I'll own one someday.
All of that said, I'd rather have my car than them both.? :lol: I'm patiently waiting for my dad to get home, as it needs a good wash and wax, and I haven't driven it in 10 days.? :banghead: :lol:
Now I didn't get any pictures of either machine, but here's a treat... It's a cell phone picture but you guys get the point:
(http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/9543/picture015lm3.jpg)
Let the debate begin!
Later this week I think I may go test drive the VW GTI and a Mustang GT.
No debating form me. I agree with just about everything you said. I've only been in one Z convertible and I don't like it near as much as the coupe. And the new MX-5 has too much body roll for my taste too. The first thing I would do is Mazdaspeed one if I picked one up.
Quote from: Onslaught on May 07, 2007, 04:43:12 PM
No debating form me. I agree with just about everything you said. I've only been in one Z convertible and I don't like it near as much as the coupe. And the new MX-5 has too much body roll for my taste too. The first thing I would do is Mazdaspeed one if I picked one up.
I would have preferred a little less, but I don't think there's too much really.
If anyone's ever driven a 6-Series with ARS, you know what having almost NO body roll feels like.. it's a little awkward. :lol:
It's not horrible compared to most cars. But coming from? the NA or NB it's one of the first things you notice when you drive one. I'm sure the car is a little more comfortable on rough roads or long drives.
I don't really feel like lying to score a test drive. I've never done that before.
Aparently you guys do it all the time!
You're nicer to the Z than I am.
I personally thought the Z was dead quiet, but I guess compared to a 325i it could seem loud. If you drove it with the windows down, you'd be able to hear that lovely sound though.
Here's a question...when you guys go test drive, do you guys give out your phone #s? I usually avoid it because they annoy the living shit out of me with "when I'm planning to purchas"
Quote from: TheIntrepid on May 07, 2007, 05:38:45 PM
Here's a question...when you guys go test drive, do you guys give out your phone #s? I usually avoid it because they annoy the living shit out of me with "when I'm planning to purchas"
I give my cell phone. They usually don't pursue you after a week or two.
Quote from: Raza on May 07, 2007, 05:43:40 PM
I give my cell phone. They usually don't pursue you after a week or two.
They photocopy your driver's license; which has your address on it. Can't they track you that way?
Quote from: TheIntrepid on May 07, 2007, 05:45:16 PM
They photocopy your driver's license; which has your address on it. Can't they track you that way?
I heard there were laws about how long they can call you. I get stuff sent to me by mail all the time. A lot of new car test drive invites, too.
Hmm.../
Quote from: TheIntrepid on May 07, 2007, 05:38:45 PM
Here's a question...when you guys go test drive, do you guys give out your phone #s? I usually avoid it because they annoy the living shit out of me with "when I'm planning to purchas"
"(Can) I have your card, and I'll call you."
I test drove the 9-3 Aero with the V-6 last year when it first came out, and I got a call from the salesman last week asking if I was still interested.
I told him I'd wait for the 2008 with AWD and he hadn't heard about it :(
That Saab dealership goes through a lot of sales people... most with not much knowledge.
Miata sounds fun!
Did you have to grow out your beard to look bigger? :lol:
When i was waiting for my dad one day at the Honda dealership, one guy asked me if i had my license. I said yes, and he promptly pulled out the keys to an S2000 and told me i could take it for a spin. I told him i couldn't drive a stick. :(
But he was a young guy, so maybe that's why he was willing to let me take one out.
Quote from: Raghavan on May 07, 2007, 07:19:11 PM
Did you have to grow out your beard to look bigger? :lol:
I haven't shaved in a few days, had it not been explicitly stated on my license I HIGHLY doubt the guys at Nissan would have looked at my DOB.
I just went out and drove my car for the first time in 10 days just to refresh my memory and to make a mental comparison what I drove today...
All I need are some stiffer springs and it really is nearly as sharp as the Miata. The transmission is miles ahead of anything I've ever driven. Guys, if anyone hasn't driven a 3-Series, do yourselves a favor and drive one. Mine was $2K more than a base 350Z.
I'll quit trolling now. :lol:
I'd like to drive a Z convertable. I doubt I'd like it better than mine but I'm curious to see what its like. I'm almost positive they changed the clutch for in 06. Mine is anything but light and is very communicative but it does has a very high engagement point and it took awhile to learn to drive it smoothly.
Quote from: Raza ?link=topic=8994.msg441621#msg441621 date=1178580600
You're nicer to the Z than I am.
