I just got my RX-8, I currently go to college, and have to park it in a lot with hundreds of other cars (this is not an option). My question is, do you think if i bought a car cover that it would protect people from wanting to key it, or break in, or just add to their desire to mess up my car?

If the answer is no, what can I do, or should I do, parking far away would just single it out more (and I'm starting to think the car cover would too). The school I go to isn't *ghetto* but we do have a high rate of theft / smashed windows / keying and such. Any advice would be great!

-Rupes

 

The car cover would likely draw more attention to it.

The two best ways to get your car keyed are:

1) park your car so that you use up more than one parking spot.

2) use a car cover.

 

if one is scratching ur car intentionally, nothing can be done. unless ur gonna hire a security guard. As mentioned be4, this car is not really suitable for college. And actually u have the answer in ur mind: "but we do have a high rate of theft / smashed windows / keying and such."

 

I would sell the car and wait to get one after you finish school. Get a good beater. Or get a second car and drive it to school and drive the 8 on the weekends.

 

I have the same problem....

I just upgraded from a Civic, and even my Civic was scratched (key marks) by some *ssholes.

i am starting to worry bout my beautiful 8.... dun trust the carpark in my university

so there's nofin i can do to protect it if its my only car?

 

put a video camera in the car while you are out .if your worried about someone stealing the camera rent one and get the insurance on it.

 

I don't know man... there's really nothing you can do to protect your car. While at OSU, my friends witnessed my Integra being broken into in broad daylight at 7:30 in the morning! Another time I heard a loud noise in the parking lot at my apartment. I went outside only to see some stupid girl in her Cherokee looking at the fender of my 3000GT, which she had clipped trying to pull into a friggin parking space. My wife's (girlfriend at the time) Civic was keyed really badly twice in the same week in one of the campus parking lots (of course, I think my psychotic ex-girlfriend did that). Most of the time when I returned to my car after class, my Viper alarm told me that the shock sensor had been tripped (careless people flinging their doors open, hitting my mirrors with their backpacks, etc.) I think your crazy to have a car this nice on campus. It's your choice--just be prepared for the inevitable damage that will occur. Sorry to say that, but you and I both know it's the truth.

By the way, what brings you to BGSU from California? Do you have family out here or something?

 

My parents are alumni at BGSU, so i pay almost nothing to go to school there.

I'm also just leasing the car for 4 years, I figure this way I won't be as "attached" to it as some people are. Don't get me wrong, I love the car, but if it gets dinged here and there I'm not going to flip out.

-Rupes

 

Just because it's leased doesn't mean you're not responsible for the condition it's in at turn-in. Most of the lease docs tell exactly what you'll pay for, usually dings bigger than a 1/4" and scratches longer than 1/2" will cost you $100 each. Of course real damage will be higher.

 

I hate A**HOLES who can't apreciate others hard work, my car got scratch last week, and I am in pain still. Although I am taking it to a shop next week. Hope for the best.

 

Don't listen to those who say sell it and wait till after college! Just enjoy it and pray!!