To valet or not to valet?

[fsj85]

I have a job tomorrow at the Drake hotel, downtown. I was told to valet my vehicle, it's free. I don't know if I want to, having to explain the details of 1) starting my "particular vehicle" and 2) driving my "particular vehicle" seems like a lot of trouble. The valets, most likely, have never driven a carbureted vehicle and then there is the leak down issue with the torque converter - "so... after you pump the gas three times, turn the key, it should start then put it in neutral, count to ten then put it in gear. Oh and by the way, it doesn't have reverse lights right now, I'm having an issue with the the harness so... don't expect people to yield when you start backing up. And I know how much change is in there, don't get any ideas."

[chuckchili]

I would skip the valet. Too much trouble.

[bowtieman55]

+1...skip it even when your rig is running right

[jpcoutts]

I say skip the valet. They'll probably never have driven a non fuel-injected vehicle, much less one that needs a little TLC.

[FSJ Guy]

About a year or two ago, a member here had his truck valet'ed and the guy put the t-case in low range (Why, we'll never know). Busted the t-case. Fortunately, the dinner was on the house and they paid for his repairs.

And I've seen how some of those kids drive. Almost got ran over by one in a parking deck once. (at an upscale hotel, too!) I NEVER use valet parking, esp. with my truck.

[fsj85]

Yeah, I'm not going to. I was considering it but it's way to much trouble also I don't want to pay, even if it's a 3 dollar tip, to go to work.

[bigun]

Sorry only I or those I trust drive my rig

[DerekTJeep]

I did valet parking for my 1991 Grand Wagoneer back in '04. It was an easy one, but I wouldn't want to do it again. I've not done valet parking for a long time.

[mdill]

Some places the Valet is the only parking place you can get, give the guy a couple bucks, have him point or give him a ride to the spot, on the way out do the same.
If there is an easy alternative, skip the valet.
Mike D.

[bigun]

Of course it would be kind of fun to pull up in Crom just to see the look in their eyes

[Lindel]

Park it under the overhang, what the heck! ;)

I wouldn't let the kids drive it myself, too much to deal with.

[ABN82MP]

A little late, but...

http://blogs.cars.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/06/28/winnipegjoyride.jpg

Don't Valet!

[John Huebner]

Not that I get to do it very often...but I enjoy having my vehicles valet parked...The Mistress (89 YJ, Full off road setup with Swampers) doesn't ALWAYS get washed, had it valet parked by what used to be the Adam's Mark valet here in STL....and she was Mud from Bottom to Top. THAT was interesting to watch them get in and out of.

Dino (the 89 Waggy) is fully stock, but the old guy came out and said "Boy,s I'LL park this one"....he also retrieved it. And, he THANKED me for letting him have the pleasure of driving it in the garage! :D

[tonyrio]

I dunno which would be more frightening... valet parking it, or leaving it in the GE commuter lot while taking the train!

[waynestiles]

I've routinely haul too much----stuff----in the back on my GW to entrust the keys to someone else; even though it drives fairly normally for a carburated vehicle.

[jstggs]

FSJ GUY that was me! the valet thought the low range lever was the e brake and he tried to power slide it or something, we forget. they were nice enough to pay for a new transfer box AT THE DEALER.