I personally thought the Z was dead quiet, but I guess compared to a 325i it could seem loud.? If you drove it with the windows down, you'd be able to hear that lovely sound though.
Dead quiet compared to what? With the windows up you hear less exhaust and more intake and engine but it still isn't quiet.
I don't think the Z was that loud. The windows were open the whole time. Besides, I'd rather get to hear that beast.
Quote from: 850CSi on May 07, 2007, 07:49:00 PM
I don't think the Z was that loud. The windows were open the whole time. Besides, I'd rather get to hear that beast.
I agree. One of my favorite things about the Z car is it's sound. Aggressive without being obnoxious.
Quote from: 850CSi on May 07, 2007, 07:29:20 PM
I haven't shaved in a few days, had it not been explicitly stated on my license I HIGHLY doubt the guys at Nissan would have looked at my DOB.
You look like you're 30, so there was probably no reason for the salesmen to look at your DOB.
But yeah, sounds like you had a fun day! Interesting that you found that the Miata had more body roll that it probably should. I never would have thought a car like it would have a lot. Overall, good reviews; I had fun reading them.
Quote from: JYODER240 on May 07, 2007, 07:47:44 PM
Dead quiet compared to what? With the windows up you hear less exhaust and more intake and engine but it still isn't quiet.
Quieter than the E320 and Passat at WOT.
Two things: You cannot shift into reverse from 5th unless the shifter is put into neutral (between 3rd and 4th gear) first, and then shifted to reverse from there.
Additionally, the steering wheel does move up or down manually. It did in the car I drove.
And I have to agree with you about turning radius/steering. I just drove a sport yesterday so I know exactly what you're talking about. It's an incredibly fun car to drive.
I really want to try out one of these. :mask:
I drove one at the Mazda event when they first came out.. the Miata was incredibly fun.. I would actually take that over the Rx8 any day in terms of fun to drive. It might just be the convertible thing but I really like it.. the only thing that really turned me off was the fact that I can't see out the front because this big piece of windshielf right at my line of sight...
Quote from: BMWDave on May 09, 2007, 08:45:01 AM
Two things: You cannot shift into reverse from 5th unless the shifter is put into neutral (between 3rd and 4th gear) first, and then shifted to reverse from there.
actually, you have to be below a certain speed to be able to shift into reverse.
Quote from: NomisR on May 09, 2007, 12:03:18 PM
I drove one at the Mazda event when they first came out.. the Miata was incredibly fun.. I would actually take that over the Rx8 any day in terms of fun to drive. It might just be the convertible thing but I really like it.. the only thing that really turned me off was the fact that I can't see out the front because this big piece of windshielf right at my line of sight...
Says the owner of an Elise. How the heck do you fit in that thing if a MX-5 isn't big enough for you?
An Elise has a lot of room upfront. There isn't anything in front of the driver except space. Look at the footwells sometime, they're enormous for how big the car is.
Same thing with a 911. It has more legroom than a full size truck.
Quote from: heelntoe on May 09, 2007, 12:12:28 PM
actually, you have to be below a certain speed to be able to shift into reverse.
Yeah, there's a reverse lockout that locks the gate so you can't even get into reverse.
Quote from: heelntoe on May 09, 2007, 12:12:28 PM
actually, you have to be below a certain speed to be able to shift into reverse.
That's true as well. In the Miata 5spd, you also cannot shift into first above a certain speed, and the same goes for all the other gears.
If the Esteem is not completely stopped, reverse grinds, because like most vehicles, it's not synchonized. So perhaps a lockout is a good thing, unless you're trying to do a forward 180.
Quote from: BMWDave on May 09, 2007, 01:48:02 PM
That's true as well. In the Miata 5spd, you also cannot shift into first above a certain speed, and the same goes for all the other gears.
that's new to me.
Quote from: heelntoe on May 09, 2007, 01:59:18 PM
that's new to me.
I think I read that in the manual. I can't be completely sure though, because now that I think of it, it may have been referring to the autostick in the Miata auto. I'll have to look again.
Quote from: NACar on May 09, 2007, 01:58:19 PM
If the Esteem is not completely stopped, reverse grinds, because like most vehicles, it's not synchonized. So perhaps a lockout is a good thing, unless you're trying to do a forward 180.
well, reverse engages if you're already going backwards.
Quote from: NACar on May 09, 2007, 01:58:19 PM
If the Esteem is not completely stopped, reverse grinds, because like most vehicles, it's not synchonized. So perhaps a lockout is a good thing, unless you're trying to do a forward 180.
I heard reverse grinds because the reverse gear is straight-cut.
