Originally Posted by matsoncl
I'm surprised that no one has mentioned a big disadvantage of parking way away from other people, at least at grocery stores. It just gives shopping carts that much more unimpeded distance to build up speed before they impact. When I park in a far-away corner of the parking lot, I try to make sure that at least one car is upwind of me.
This happened to my Dodge. Washed and waxed it that day, went to the store that evening, and when I came out there was a shopping cart up against the front fender and a matching dent in the wheel opening lip.
While in Las Vegas last Thanksgiving I went to a car show with a friend. We took my Crossfire and parked next to a SSR. The SSR was parked halfway into a zoned off section of the lot so there was plenty of room between our doors. When we returned after the show the SSR was gone and in it's place was a Lexus RX SUV and on the other side of my Crossfire was a BMW. So when someone parks next to you it may be because they are trying to protect their car from door dings and not just to peeve you off.
I was in a lot one time ready to leave and had an older 20-25 year old Cadillac next to me. I carefully opened my door so as not to hit the door of the Caddy. Unknown to me the owner was behind me and actually thanked me for not dinging his door.