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Steering your way through all the exhibits
TORONTO STAR FILE PHOTO
Whether you're a tire-kicker or auto buff, the Toronto auto show can be a useful place to visit.
Of course, you can be both.
Most car buffs have likely read about or seen on the Internet a lot of what will be on display at the Toronto show, which opens its doors tomorrow.
But there's nothing quite like getting up close – maybe even getting into – the car or cars of your dreams.
This year's version of the show – the 36th to be exact – will have more than 1,000 cars and trucks on display, more than a dozen of those making their Canadian debut.
In fact, the Toronto show is not only the biggest car show in Canada, but the biggest consumer show of any type in the country – more than 300,000 people walked through its doors last year.
The displays are world-class in every respect, and while you may not see as many world debuts as you would in Detroit or Frankfurt, there's still plenty to see. In fact, some manufacturers – such as Nissan, Mitsubishi and Land Rover – who were not at Detroit in January will be at Toronto.
And you can't take the TTC to Detroit or Frankfurt.
Car buffs are also going to want to see the special displays: the futuristic concepts, the newest technology, and probably the customs and the classics, too.
Tire-kickers who will be there are engaging in one of the toughest shopping decisions they will ever make: buying a new car. There are so many good ones out there, of all types, shapes, sizes, features and prices, that it is impossible to thoroughly evaluate every alternative.
But at least at the auto show, they will all be there under one roof (more accurately at Toronto, three roofs). With some planning and leg-muscle power, the show will allow you to poke around all the models that might be on your shopping list.
Nothing beats a test drive, but you can at least narrow down the candidates.
The show is organized and staffed by the Toronto-area automobile dealers. It represents a major marketing push for them, which is more important than ever this year, as car sales slump.
Sales reps should be really happy to meet you; while they cannot actually sell you a car on the show floor, you can bet they'll have lots of business cards on hand.
Toronto's three-venue facility – Rogers Centre and the two Metro Convention Centre buildings – isn't the most convenient. Organizers recognize this, and have sign-posted optimum walking routes. If you really hate walking, or if you have limited mobility, free shuttle buses are provided.
One small advantage to the triple venue: the corridors in between act as sort of a buffer for the crowd. Even on the busiest days, the displays are never too terribly jammed. I find the best time is around dinner – 5 to 7 p.m. – after the daytime crowd has gone and before the evening crowds arrive.
And if you see me down there, please flag me down and say hello!
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