Quote from: BMWDave on May 09, 2007, 02:00:23 PM
I think I read that in the manual. I can't be completely sure though, because now that I think of it, it may have been referring to the autostick in the Miata auto. I'll have to look again.
that makes more sense. i can't see why a manual trans will have a lock-out on forward gears.
Quote from: Tave on May 09, 2007, 01:17:37 PM
An Elise has a lot of room upfront. There isn't anything in front of the driver except space. Look at the footwells sometime, they're enormous for how big the car is.
Same thing with a 911. It has more legroom than a full size truck.
Have you been in an Elise?
Quote from: BMWDave on May 09, 2007, 01:48:02 PM
That's true as well. In the Miata 5spd, you also cannot shift into first above a certain speed, and the same goes for all the other gears.
Not to mention that many cars have push/pull lockouts. BMWs and Porsches are the only ones that come to mind that don't have that (I think the GTO didn't have it either).
Quote from: Raza on May 09, 2007, 02:37:40 PM
Not to mention that many cars have push/pull lockouts. BMWs and Porsches are the only ones that come to mind that don't have that (I think the GTO didn't have it either).
a lot of cheaper cars(like mine) don't have them either.
Quote from: heelntoe on May 09, 2007, 02:39:30 PM
a lot of cheaper cars(like mine) don't have them either.
BMWs and Porsches require a lot of force. Does yours slide in with the same ease as a forward gear?
Quote from: Raza on May 09, 2007, 02:56:43 PM
BMWs and Porsches require a lot of force. Does yours slide in with the same ease as a forward gear?
nope, you wrestle it into reverse. :lol:
i also noticed that reverse is more to the right of neutral than 5th.
Quote from: Raza on May 09, 2007, 02:37:40 PM
Not to mention that many cars have push/pull lockouts. BMWs and Porsches are the only ones that come to mind that don't have that (I think the GTO didn't have it either).
Lincoln LS does not have this, nor the S2000.
Quote from: Laconian on May 09, 2007, 12:47:16 PM
Says the owner of an Elise. How the heck do you fit in that thing if a MX-5 isn't big enough for you?
Well, with the Elise, I'm basically sitting right on the Chasis. There's not enough room between the floor and the seat for me to get my hand into there if I ever lose a coin down there. It's not that the MX5 isn't big enough.. it's just that I'm sitting too high up in the seat if I want to sit properly.. and then I can't see out of the car. But then again, I had limited time to adjust the seat. But either way.. still a great car.
Quote from: Raza ?link=topic=8994.msg443942#msg443942 date=1178742790
Have you been in an Elise??
I've drooled over one for a good hour and examined it from every possible angle. The dealership was closed, so I couldn't get in, but I could clearly see how much space was underneath the dash.
I bet your Boxster has quite a bit of legroom too. How does it feel?
Quote from: Tave on May 09, 2007, 03:31:41 PM
I've drooled over one for a good hour and examined it from every possible angle. The dealership was closed, so I couldn't get in, but I could clearly see how much space was underneath the dash.
I bet your Boxster has quite a bit of legroom too. How does it feel?
It has more legroom than an Elise. The Elise, though, is not a roomy car. I think I was driving it one click forward from all the way back, and I'm only 5'8".
Although I misread your post. When you said footwell, I immediately thought of my toes catching the top of the footwell as I moved my legs from pedal to pedal while driving. The Elise, though is not uncomfortable my any means.
Quote from: Raza ?link=topic=8994.msg442700#msg442700 date=1178663966
Quieter than the E320 and Passat at WOT.
Then that was either a suspicously quiet 350Z or freakishly loud E320. I've been in a E320(previous gen) more than once at WOT (my sisters fiance has one) and there's no way its louder than my Z.
Quote from: JYODER240 on May 09, 2007, 05:00:26 PM
Then that was either a suspicously quiet 350Z or freakishly loud E320. I've been in a E320(previous gen) more than once at WOT (my sisters fiance has one) and there's no way its louder than my Z.
I've driven three Zs. It's indicative of their sound level. My E320 was louder than my brother's.
Quote from: Champ on May 09, 2007, 03:07:53 PM
Lincoln LS does not have this, nor the S2000.
Manual Transmission Lincoln LS??
Quote from: NomisR on May 09, 2007, 05:25:23 PM
Manual Transmission Lincoln LS??
V6.
His family is cool. S60R, S2000, Viggen, LS.
Quote from: Raza ?link=topic=8994.msg444226#msg444226 date=1178753220
V6.
