A Caution About Artificial Intelligence

One of the quotes I hear frequently regarding any sort of data is “trust but verify.”

With the advent of artificial intelligence, the widespread use of social media, and a general lack of proper education, it’s getting harder and harder to tell when someone is accurately representing a vehicle for sale. Kevin Marti of Marti Auto Works recently posted a thoughtful reminder about being mindful about AI. Kevin said, in part:

“A few days ago, someone contacted us about their special vehicle. He sent a statement about some information he ‘found.’ I guess the belief was that we would just take that at face value and do as we’re told. Reality doesn’t work that way …

Someone believed they had the highest serial number 1969 Shelby. And AI let them know that was “true.” Now they contact us for confirmation. We’re actually not doing that any more.

Why? Because people shoot messengers. Each time we give someone the bad news, somehow, we’re at fault. Not their unrealistic expectation, not their false hope, not the AI machine that hallucinated the whole thing. It’s our fault … I can almost smell the snake oil.”

Be careful about asking AI about production statistics, rarity, desirability, and collectability of automobiles. The tool is fed by information gathered around the internet — sometimes from less-than-reputable sources, and frequently without any citations at all. Artificial intelligence may even be completely out of touch with things like rudimentary trim tag decoding.