As a sort of answer, I can’t even read the article. I need to register, or join, or something. So before that, I need to know what that entails, what personal info/addr/email/etc. must be surrendered to the publisher. What will they do with it? What lengthy and incomprehensible EULA I must agree to, and in what way it legally binds me. To completely understand that, I really need the services of an attorney – so how do I pick one of the legions that appear when I google? What do they charge, and what legal agreements will they insist on?
No. It’s not possible to be an informed consumer beyond a few subjects in which I have expertise, or personal friends with same. The time and expense to cover all bases before clicking “buy” is beyond most of us.
And it’s getting worse, imo.
In 2011, I needed to buy steps (running boards) for my new truck. I rummaged around on Amazon and quickly found several options with detailed information on length, attachment points, height, and precise information about which exact truck models (brand, year, options, models, bed-type, etc.). Clicked “buy” and they were on my porch in a few days – and fit perfectly.
Last week I tried to do the same for another new truck. After spending close to an hour, I was unable to find any seller that provided enough information to ensure it fit my exact model. Even posting questions got me nothing but bland assurances “Fits All Model! Tightly and True!”. Amazon is becoming useless, and other sites are not much better. I gave up finding it online.
In this thread, I asked the SDMB about the vulnerabilities of keyless ignition (to thieves). I posed 5 specific questions which admittedly, might not have exact answers, but hoped for some guidance. The result was a lively and interesting discussion, with many trying to guess the risk, etc. Despite everyone trying to help, I came away with no specific answers. I’ve followed everyone’s links, and learned a great deal, but am no closer to knowing my level of risk or what I should do (if anything). I asked two different shops about this and got no answers, other than each trying to sell me their expensive aftermarket security systems.
A final example:
I’ve spent the last 2 weeks youtubing, googling, and asking 4 different mechanic shops about the risks of catalytic converter theft, if there are ways to protect against it, and what the actual risks are for my specific vehicle. Again, almost nothing useful, beyond selling their specific type of guard. The only actual info was the dealer telling me they’re running 4 to 6 weeks getting replacements, with some models running into 3+ months. After probably 20 hours of reading and asking, the only data I have is that a theft will disable my vehicle for a very long time.
I’m not sure it was ever possible to be a well-informed consumer, because in the past I simply took the word of my local “expert”, which probably wasn’t any better than today. My Dad’s advice “Always buy GM!” isn’t based on any real information, yet he sticks with that brand religiously, even into his 80s. Dad always got his information from his network of “good ole boys”, and I wonder if I’m really better informed now, even with my global network available.