I knew I'd regret it...

"Pixel" (Improbcat) 01/20/2016 at 11:20 • Filed to: None

3

13

Went to a sci-fi convention in Boston this weekend. Valet parked the xB because I had too much going on to deal with hiking in from far off free parking and/or a cheap lot.

Now I hate the idea of strangers driving my car. I’m fine with friends and loan them out regularly, but having my car in the possession of strangers puts me on edge every time.

But everything seemed fine, and when we were leaving they brought my car up to the door with minimal delay. As I walked up to the car the valet ran around to the back(cutting me off), to open the rear hatch. I said “be gentle” 5 seconds before he yanked up hard on the rear hatch handle, snapping it off the mounting studs on one side with a loud *crack*. He then sort of poked at it, and stepped back so I could see to visibly sticking out on one side and loose.

Even better, after having my partner help me load our luggage(I wasn’t going to let this orangutan near my bin of props & costumes), the guy had the temerity to hold his hand out for a tip. I just looked at his hand, looked him in the eye, and slammed the car door in his face.

I’ve already spoken to the company rep, who passed my info on to the person in charge(who is supposed to call me within 48 hours), and gotten a $234 quote to replace the handle. But this was the last thing I wanted to deal with, especially as I also had a custom prop I build stolen at the show.

Needmoargarage > Pixel 01/20/2016 at 11:24

1

I think the great majority of xBs that I’ve seen have that very handle dangling by a bit of tape. Always looked pretty flimsy to me.

Hope you’re able to get compensated.

d15b > Pixel 01/20/2016 at 11:26

0

Come on, you know better than that! If you got legs, use them. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re older.

fourvalleys > Needmoargarage 01/20/2016 at 11:29

1

I’ve got a relative with an xB, they call it “Scion-itis.”

At least they learned their lesson and use a few nuts to hold it onto the FR-S/BRZ.

Pixel > Needmoargarage 01/20/2016 at 11:37

1

Yeah, it’s a design defect, the button takes a second to unlock the hatch and the handle is flimsy. So if you just yank up without waiting for the latch you’ll tear it off. It is even more fragile in cold weather, which is why I specifically told him to be gentle.

Pixel > d15b 01/20/2016 at 11:41

0

Walking several blocks in sub-freezing driving wind off the bay while lugging a 24 gallon rolling bin with a duffle bag the same size on top was not going to do my body any favors.

Justin Hughes > Pixel 01/20/2016 at 11:43

0

You’re not the only one I know who’s had valet parking issues at Arisia. A few years back a friend of mine (friend of ours, probably) got her Audi S4 Avant back with a pole sized indentation in the back bumper.

I hadn’t remembered that when I went to the auto show next door this weekend, but now, despite the T issues, I’m glad I didn’t drive.

RazoE > Pixel 01/20/2016 at 11:51

0

You don’t carry multiple spare handles like the rest of us xB owners? All joking aside, some aftermarket versions are cheaper/stronger.

Needmoargarage > fourvalleys 01/20/2016 at 11:57

0

I read this as “Scion-tits” and was somewhat confused...and ashamed.

Pixel > RazoE 01/20/2016 at 11:59

0

This is my second one, with the prior one being repaired multiple times. I cracked it the first time, and have opened it gently since. Since then though other people keep ripping them off my car, even when I warn them.

gin-san - shitpost specialist > Pixel 01/20/2016 at 12:50

1

I have a good friend who used to be a valet when he was younger; in short, I will never valet my car.

I can park and drive it myself, I don’t need to pay for the “luxury” of just leaving my car at the front door in the hands of a total stranger.

E92M3 > Pixel 01/20/2016 at 13:34

0

I’ve adopted a “no valet” policy. A lot of restaurants in Atlanta have mandatory valet. Guess who doesn’t go to any of them?

Pixel > gin-san - shitpost specialist 01/20/2016 at 13:59

0

Yeah that is generally my attitude. However when my options are valet or lot several blocks away and I have a ton of luggage the choice is harder. In retrospect though I should have made the walk.

jkm7680 > Pixel 01/25/2016 at 09:15

0

What a dickhead valet. Hope you get money to replace it.