[Mr Burt]

It's a Darwin thing.
Weak/stupid/insecure seek comfort from like species and the need to be accepted and part of a group.

[TheLiverBird]

Originally Posted by MashinBenzin

I think that the Focus driver thought parking next to you was a safe place to be, no chance of dings from your car. Possibly someone who cares about their car as much as we all do.

If he was trying to irritate, he'd have parked closer.

+1

I too always park away from others however I have a nagging worry that sometimes prevails. If you leaves spaces on both sides that's 2 opportunities for bellends to come and park after you and ding your car. And indeed, if they return to the car before you do, that doubles your chances to 4 opportunities to get your pride and joy damaged.

In order to half this back down to 2 chances end spaces are best - also let out any passengers first and enter the space (dependant on if it's a right or left end) so that the passenger side is as close to the end as possible.

Another tactic (as probably used by the Focus driver) would be to park next to a similar marque of car (or better) in the hope that they take a pride in their belongings and therefore would make a conscious effort to not damage your car.

In all cases however make sure you're back in your car as soon as possible so fewer people have time to park next to you.

Or take the missus car instead (I always try to find a way of using my missus Juke for parking in supermarkets or multi-storey car parks - which I also hate as not only are the spaces regularly a good six to twelve inches too small for any modern car bigger than a Fiat 500 they also regularly contain shin high concrete barriers on entry and exit that snake around like a bitch and try to catch your wheels and bumpers (and yes I can drive properly but as with the spaces these were clearly designed with the Fiat 500 in mind!)).

Basically I hate leaving my car anywhere other than on my drive and at my works carpark and it causes no end of stress and anxiety. I have issues!!!

[Dr Forinor]

Originally Posted by XWV

Well let's face it, that covers 75% of the people in any supermarket car park, at least round here.

Yup, agreed, I think it's probably 75% everywhere.

Originally Posted by dopper99

Although I do fear I'll get the "whats the problem" response.

That's it, thy genuinely see nothing wrong with it. And t be strictly fair, there is of course nothing wrong with it. It was an empty parking space, he had every right to park in it. But people like that will never see our point of view on the matter.

Originally Posted by Tengocity

If the car park is quiet and likely to remain that way then park across two bays, or just across one line

The problem with parking over 2 spaces is I have a fear someone will deliberately key the car (or some form of vandalism) because of my parking. Parking over a line is plausible I suppose, it'll just look like I can't park haha!

TheLiverBird I hear you, my brother from another mother! Thing is, I rather enjoy taking my car, whether that's a 350mile trip to Manchester, or 0.5mile trip to the local Sainsbury's. For me it's an occasion to take my car out every chance I get.

[McBeemer]

Originally Posted by TheLiverBird

+1

Another tactic (as probably used by the Focus driver) would be to park next to a similar marque of car (or better) in the hope that they take a pride in their belongings and therefore would make a conscious effort to not damage your car.

A slightly older reg BMW "modern" with 17" wheels, lashings of chrome, often sporting an AA badge on the grill, in a maroon or beigeish colour is ideal to park next to .... the driver usually wears driving gloves, suede shoes & guards his car with his life!!

[225]

I worked with a couple of guys who always parked next to the nice bmw, Mercs etc as they thought their owners were less likely to prangs their own car.

[Tengocity]

The problem with parking next to BMW's, Mercs, audis etc is that they can easily be average company car drivers who often care the least about their cars.

It's going off topic but the thing I can't bring myself to do is park next to a car that I can see has baby seats in it!

[HighlandPete]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

It's going off topic but the thing I can't bring myself to do is park next to a car that I can see has baby seats in it!

Same here.

Plus some of these mothers can be the worst drivers around, not concentrating due to distraction. Tailgating because they are late to school, etc., kids getting out unsupervised, and the evidence of contact with cars and/or objects on their cars.

At least most of them park as close to the supermarket doors as possible, I'm parked as far away as possible.

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

Same here.

Plus some of these mothers can be the worst drivers around, not concentrating due to distraction. Tailgating because they are late to school, etc., kids getting out unsupervised, and the evidence of contact with cars and/or objects on their cars.

At least most of them park as close to the supermarket doors as possible, I'm parked as far away as possible.

Well, even the men with baby seats are to be avoided! It's almost impossible to get a baby out without opening the door wider than car parks really allow.

[NISFAN]

All those of you who go out of their way to park in remote quiet spots need to remember, there are two types of person who park in those remote spots. One, the guy who doesn't want his car damaged, the second is those really shit drivers that are too embarrassed to attempt to park in the 'busy' part.
The latter type also finds it helpful to park next to lone cars, as a parking guide.

Ironic.

[225]

I just cannot believe in this day and age we do not have bmw only parking bays. It's scandalous. All they have to do is make them as wide as the parent bays with big gaps between them. Do they not know who we are?! Goes without saying this is for 6 cylinder versions only of course.....

I blame Labour and climate change.

[430GH]

Originally Posted by HighlandPete

Same here.

Plus some of these mothers can be the worst drivers around, not concentrating due to distraction. Tailgating because they are late to school, etc., kids getting out unsupervised, and the evidence of contact with cars and/or objects on their cars.

At least most of them park as close to the supermarket doors as possible, I'm parked as far away as possible.

I was at the gym last week and saw a lovely child dragging her umbrella across the corner of the car parked next to them. The mother was busy sorting shit out on the other side of the car.....

I don't park next to cars that appear to be "family" cars. try and find 2 door coupe's if I can't find a quite part.

[Tengocity]

Originally Posted by 430GH

I was at the gym last week and saw a lovely child dragging her umbrella across the corner of the car parked next to them. The mother was busy sorting shit out on the other side of the car.....

I don't park next to cars that appear to be "family" cars. try and find 2 door coupe's if I can't find a quite part.

But 2 door coupes are to be avoided too as the larger doors need to be opened further for someone to get in... basically every car is to be avoided

[Hooded]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

But 2 door coupes are to be avoided too as the larger doors need to be opened further for someone to get in... basically every car is to be avoided

Agree with that, I try and avoid parking next to 2 door coupes with large doors

[Ss66]

Basically I hate leaving my car anywhere other than on my drive and at my works carpark and it causes no end of stress and anxiety. I have issues!!!


You are not alone lol.

[Lorcan]

Next time try parking like this. Post photos for proof

[Dr Forinor]

I would love to park like that. But then knowing my luck, there will be someone out there who will want to "teach me a lesson" and key my car or something!

[Lorcan]

It doesn't always work...

[creepy coupe]

Wind-up.

[smithers330d]

What if it had been another F31 parked next to you instead of the Ford? I've been known to park next to another equally nice and specced BMW where other spaces have clearly been available, purely so I can stand back and admire the beemers innit!

If I parked next to your car, would I be in your bad books?

[Dr Forinor]

Hehehe, I dont think it's about who parked next to me.

That day there were 2 reasons for me having parked in the middle of nowhere;

1. I don't want door dings
2. My daughter was with me in the passenger side, allows me to open the door fully to get her in, or even if she got in herself, I wouldn't be afraid of her bashing the car that was parked next to me

[dopper99]

Asda car park. My old 335d.

[Ss66]

Originally Posted by Lorcan

Next time try parking like this. Post photos for proof

TBF I'm sure a lot of us would like to Park in that manner.