I know it’s not directly related to 992s but have a genuine inquiry. Car condos are a up and coming/already very popular thing in most cities. If you were looking to buy/lease/rent one what is some things you would want it to have that makes it better than others and “stand out”. I guess what i am saying is what do you want out of a car condo that makes it worth it and better than others. Price is obvious and location, but like as far as amenities and “features” go what would you ad that not many people think of or do?

 

What’s a car condo?

another term for an expensive parking spot?

 

My buddy in NYC utilizes one (really a fancy car park). His is of course in doors, heating and cooling, his is a very large parking spot, each individual spot is gated (meaning individual lock for each spot.) He has 24/7 access, 2-3 warm water washing stations with the basic cleaning products. All CCTV monitored, with a full time security / gate guard. They also have various events throughout the year, as there is a setting area/open areas (wine tastings, drive out events, etc.) I think he pays about 200-300 more per month than what a garage parking would be in a parking structure across from his condo in the upper east side of manhattan. His is about 15 minutes from where he lives.

I am glad I live in rural Cincinnati, I built my own detached 6 car condo to go along with my built in 3 car condo :-)

 

I would want a strong set of CC&R-s written by a proven car condo attorney. There should be assessments for dirty cars, bad colors, things like that.

 

Yes, space is a luxury for sure. I think the wash bay is a great idea. Security is always important for peace of mind. I think it’s cool they do the wine tastings and so on. I’m looking at doing a smaller one in my area (12-20 stalls) and just really looking for other car enthusiasts to see what they would like to see/be a edge over competition. Thanks for the input!

 

Basically, yes. They are large storage units with a high ceiling and garage doors as well as wide. You can keep really anything in there but mainly cars boats rvs or any grown up toys you want. It’s a storage man cave if you will. And you are surrounded with 20 other people with mostly the same interests and passions so almost a community.

here’s an example https://garagesoftexas.com/

 

I would want to check the following:

1. Their insurance coverage, both on a per renter basis and on an overall basis
2. Their relationship with the landlord, assuming there is one (i.e., they are leasing and do not own the space)
3. The garage (or condo) owner's corporate structure, including where the entity is domiciled / incorporated

 

I saw a dude on reddit posting his "car condo" which had very tall ceilings, a lift with his two cars and a stair case up to a living room/lounge area with a leather sofa, flat screen and surround sound setup with a fridge and mini bar. Very cool home away from home.

 

Take a look at the Thermal Club facilities to see what the top end of this market is doing. It is more about community/experience than having a secure storage space.

 

I am regularly at Thermal Club (it's my regular track) and the storage facilities are not really a "car condo" -- at least not in the way OP is thinking about.

Unless you live in one of the custom built homes in the grounds of the Thermal Club, storing your vehicle there would mean at least a 2 hour drive one way to get your vehicle if you live in any of the surrounding counties in Southern CA -- i.e., LA, SD, OC.

 

Check out Ultimate Garages here in Naples Fl. Went there a few weeks back for a Cars and Coffee. Great group of guys and an amazing set up. Retired cardiologist who is a car enthusiast and involved in charitable organizations.
https://www.naplesultimategarages.com/

 

 

A buddy and I went to look at the garages of Texas almost 2 years ago. They offered 3 different sizes at the time. The spaces have high ceiling but that is it. Basically, it's an empty storage space. They include duct work in the price but that's it. You have to buy your own A/C and heating unit after you purchase the space! Prices started at $250K for the smallest space and upwards to $600K. You have to pay monthly fee as well. They have a "lounge" etc. Honestly, for the price of an empty space, my buddy and I decided that just buying a house in the suburbs complete with its own garage and A/C along with better resale was a better proposition than these "car condos". But hey, if you are rich and just want a very expensive man cave, then have at it.

 

This is an overview of the AutoLodge here in town. Features a central structure for parties that includes restrooms and each unit is individually owned (no rentals). Most are set up as a "Man Cave" of sorts. With the like minded community and security it's a really nice place. I just couldn't justify the cost on my budget... I suppose that helps keep riffraff like me out of there!

 

We have a car condo development breaking ground in my city, hopefully within the next 12 months.

I am very interested in purchasing a unit. I don't look at it as a good investment. It's more of an investment into a car culture and community. Part of my rationalization is I don't spend thousands of dollars a year on tracking cars, playing golf, or other expensive hobbies.

One of the other factors is storage of my collection in conditioned space. That typically runs around $400/month per car. Owning my own unit and storing 2-3 (or eventually more) cars with 24/7 access is much more attractive than renting space.