Auto shows are a strange deal, really. Car companies spend millions to set up booths, prepare presentations, make cutaways and travel all over the world to deliver their message face-to-face with consumers. And then car guys like us ignore half the cars and bounce all giddy from the ZR1 to the GT500 to the SLS and then back to that ZR1. (Seriously, if you're going to the L.A. Show, check out the ZR1. We know the new tires are super-slick and super sticky, but wait until you see how very barely DOT these tires are.)
There are people, though who are at the auto show to shop for a new car and not just arm themselves for the next forum war. As Consumer Advice man Ron Montoya puts it, "An auto show is a great place to do your car buying research. You can cover all the automakers in a short distance and best of all there aren't any salespeople."
Fair point. To read more about how to effectively and efficiently look for a car at an auto show, read A Car Shopper's Guide to Auto Shows on Edmunds.
Do you use auto shows to look at toys, or to help with purchase decisions?
morrisg2 says:
08:46 PM, 11/20/11
I've used the Portland Auto Show for years as an indoor all makes out-of-the-rain shopping for cars experience. And since we're inside and on carpet, I usually shinny underneath the cars and get closeup photos of the suspension engineering. But then, I'm a nerd. Thanks, Dan for doing the suspension walkarounds so I don't have to look underneath as many vehicles as I used to!
stress83 says:
07:29 AM, 11/21/11
I took my in-laws to the auto show last year for their first ever car experience. They are the typical "car is an appliance" types, so they never really understood my fascination with car stuff. However, they left the auto show quite excited that they were able to narrow down all the cars they thought they'd like to the one they actually wanted to purchase (ended up with a 2012 Accord).
My wife's aunt also came along. She was convinced she wanted a new Rav 4 -- she left the show ready to purchase a new Equinox (she traded her Avalon in on one a few weeks later). My sister-in-law was similar in that she was sure she wanted a CRV. Nope -- she found the Escape to suit her better, and about two months later purchased one.
Being able to crawl in and out of the vehicles without being harassed by a salesman is really the biggest plus -- all while staying on one "lot." Everyone is looking forward to attending this year's show. Who said automotive stuff couldn't bring people together...