Start Your vehicle Search at an Auto Show

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The auto show season is underway, and if you believe these events are only for car superfans, think again: They’re actually perfect places to shop for your next new car.

While you cannot purchase a vehicle in an auto show, for around exactly the same ticket price as a movie, you’re liberated to compare as numerous models as you would like. You can sit behind the wheel, pile in the kids to ascertain if all of them easily fit in the back seat, and find out about the latest safety and gratifaction features from product specialists.

Some shows even offer test drives. The la Auto Show expects to have almost 100 models that visitors can join drive.

Small car shows appear throughout the year all over the country, but four major events tend to steal all the thunder. The season starts in November using the Los Angeles Auto Show – known for its eco-friendly niche. Detroit’s United states International Auto Show follows in January, then Chicago’s Auto Show in February. The season closes with the Ny International Auto Show in April. Read this list of other local shows.

Here’s why it makes sense?to do your price comparisons at an auto show:

You’ll see?cars from many makers under one roof

Usually, to comparison-shop cars, you need to spend your weekends running anywhere from one?dealership?to another – and you’re likely to look at only a few with your short time and. In an auto show, you should check out your preferred brand’s newest models, then simply walk over the convention center?floor to scope?the competitors. You may even find a car you never might have considered before -?due to the fact it’s very easy?to determine and experience in person.

There’s no sales pressure

Each area is?staffed by auto experts -?but not salespeople. They’re not thinking about selling you the car there at that moment; they just wish to assist you to learn more about their models.

“They’re product specialists – not salespeople you’d find in a normal dealership who are based on commission,” says Mike Asner, senior director of Digital and Show Marketing for that L.A. Auto Show.

These experts tend to?have the?cutting-edge updates from their manufacturers, so shoppers can find out about?new car technology without feeling rushed or confused. You may meet some car salespeople as well -?likely doing their own research to learn about what’s coming.

You’ll see cars that dealers do not have yet

Auto show attendees get to see new cars before they can hit the dealerships. This really is?where the much-anticipated new models are debuted, so that you can steer clear of the buyer’s remorse of having the model currently in stock,?not understanding that the following version may have features or colors you’d have preferred.?If you’ve done your quest at the show, you’ll be ready to buy when the cars actually roll onto?all.

How to prepare

If you need to do decide to start your vehicle buying adventure with one of these shows, a little preparation goes a long way.

To steer clear of the crowds, stay with weekdays and earlier hours. Try to give yourself several?hours to understand more about all the cars. The average participant spends three?to 4 hours covering the entire show, according to Asner. You’ll want time to begin to see the vast selection, tinker with the interactive elements – for example iPads that design your ideal ride, or carmakers’ booths where one can win prizes – and talk to all the representatives.

Bigger auto shows also provide smartphone apps that map the showroom floor and provide live updates, that are invaluable in making sure you see all you want to determine.

And remember, if you’re truly in the market, you are able to work out the numbers in advance by having an car loan calculator to determine just how much car you can afford -?before you get swept off the feet through the newest thing.

Nicole Arata is really a staff writer at NerdWallet, a personal finance website. Email:[email protected].