His family is cool.? S60R, S2000, Viggen, LS.
Someone I know also has a Lincoln LS V6 with a manual. They're really rare, from what I know, and actually they are faster than the V8 auto, I think.
Quote from: heelntoe on May 09, 2007, 03:03:19 PM
nope, you wrestle it into reverse. :lol:
i also noticed that reverse is more to the right of neutral than 5th.
I"ve noticed that on pretty much all the cars, maybe that's to stop you from thinking your car has a 6th gear (if it's a 5 speed).
And on the Civic i drove, unless you're going about less than 5 mph, 1st is really hard to get into. It's possible, but it doesn't want to go in.
Quote from: Raza on May 09, 2007, 05:10:02 PM
I've driven three Zs. It's indicative of their sound level. My E320 was louder than my brother's.
You guys had one E320 each? Your family was friggen loaded bro.
Quote from: ro51092 on May 09, 2007, 09:53:57 PM
You guys had one E320 each? Your family was friggen loaded bro.
Was?
:devil: :lol:
Quote from: BMWDave on May 09, 2007, 08:45:01 AM
Two things:? You cannot shift into reverse from 5th unless the shifter is put into neutral (between 3rd and 4th gear) first, and then shifted to reverse from there.
Additionally, the steering wheel does move up or down manually.? It did in the car I drove.?
Yeah, I know it's impossible to engage reverse, I just felt funny sliding it down from 5th and realizing there wasn't a 6th gear there.
The steering wheel moves up but not far up enough for an ideal position for me.
Quote from: 850CSi on May 10, 2007, 10:14:05 AM
Yeah, I know it's impossible to engage reverse, I just felt funny sliding it down from 5th and realizing there wasn't a 6th gear there.
The steering wheel moves up but not far up enough for an ideal position for me.
Oh I see. Well, you're a tall guy, I'm a bit shorter. It feels just great for me. I thought you didn't know that the steering wheel went up/down.
You can't engage reverse in any Mustang GT I've ever driven (except the new one) that didn't require sticking the shifter in 5th first. Otherwise it was a fight to get it in or you would grind the gears.
Quote from: Raza on May 09, 2007, 05:10:02 PM
I've driven three Zs. It's indicative of their sound level. My E320 was louder than my brother's.
i thought your brother got your E320 and you got a passat. :confused:
Quote from: BMWDave on May 09, 2007, 08:24:18 PM
Someone I know also has a Lincoln LS V6 with a manual. They're really rare, from what I know, and actually they are faster than the V8 auto, I think.
I have a very hard time believing that, but I am too lazy to look up the specs.
On a side note, I've never driven a MT car that had any kind of push/pull reverse lockout.
Quote from: heelntoe on May 10, 2007, 11:23:12 AM
i thought your brother got your E320 and you got a passat. :confused:
My brother is older than I am. The lease on his E320 was up about the same time I was going away to school, and he always wanted mine anyway, so it all worked out. He had a 99, I had an 02 that he now drives.
Quote from: TBR on May 10, 2007, 11:26:55 AM
I have a very hard time believing that, but I am too lazy to look up the specs.
On a side note, I've never driven a MT car that had any kind of push/pull reverse lockout.
I know the Audi TT had push, and the 350Z has it, and the Chrysler Crossfire (and I think all Mercedes manuals) has a pull lockout.
I test drove a MX-5 Grand Touring 6 speed today. The salesman let me and my buddy take it out ourselves. I have to say, I was really surprised by just how good it was. The engine felt fine for the car, it had enough power. Wasn't fast, but it was quick, quick enough. Handling was just wonderful, and the clutch and shifter in it reminded me a lot of the RX-8's, which is one of my favorite trannys. The interior was done very well, except the Bose stereo, which sucked ass. It was a little smaller than I'd like, but still acceptable. More room than the Sky. Overall I just really enjoyed driving it. I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did, considering the power and size (or perhaps, lack of). It's something I would really consider buying as a second car. I'm kind of toying with the idea of a roadster of some sort this fall, and this just got bumped way up on the list. Bravo Mazda.
:praise: :ohyeah:
My fault earlier, the S2000 you have to push the shifter down for reverse.
The lincoln definetely you just forced left and up.
They dropped the manual in 2003 I think, and it was ever only available on the 6-cyl.
It was a really nice car, I am surprised it didn't sell well. Musta been the way it was priced or marketed ?
I'll add that most of the manuals I drive you have to push down or pull up.? (valet for 1.5 years off and on).
