Contest: Baby, You Can Drive My Car

This month, I'm kicking off a new series of posts here at SoCal Mom and at my review site, SoCal Stuff.

The occasion: The imminent end of the lease on my beloved Volvo C60. I have until the end of June to make a decision to either purchase the Volvo -- or move into another vehicle.

Overall, I've been happy with the Swedish car -- but I'm not certain I want to keep it for another five years (at least)... Not when there are so many new autos on the market, with new features to choose from (like hybrid engines, natural gas powered engines, and more).

A lot of innovations have been brought to the automobile world since I took out my 3-year lease. Toyota and Honda are no longer the only makes offering hybrid engines -- you can find them from just about every one of the major auto makers (notably General Motors, which manufactures hybrid models for eight of its vehicles).

However, the last time I looked, the Prius was still the leader in hybrid gas mileage. But I recently read an article that stated that the Scion xB (with internal combustion engine) was a better choice for the environment, due to a combination of mileage and the kind of materials used to build it Honda makes a version of the Civic that runs on natural gas. And the tiny Smart car gets such good mileage that it doesn't need to be a hybrid (although I hear they've got one coming out, too).

I also want to take another long, hard look at the offerings from American car companies - although I realize that there's a lot of intermingling between auto makers these days. That Toyota you're looking at could have been built right here in the U.S. And that Volvo I've been driving for the last two and one half years was made by a company owned by Ford.

Making a decision is going to be hard. That's why I'm beginning my research at the Los Angeles Auto Show, which opens November 21 at the LA Convention Center.

Our family enjoys going to the show every year: It's a lot of fun to see all the displays and get up close to some of the vehicles that one can only dream of driving some day. But in a year when we actually have to purchase a new car, it's the most convenient way to see EVERYTHING on the market, all in one place.

Sounds like fun, huh? Wanna come? I'm giving away a family FOUR-PACK of tickets and an official LA Auto Show Messenger bag. You can enter my random drawing by leaving a comment on this post, telling me what you'd most like to see at the show. (For inspiration, visit their official website, here.)

The winner will be announced on this blog next Monday, November 17th.

Comments

[Florinda]

I would be interested in the hybrids for myself. But honestly, what I'd MOST like to see at the Auto Show is my husband's reaction to it. I would love to win these tickets for my SoCal-native car nerd!

[Adrienne]

I have only one day to go, the 21st, I am out of town the rest of the time. They keep moving it up earlier and earlier.

I want to see the Flex again, I am going to marry that car some day!

[shaunna]

my daughter-in-law drives a camry hybrid, and it carried us - 3 adults - very comfortably to sonoma county on 2 tanks of gas (roundtrip).

[Rattling the Kettle]

I'm guessing it won't be at the show, but I'd love to see one of the car companies offer a hybrid minivan. It would be a huge game-changer in family transportation.

Meanwhile, the Prius is definitely the way to go. The meme that the battery production makes it less environmentally friendly has been debunked -- it first cropped up two years ago in an article claiming that the Hummer was better for the environment.

[linda]

I am so jealous that you get to go to the car show. I just blogged about it yesterday.. and being a closet car enthusiast.. well, it would be great. I'll have to wait until next March when it comes to Atlanta- though a smaller version, I'll bet.
Good luck, and yes. hybrid, baby. I'm driving some GM Saturn cars today for blogher- check the tweets later.

[Teresa DeGagne]

We went to the LA auto show 11 years ago when I was in the market to purchase my first car ever (I was 31 - but that's another story). My soon-to-be husband thought it would be the best way for me to see what was out there without experiencing a "hard sell" to influence me. We are planning to take our boys this year. My husband is in the market for a new car next year and the boys, well, they want to see the Big Boy Car Toys (like a Ferrari). My eight year old is counting the days until we can go.

[BusyDad]

I just bought a Volvo S60 about 3 months ago and every day I say to it "where have you been all my life?" I love that car. Many have told me once you go Volvo you never go back. Makes total sense to me now. My boy is 6. I act like I'm 6 most times. 6 year olds love nothing more than to look at cool shiny machines. I'm betting the LA Auto Show will have a couple of those!

[Miss]

Oh my kid would love this. We love to check out new cars and he's constantly asking when I'm going to get one. I'd love to see all the new concept cars they and debuts.

And of course, gotta hit up K1 Speed to race a little!

[Miss]

Oh my kid would love this. We love to check out new cars and he's constantly asking when I'm going to get one. I'd love to see all the new concept cars they and debuts.

And of course, gotta hit up K1 Speed to race a little!

[Carol]

So glad to hear you loved the Chevrolet Traverse. Two of my family members bought one this year and have the same reaction. Thanks for posting your thoughts on this vehicle.