Going to the Washington Auto Show isn't just fun for car people and a useful shopping strategy for consumers. It's also a way to make $50.
Visit this year's auto show, open now through Sunday, and stop by the Ford booth to register to test drive a Ford-brand car, truck, or SUV. Once you've gone to a Ford dealership to drive a car, Ford will give you a $50 MasterCard debit card.
Seem to good to be true? I thought so when I was first tried the promotion last year, figuring at the very least I'd get to drive a car, but I got the debit card hassle-free.
You don't have to buy a Ford to get the money, and I didn't face a hard sell when I showed up for my $50 last year.
Ford has an improving product lineup that it's anxious to show off to prospective buyers, and with the program returning for another year, the bribes must be working.
If you're going to the auto show, or even just happen to be near the Washington Convention Center between now and Sunday, take Ford up on its test-drive offer that easily recoups the cost of a ticker (ranges from $6-$12 for adults).
There are numerous sweepstakes on the auto show floor as well, but only Ford is offering cash to anyone who wants it. Toyota's tote bags pale in comparison.
Check back later this week for a full photo gallery of cars from the Washington Auto Show, for those of you who don't take my advice and get out there yourselves.