Pittsburgh Forum

Any of yinz going to the Car Show this year?  I wasn’t going to go but am thinking about it now because I’m suddenly contemplating buying a new car. 

No.  You can’t buy a car there, which is exactly what makes it enjoyable.  You know how when you’re at a dealership you can’t even show your face before a sales associate starts hounding you?  Well, that doesn’t happen at the auto show.  You are free to get inside the cars, look under the hood, etc.  Everything but test drive.  There are reps there if you have questions but there is never any pressure to buy. 

Yes, there are always a few concept cars which are cool to look at but the vast majority are cars available on the lots this year.  Most of the people attending the show are willing to answer any questions you may have also.  Before I bought my first Subaru, I checked it out at the auto show.  Since many people are loyal to particular makes, I hung around the Subaru area for a while and asked people if they own a Subaru and asked specific questions to those who did.  I didn’t find even one person who wasn’t eager to provide information. 

The only drawback to the show is that it does get crowded.  And I have to admit that I get pissed when people let their kids fart around in the cars when there are adults waiting their turn to get in.  I like to set in all the seats.  If it is an SUV I actually get in the back (on alll fours) to see how my German Shepherd dogs would fit.  If the back seats fold down, I want to feel for myself how easy or difficult it is to maneuver them.  When possible, I like to close all the doors and see how much outside sound I can hear (usually not possible, even without the kids around). 

You can get coupons for $2 off admission at Subway restaurants.