Valet parking

unknownone · 06-30-2007, 06:56 AM

Hi all,

I been driving my new Silver 2007 Prius for about 3 weeks now. I love it it. The problem, I have is valet parking. I have been avoiding valet parking (walking 3 extra blocks to park in the street) because of not wanting to giving out my smart key to anyone. I love the Smart key feature but letting the parking attendant have my fob, is hard. Is this just me or other Prius owners feel the same way?

How are you all doing the valet parking thing? Anyone having problems handing over the fob to the parking attendant?

Trevor · 06-30-2007, 08:10 AM

I used to have that problem and avoided valet at all costs. Now I've discovered that the majority of NYC lots are pretty used to SKS systems. It's been 50/50 mix of valets that put my fob in the dash and ones that put it in my cupholder.

The first time I ever had to use valet parking, the valet went into a panic when he brought my car back. I was checking my voicemail on my cell phone, but as he got near me the audio switched over to the car. He hoped out saying the he didn't touch anything but a message just started playing. So my only advice would be to avoid making any phone calls while waiting for your car.

I'm comfortable with valet's now, but valet parking is still my last choice.

Doc Willie · 07-01-2007, 01:47 PM

Supposedly there is a "Valet card" that you can get free from the dealer to show valets how to start and stop the car. Maybe it is online somewhere. There is a link here but I can't call up the card.

Maybe somebody else has figured it out.

TheAnnoyingOne · 07-01-2007, 01:56 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Doc Willie @ Jul 1 2007, 10:47 AM) [snapback]471064[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Supposedly there is a "Valet card" that you can get free from the dealer to show valets how to start and stop the car. Maybe it is online somewhere. There is a link here but I can't call up the card.

Maybe somebody else has figured it out.
[/b]

At the front of the arm-rest compartment the 2006 has a small pad with valet parking cards.

NoMoShocks · 07-01-2007, 02:45 PM

I wonder if the Valet Trade Organization could publish a Valet Trade Magazine with tips like working with Smart Key Systems, and listening to what the car owner tells you. Back in 1977, my brother had a Ford Torino that would peal out on its own if you gave it too much gas. I found out later it was a broken motor mount and fixed it for him. Anyway, he explained the problem to a valet, and asked them to be careful. The guy gave him a glaring look as if to say, Don't tell me how to drive, I know how. Then we watched as he burnt rubber all the way around the lot. When we came out, he let us go get the car ourselves.

Bill Merchant · 07-01-2007, 07:03 PM

Here's a Spanish version.

<div align="center">[attachmentid=9351] </div>

zaxinc · 07-01-2007, 10:43 PM

In LA valet parking is a way of life, but I try to avoid it as much as possible because we don't mind the extra exercise walking. However, in the times of no choice, I make sure the valet guy knows how to start and turn off the car before I leave. It just makes sense to make sure they now. You never know who the valet guy is, usually some high school kid.

lenjack · 07-02-2007, 12:15 AM

7 month old Prius. I avoid valet because I fear they might screw it up. I do have the valet cards.

peldering · 07-02-2007, 12:23 AM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Trevor @ Jun 30 2007, 05:10 AM) [snapback]470548[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I used to have that problem and avoided valet at all costs. Now I've discovered that the majority of NYC lots are pretty used to SKS systems. It's been 50/50 mix of valets that put my fob in the dash and ones that put it in my cupholder.

The first time I ever had to use valet parking, the valet went into a panic when he brought my car back. I was checking my voicemail on my cell phone, but as he got near me the audio switched over to the car. He hoped out saying the he didn't touch anything but a message just started playing. So my only advice would be to avoid making any phone calls while waiting for your car.

I'm comfortable with valet's now, but valet parking is still my last choice.
[/b]

Hi:
Card no longer comes with 2007 delivery - per dealer. Fortunately I rented one and it had cards in the glove compartment, so I copied it!!!

