Tips to know before you go to the show

DAVID COOPER/THE TORONTO STAR

There's lots to do for the family at the auto show. Last year, Sydney Kanitz, 9, and his sister Taylor, 11, of Newmarket had their picture taken with Sumo Wrestler Byamba at the Subaru display.

John LeBlanc

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

Auto shows – you have to love them: every new car under one roof, aftermarket tuners showing their wares, free test-drives, classic cars.

It's an annual paradise both car shoppers and enthusiasts eagerly anticipate.

To get the most out of your auto show experience, though, you have to be prepared.

Take it from me. I may not have accumulated the 10,000 hours to qualify as an auto show outlier. But after attending shows on my own and professionally now for more than two decades, I've seen enough concept cars, booth babes and aftermarket hucksters to pass on some sage advice.

Whether you're looking for a new car, spending the day with the family, researching aftermarket parts, or you're simply a car enthusiast, here are some tips to make this year's Canadian International AutoShow a better experience.

The Shopper

Obviously, a show as big and comprehensive as CIAS is a fantastic tool for the new-car buyer. Almost every new car available is in one location. Comparing cars couldn't be easier. So take advantage of it.

Check out each model from your shopping list thoroughly based on your priorities.

Don't be afraid to get in the driver's seat of your potential new car that you will be spending the next few years driving. If a vehicle on the show floor is locked, tell a sales person you are seriously interested in buying this vehicle, and they should let you in.

Once inside, make all the necessary adjustments (seat, mirrors, etc.) and check for comfort, reach and visibility. Now move to the back seat (if there is one) and see if you can "sit behind yourself" and get in and out of the car with ease.

In regards to cargo room, try out the trunk or hatch openings.

Is it easy to open and close? Is the liftover height acceptable? How easy or difficult is it to fold down the rear seats?

In vehicles with three-row seating, try getting in and out of the back row. What's it like to sit in once you're back there? How strenuous is it to make the changeover from seating to cargo space?

Unlike most auto shows, you can actually drive some of the new vehicles at the CIAS.

This year, cars from Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick, Mercedes-Benz and Subaru will be available for limited test drives with the new Test Drive 2010 feature. Make sure you bring your driver's licence.

In addition, you should pick up the official 2010 CIAS show guide. Even if you've done all your research and think you have every piece of data you need, the guide will not only help you navigate around the show but also remind you of models or makes you may have forgotten about or have left off your list.

It's also a handy piece of reference post-show to recall some of the specs and pricing.

The Family

If you're looking for a new set of wheels for hauling the offspring around, bring them to the show. They can help give you a gauge on a vehicle's roominess or ease of entry and exit.

If you do need to bring children along and they aren't so interested in your grown-up toys, there's also a children's daycare centre found on the 600 level in the South building of the Convention Centre.

The Enthusiast

While an excellent venue if you're in the market for a new car, the CIAS always offers several exhibits and displays for car enthusiasts.

The big tip here is to bring a camera – still or video. Some of the cars on display this year are one-of-a-kinds that you won't see anywhere else or any other time in Toronto.

If you're into hot rods, the Cruise Nationals display returns this year. On the 800 level of the South building, the 10 cars chosen from the winners of the Cruise Nationals Regional Cruise car shows will be displayed.

New this year is the Shelby Showcase. You'll find 40 Cobras and Shelby Mustangs from legendary racer and chicken farmer, Carroll Shelby.

Finally, a new feature allows show attendees to become a NASCAR racer – virtually at least.

The NASCAR Raceway, on the 800 level of the South building, pits participants against one another racing around a 20-by-20-foot track with a steering wheel and gear shifter.

Just remember, "rubbing is racing.''

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