Auto Shows Can Be a Secret Weapon for Car Shoppers
Buyers should check out the events before heading to the dealership
Khodrocar - Car shows are an excellent place for would-be buyers to compare and contrast the latest offerings without the pressure of salespeople looking over their shoulders—if those buyers are prepared.
Although the massive New York Auto Show is open to the public only through April 8, there are 48 other auto shows being held across the country in 2018. They take place in cities from Albany to Washington, D.C., and they all let shoppers check out cars in person—inside and out—without the pressure of going to dealerships.
The ability to compare cars side-by-side is one of the main benefits of going to an auto show, according to Barbara Pudney, vice president of Paragon Group, which produces auto shows in Denver, Boston, and other major U.S. cities.
"You’re thinking in your mind, ‘Camry,’” she says, "and you suddenly get to match it to Sonata and Accord, and they’re right there next to each other.”
Jake Fisher, director of auto testing at Consumer Reports, agrees. "An auto show is a fast and efficient way to get into a variety of vehicles from different manufacturers without the pressure of a salesperson trying to close a deal,” he says.
Despite what many shoppers might think, cars cannot be purchased at auto shows. Instead of salespeople, automakers send trained representatives to answer questions about the vehicles on display.
Get the Most Out of an Auto Show
You should be prepared before you hit the show floor:
*Narrow the list of cars you’re interested in before you get there.
*Take everyone who will drive the car, so they can all judge its comfort and ergonomics.
*If you have kids, see how easy it is for them to get into a third row and use the seat belts.
*Make sure the brands you want to see will be there—not all cars are at all shows.
*Remember to take notes and pictures of cars and features that you’re interested in.
*Collect brochures to help with taking notes and so you can review them at home.
*Be open-minded: You might really end up liking a car that wasn’t on your original list.
*Spend time with the cars. Check out the feel of the materials, the comfort of the seats, and the ease of getting in and out. Even if there’s a crowd, make sure you spend enough time in a car to form a valid opinion.
*Ask questions. The representatives are trained to answer them, and they won’t pressure you to buy.
Although the massive New York Auto Show is open to the public only through April 8, there are 48 other auto shows being held across the country in 2018. They take place in cities from Albany to Washington, D.C., and they all let shoppers check out cars in person—inside and out—without the pressure of going to dealerships.
The ability to compare cars side-by-side is one of the main benefits of going to an auto show, according to Barbara Pudney, vice president of Paragon Group, which produces auto shows in Denver, Boston, and other major U.S. cities.
"You’re thinking in your mind, ‘Camry,’” she says, "and you suddenly get to match it to Sonata and Accord, and they’re right there next to each other.”
Jake Fisher, director of auto testing at Consumer Reports, agrees. "An auto show is a fast and efficient way to get into a variety of vehicles from different manufacturers without the pressure of a salesperson trying to close a deal,” he says.
Despite what many shoppers might think, cars cannot be purchased at auto shows. Instead of salespeople, automakers send trained representatives to answer questions about the vehicles on display.
Get the Most Out of an Auto Show
You should be prepared before you hit the show floor:
*Narrow the list of cars you’re interested in before you get there.
*Take everyone who will drive the car, so they can all judge its comfort and ergonomics.
*If you have kids, see how easy it is for them to get into a third row and use the seat belts.
*Make sure the brands you want to see will be there—not all cars are at all shows.
*Remember to take notes and pictures of cars and features that you’re interested in.
*Collect brochures to help with taking notes and so you can review them at home.
*Be open-minded: You might really end up liking a car that wasn’t on your original list.
*Spend time with the cars. Check out the feel of the materials, the comfort of the seats, and the ease of getting in and out. Even if there’s a crowd, make sure you spend enough time in a car to form a valid opinion.
*Ask questions. The representatives are trained to answer them, and they won’t pressure you to buy.
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