Good luck

hobbit · 07-02-2007, 12:42 AM

well, as you peruse this you'll find a fairly decent printable
image of the valet cards if you didn't get any and want to make
some of your own.
.
I would turn OFF SKS, possibly even hacking the wiring behind the
switch a little so they can't easily turn it back on if they know
about it, and ask them to use the fob like a key to avoid confusion.
There's a certain risk that they'd leave the car open.
.
_H*

06-30-2007, 06:56 AM	#1
unknownone Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 7 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Hi all, I been driving my new Silver 2007 Prius for about 3 weeks now. I love it it. The problem, I have is valet parking. I have been avoiding valet parking (walking 3 extra blocks to park in the street) because of not wanting to giving out my smart key to anyone. I love the Smart key feature but letting the parking attendant have my fob, is hard. Is this just me or other Prius owners feel the same way? How are you all doing the valet parking thing? Anyone having problems handing over the fob to the parking attendant? __________________ 2007 Silver Prius With Option #2 & Add On Alarm

06-30-2007, 08:10 AM	#2
Trevor Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Staten Island, NY Posts: 316 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 1	I used to have that problem and avoided valet at all costs. Now I've discovered that the majority of NYC lots are pretty used to SKS systems. It's been 50/50 mix of valets that put my fob in the dash and ones that put it in my cupholder. The first time I ever had to use valet parking, the valet went into a panic when he brought my car back. I was checking my voicemail on my cell phone, but as he got near me the audio switched over to the car. He hoped out saying the he didn't touch anything but a message just started playing. So my only advice would be to avoid making any phone calls while waiting for your car. I'm comfortable with valet's now, but valet parking is still my last choice. __________________ 2006 Seaside Pearl #7 Acquired 3/9/2006

07-01-2007, 02:45 PM	#5
NoMoShocks Electrical Engineer Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Camas, WA Posts: 1,024 My Car: 2007 Prius Package: #5 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I wonder if the Valet Trade Organization could publish a Valet Trade Magazine with tips like working with Smart Key Systems, and listening to what the car owner tells you. Back in 1977, my brother had a Ford Torino that would peal out on its own if you gave it too much gas. I found out later it was a broken motor mount and fixed it for him. Anyway, he explained the problem to a valet, and asked them to be careful. The guy gave him a glaring look as if to say, Don't tell me how to drive, I know how. Then we watched as he burnt rubber all the way around the lot. When we came out, he let us go get the car ourselves. __________________ Lightning Green McQueen, and owner Larry 2007 Pkg 5, Jan 2007 with modifications: Toyota Mudguards Feb 2007 LED Signal mirrors March 2007 Wheelskins Leather Steering Wheel March 2007 ScanGuage II, March 2007 BT Tech Stiffening Plate, March 2007 Nokian WR 195-60R-15 tires, Nov 2007 Solar Gaurd window tint, Feb 2008 Fog Lights on idependant of headlamps, Feb 2008 BT Tech Strut Tower Brace, April, 2008

07-01-2007, 07:03 PM	#6
Bill Merchant absit invidia Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA \| Oregon \| Portland area \| 97004 \| Posts: 3,951 My Car: 2007 Prius Package: #5 Nominated 6 Times in 1 Post TOTM Awards: 1 Friends: 52	Here's a Spanish version. <div align="center">[attachmentid=9351] </div> Last edited by Bill Merchant; 05-09-2008 at 04:07 AM.

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07-01-2007, 01:47 PM	#3
Doc Willie Shuttlecraft Commander Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Out there, somewhere Posts: 1,057 My Car: 2007 Prius Package: #5 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 8	Supposedly there is a "Valet card" that you can get free from the dealer to show valets how to start and stop the car. Maybe it is online somewhere. There is a link here but I can't call up the card. Maybe somebody else has figured it out.

07-01-2007, 10:43 PM	#7
zaxinc Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 64 My Car: 2007 Prius Package: #2 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	In LA valet parking is a way of life, but I try to avoid it as much as possible because we don't mind the extra exercise walking. However, in the times of no choice, I make sure the valet guy knows how to start and turn off the car before I leave. It just makes sense to make sure they now. You never know who the valet guy is, usually some high school kid.

07-02-2007, 12:15 AM	#8
lenjack Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Pennsylvania USA Posts: 330 My Car: 2007 Prius Package: #5 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	7 month old Prius. I avoid valet because I fear they might screw it up. I do have the valet cards.

07-02-2007, 12:42 AM	#10
hobbit Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Bahstahn Posts: 2,957 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	well, as you peruse this you'll find a fairly decent printable image of the valet cards if you didn't get any and want to make some of your own. . I would turn OFF SKS, possibly even hacking the wiring behind the switch a little so they can't easily turn it back on if they know about it, and ask them to use the fob like a key to avoid confusion. There's a certain risk that they'd leave the car open. . _H*