Columbus, OH Auto Show 2009

[jake75]

Brief report - went down tonight - Saturday - was there about 3 hours, 6:15 to 9 pm. Bought my ticket on-line for $7 instead of $8 at the door. I am frugal! Got a free on street parking spot a 5-10 minute walk away from the convention center. Did I mention that I am frugal? Not that crowded. The local Automobile Dealers Assoc. probably made the right decision when they cut this down from 9 days to 4. The number of vehicles displayed was also smaller than in past years. The Datsun (now Nissan) owners and the "Mustang owners clubs filled some of the space with vintage cars, and there were an assortment of privately owned vintage autos of other makes.Toyota did not have even one Matrix. There were two Vibes - a 2.4L and a GT,Toyota did not have even one Avalon.The Smart for Two exhibit had a lot of activity. Did you know that the warranty on that car is only 2 years/24,000 miles? The engine is in the back under the cargo area. How would they do any work on it? There were three Toyota Venza's on display. I have not figured out if this is a hatchback version of the Camry or the Avalon. It seems priced like a hatchback version of the Avalon. Yet it comes with a 4 cyl as well as a 6. There were a number of alternatives that would interest me on a price/value basis compared to the Vibe. Sorry, the Mazda 3 is not one of them, The Mazda 5 is one of them. Others include the Nissan Versa, the Nissan Rouge, the Scion xB, the Hundai Elantra Touring, the Kia Rondo,the Kia Soul, the Honda CRV and maybe the Scion xD, Honda Fit or a Subaru Forester.I have concluded that the Saturn Astra, Chevy HHR and the Dodge Caliber would be off my consideration list. One observation - the Vibe/Matrix are way behind in not having radio controls on the steering wheel.Another observation - either there was a shortage of really good looking women there or I am just getting too old - didn't' fall in love even once tonight. I think I am just getting too old. I probably forgot something else of interest - will post if I remember.

[jake75]

I did forget one thing - at the Pontiac booth they were handing out $500 Auto Show bonus cash coupons good on the G6, G8 and Vibe. Take delivery by 3-31-09. Coupon not required so for the nest week or so anyone here can get an extra $500 from GM.

[ou.grizzly]

Pictures?

[jake75]

Sorry - no pics. This old f-rt is technologically challenged.