Hey Guys,

I'm currently living in Dallas and am moving to San Fran within the next two months. Here in Dallas, everything is big of course so parking is a plenty. Wanted to get your thoughts on owning a Z if I plan on living within the city limits (Russian Hill, Haight-Ashbury area, etc). I am trying to decided if I want to sell my Z beforehand and get more of a beater (Civic, Accord, etc). That way I won't have to worry about the cost of parking, door dings, scrapes, etc.

Thanks!

Vu

 

Are you going to have a garage where you're moving to? Or are you going to have to find street parking? I'd say keep your Z regardless....

 

The Z will definitley get a beating in the city which is why I refuse to drive it there. Unless you live on the outskirts such as Daly City, Pacifica, or South S.F., I think you'll be fine just not in the city itself. Why not just buy beater/commuter while keeping the Z? I'm sure you can find one for dirt cheap.

BTW...where exactly in the city will you be moving to if you don't mind me asking?

 

+1

If you live in the City, ditch the Z. It's gonna take a beating out there. That's not even mentioning the monster pot-holes there!

If you've got a garge, then I'd keep it. But a garage costs almost as much as a room to rent!

 

I live in the City, and if you don't have to park on the street, you'll be fine. Just never park on what we refer to as "door ding hills" which is where they have you park perpendicular to the sidewalk on hills (which is common here). That is a sure way to get your door bent if half when someone accidently let's go of their door.

If you know what neighborhood you want to live in and you don't think you will have any type of enclosed parking, start looking at garages for rent on Craig's list:

http://www.craigslist.org/sfc/prk/

I am paying $200/month for a parking space in someone's two car garage (and yes, welcome to San Francisco prices...)

 

The last time I visited a friend there, all I saw were scuffed and beaten cars. Every left rear bumper I saw had multiple paint color scratches.

If you don't mind the Z taking a beating then keep it. But if that would crush your heart (and why wouldn't it?!) then get rid of it before you go.

 

I haven't quite decided where I'm going to live yet, but our office is in the Financial district. If all goes to plan, I'm not moving in until Oct 1st so I've started to do some looking on Craigslist (let me know if you know anyone that needs a roomate). I've had some friends live in the Russian Hill/Presidio/Haight areas and I liked those. So far, I've budgeted about $200 for parking IF i take my Z, is that do-able?

Everyone's input is greatly appreciated!

 

Rent in the city is going to be REALLY expensive for the amount of space you'll get. Have you considered taking BART to work? You won't have to deal with traffic, parking, & gas. There are a few stops that will drop you off around that district. Here's a map:



So all you'll need to focus on is making sure you live near a station, which should open up your options as far as living areas & reduce the rent for you.

 

how about if u keep your Z and buy a beater car for your work....thats what i did

 

Yea I agree with him. Living in SF with a Z is gonna be a little harsh for her. If you have a garage, keep her there. Then get another beater car to drive through the city, and on the weekends use her to drive the heck out of there....

 

i live in SOMA and have a garage space. park away form other cars each time. sometimes if i have to i am super lame and park a bit over the line so people just dont park next to me without it seeming obnoxious.

but with some judicious care, you'll maybe a get a couple dings but thats all.
oh the street surface are the worst of any 'civil' domestic city by far.

 

good luck and keep the Z. there are so many fun place to drive it in the bay area, it is day trip raod trip heaven here in any direction!

 

+1 Even if you live in the city you'll more than likely not be driving to work unless you're willing to pay some huge parking fees. You're better off living outside the city & taking BART. It's not cheap either but it certainly beats having to deal with traffic & parking. Not to mention the hills if you're in a MT. driving there takes quite a bit of practice before you're good at it.

Plus you'll get much more for your dollar and could probably even find a nice appartment with garage parking. Walnut Creek comes immediately to mind as a good central area. rents aren't too bad and it's one of the nicer areas in the east bay.