As a huge automobile enthusiast, I simply had to check out the So Cal Test Drive Expo when I read about it in the Long Beach Post.
Held at the Long Beach Convention Center from June 15 to the June 17, the event featured brand new models from several car brands such as Ford, Volkswagen, Subaru, Fiat, General Motors, Toyota/Scion, and Chrysler/Jeep. Unlike most other car shows that just let you get inside the car and check out the car’s technology, this one actually let prospective car buyers test drive the vehicle of their choice.
Rather than judging a car mostly on its looks, consumers were able to get behind the wheel and decide for sure whether or not the car they’re driving is the car they actually want to own.
My favorite part of the car show had to be the Jeep attraction, where I sat in the front passenger seat of a Wrangler and a Cherokee as the drivers showed off the cars amazing off-road capabilities. First the cars went over a large pile of chopped wood which made the rides very bumpy but showed how secure they would be in rocky mountain terrain. Then the cars were turned at a 35 degree angle, which showed how safe the cars could be in the event of a hillslide. And then the car shot straight up and went straight down on this hill thing that they put together. The beginning of the attraction reminded me of the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland, while the hill climb and descent at the very end reminded me of the Jurassic Park ride at Universal Studios.
Although I had a great time at the car show, it was far from perfect because the event didn’t have every new car model from every car manufacturer. While I enjoyed the Jeep attraction and seeing some models from Cadillac, I would have also liked to have liked to have seen models from brands such as Lexus, Mercedes, and BMW. Still, if you want to test drive a brand new car without being hassled by a greasy car salesman, the So Cal Test Drive Expo may be your best bet.