Quote from: Champ on May 11, 2007, 08:55:53 AM
My fault earlier, the S2000 you have to push the shifter down for reverse.
The lincoln definetely you just forced left and up.
They dropped the manual in 2003 I think, and it was ever only available on the 6-cyl.
It was a really nice car, I am surprised it didn't sell well.? Musta been the way it was priced or marketed ?
I'll add that most of the manuals I drive you have to push down or pull up.? (valet for 1.5 years off and on).
Do you think a 16 year old could valet?
Quote from: Raghavan on May 11, 2007, 09:32:58 AM
Do you think a 16 year old could valet?
Yes. We have had a few 16 and 17 year olds.
HOWEVER check your local laws, because in Minneapolis proper you need to be 18 to valet, but in the suburbs surrounding Mpls. (so different cities) you only need a license. So those younger guys couldn't work the "downtown" accounts.
Now where you live if they don't have a 18+ law, you also need to realize you may end up working pretty late some nights. Well I suppose summer is coming up so no school for you? Would matter during the school year.
Very fun job, although you get really cynical about the human race. Some people are
very stingy with their money.
Quote from: Champ on May 11, 2007, 11:42:25 AMVery fun job, although you get really cynical about the human race. Some people are very stingy with their money.
Wimmer this is just for you.
Of all the car owners, drivers of MERCEDES tip the LEAST. That isn't a guess either. (Based off of 1.5 years of valet service).
Tips (ironically) seem to be
inversely related to worth of car.
Quote from: Champ on May 11, 2007, 11:45:41 AM
Wimmer this is just for you.
Of all the car owners, drivers of MERCEDES tip the LEAST.? That isn't a guess either.? (Based off of 1.5 years of valet service).
Tips (ironically) seem to be inversely related to worth of car.
I know bartenders and waiters who've said roughly the same thing; that is, people without a lot of money tend to tip better.
Maybe it's because they're more likely to have worked some sort of service-job, so they know how much those tips mean.
I try to tip well, but sometimes it's just not possible. I'm only working 3-4 months out of the year, so I can't afford to be
too generous, and I'm not going to stay home while my friends go out to the bar just because I can't give the bartender 3 extra dollars every time he turns around and grabs a Budlight from the cooler.
That said, the last time I went out to eat with a group of friends we ended up tipping the waitress 50-75% of an 80 dollar bill. One of the friends worked at the restaraunt, so our bill would have been over 100 bucks easy, so it all works out. I bet the waitress was exstatic.
You are right about people generally with less money tip better. I attribute it to two things usually
a) they typically have worked at crappy jobs or service jobs
b) and because of (a), they know the value of money to people who are working jobs like those, which typically are students. (at least valet, I think 75% of them at my place are in college. It is a really nice job because you work nights and weekends so you never miss classes.)
I know that sometimes you just can't tip because a person may be short on money and that's fine - but when I get a tip that is lower than it costs to buy a pop in the restaurant.... let's be real here. Downtown I get a lot of repeat customers, and when they habitually tip poorly it obviously isn't because they were short on cash one time.
I like to think I tip on service. I've never used a valet, though. I don't trust them. I've seen Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
Quote from: Raza on May 11, 2007, 12:19:27 PM
I like to think I tip on service. I've never used a valet, though. I don't trust them. I've seen Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
There are a few bar/clubs downtown I wouldn't use the valets at because they do take out the nicer cars, but not the regular ones.? (they often come speeding by us at one of our accounts).
I would use my valet company without thinking twice, everyone is very professional.? I also like to believe I have a smaller chance of dinging or otherwise crashing most peoples cars, then they would if they parked it themselves. (Speaking of the general public, not enthusiasts like you guys)
Nice part about valet is cars are typically in their own lot, and if there is any damage it would (should) be covered by the valet company so you don't need to pay any money to your insurance.
i stayed at a hotel in philly where valet parking was the only parking offered at the hotel. I didn't like that, but had to go along with it. So as I'm checking out I ask for them to get my car and I can hear my poor baby with a cold engine having the piss reved out of it through the parking deck... needless to say that kid didn't get a tip and I don't plan on ever staying at the hotel again. :devil:
I would trust a valet as long as they're not leaving the parking lot with my car.
Quote from: JYODER240 on May 11, 2007, 07:16:26 PM
I would trust a valet as long as they're not leaving the parking lot with my car.
I wouldn't.
I figure they can't do anything that I wouldn't do myself :huh:
I trust the valet.
The day I delivered pizza before I quit (I was a pizza boy for only one day), I got over 20% on all of my tips :praise: