http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/ Autoblog Comments for http://www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/
While studying for my masters I had the opportunity to meet with the VP of teh Americas division of Lexus. He was insistint that drivers of Lexus cars were stuck up and that they were content knowing that they were driving the best car on the planet and would rather not have any badging on the car indicating its status. His perception of Lexus drivers was that they were self-centered, self-actualized individuals who not only thought, but 'knew' they were the best people on Earth.

This was such a turnoff that the VP of a company thought that his customers were so much better than everyone else.

I have no problem saying that Lexus makes a nice luxury car, but it is by no means the end-all be-all in the automotive world. Frankly I don't think any one company can claim that.]]>Aug 10th 2006 10:47AMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/
Every time people put a hidden camera in a car, they are rewarded with footage of some dirtbag valet rifling through every nook and cranny of their car, looking for something to steal. Especially true for parking at clubs, not so bad at hotels.

They will then drive the hell out of your car on the way to the parking space and back.

Sure, some valets are just honest, decent people. But for the most part, you are insane to use valet parking if you have any other option.

]]>Aug 10th 2006 10:54AMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/Aug 10th 2006 10:58AMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/
WHAT story?

-C]]>Aug 10th 2006 12:32PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/
Parker: One who puts or leaves (a vehicle) for a time in a certain location.

If it's really a valet, I'd also like my chrome buffed, there's a good fellow.]]>Aug 10th 2006 12:46PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/Aug 10th 2006 12:48PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/
After reading that pabulum I had a strong urge to go out and buy a domestic economy car.

Who's been drinking Kool-Aid at Lexus?]]>Aug 10th 2006 12:51PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/Aug 10th 2006 12:55PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/Aug 10th 2006 1:51PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/
Tipping at arrival might ensure some good treatment, but tipping upon departure allows you to make sure you are tipping for good service. Which comes first, the good treatment or the good tip? I really don't know...

Do Valets keep a (mental) list of bad tippers? I know a waitress who says she mentally remembers bad tippers, but I don't think I frequent the clubs often enough to be remembered. I think that "tip shame" screams dirtbag more than "car shame".]]>Aug 10th 2006 2:23PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/Aug 10th 2006 4:21PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/Aug 10th 2006 4:45PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/
$$$$

I'd put a rusted oYugo up front if he flashed me enough dough. Back in my day (early 90's) $20 would do it, maybe it takes more now.

For the record, the most arrogant drivers I saw were 911 drivers. They always wanted the up front spot, but wouldn't flash any money up front. Assuming they're gonna 'take care of you', I'd leave them up front. Then you'd pull ther car out of that prime real estate when they came out and they'd give ya like $2.

If you want special tratment, tip good up front, but the usual practice is to tip at pick up.]]>Aug 10th 2006 5:18PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/]]>Aug 10th 2006 6:11PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/
i valet part time, and neither i or my coworkers have ever stolen anything, if anything valets are more cautious when driving others cars. if i so much as scratched someone elses car as i was valeting my boss would most likely fire me.

heres a tip to people who valet their cars..if the valet is "complimentary" a 3-5+ dollar tip is very welcome. usually people tip after they receive their car (on the way home), but people who tip when leaving the car to us usually get a spot up close, so they arent waiting as long later to get their car. if you have to pay for valet...again just tip 3-5 dollars. as long as its not a dollar or a handshake.]]>Aug 10th 2006 7:26PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/No 1
The term for that kind of attitude is UNPRETENTIOUS, and that is not a bad thing.]]>Aug 10th 2006 10:17PMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/
Owning a Lexus is the most mediocre of aspirations -- it's a nice car, but so is a Camry.

]]>Aug 11th 2006 3:32AMhttp://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/10/lexus-exposes-the-world-of-the-valet/Aug 11th 2006 10:56PM