jungathart said:
Hi Bart,
Nice car, the 550!
I have not had my Mondial for too long but cannot see it parked anywhere but in the garage. Am I simply overconcerned or paranoid about vandalism?
Hi Jung,
In a way you are overly concerned and in others not. Let me explain how I came to terms with the dilemma.
I think the first thing to do is consider the type of area you are parking your car.
Is it a 'good' neighborhood?
Is the car parked in a high visability area? Begging for unwanted attention.
Is it going to be out of your sight for a long period of time?
Is the parking area secure, like a parking garage, semi-secure?
If it is in a public lot can you park away from others to reduce door dings?
When I am at a restaurant I try to park where I can keep an eye on it or at least peek out at it once in a while. I have parked at gas stations, restaurants, fast food joints and grocery stores observing what people do around the car when they think nobody is watching. Most are respectful that I have seen. In the year and a half I have owned the car nobody has messed with it.
The worst places I can think of is in the 'inner city', on the street, parallel parked, damage and vandals. A mall parking lot, damage and vandals.
Movie theater, damage and vandals. Clubs and bars, damage and vandals.
One last point. I have insurance on my 308 that covers vandalism. It would break my heart if someone hurt my car but after all, it is a car and it can be repaired.
If I worried so much about what other people would do to my car I would not have any fun when I took it out. I try to excersize a little faith in humanity. Living in the northwest USA helps too. I live in a rural area where most are 'car guys (and girls)' anyway and are mostly just curious.