AI vs. Reality
Discussion
I'm growing increasingly frustrated with the level of Artificial Ineptitude that's creeping in to classic car advertising (in fact, everything, but that's a rant for another time).
Case in point: I'm genuinely in the market to change my Triumph GT6 because I don't really fit in it comfortably. This means I spend an unhealthy amount of time trawling through classified ads / online auctions looking at classic cars. Those whose descriptions have been generated by AI stand out like a sore thumb, and I personally have a rule that I will not buy a car where someone can't even be bothered to write a description themselves.
I decided to try it for myself. For context, my GT6 is of average appearance (not perfect paint), had presumably languished idle for years (no MoT history prior to 2022) and has been restored, albeit not brilliantly. I entered the details into eBay's AI Bot thing and got this:
For clarity, I've written my own description that accurately reflects my car's condition. I think it took me 15 mins, so no big deal. I know I can back up any statements I have made about its condition.
So, for discussion at your leisure:
- Anyone have any experience buying / selling where an AI description has been the hook?
- In the event somebody buys a car as badly mis-described as the example above, and gets their pants pulled down, who's liable when it goes wrong?
Case in point: I'm genuinely in the market to change my Triumph GT6 because I don't really fit in it comfortably. This means I spend an unhealthy amount of time trawling through classified ads / online auctions looking at classic cars. Those whose descriptions have been generated by AI stand out like a sore thumb, and I personally have a rule that I will not buy a car where someone can't even be bothered to write a description themselves.
I decided to try it for myself. For context, my GT6 is of average appearance (not perfect paint), had presumably languished idle for years (no MoT history prior to 2022) and has been restored, albeit not brilliantly. I entered the details into eBay's AI Bot thing and got this:
eBay AI Bot said:
This classic Triumph GT6 MK3 car is a stunning addition to any collection. With a sleek blue exterior and seating for two, this right-hand drive coupe is perfect for any driving enthusiast. The manual transmission and petrol fuel type provide a unique and thrilling driving experience. The car has been meticulously maintained and is in excellent shape, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a classic car that has been well-preserved. Whether you're a fan of Triumph or simply love the style of this car, it's sure to impress. Don't miss out on the opportunity to own this beautiful piece of automotive history.
Well, that's helpful isn't it? It's made a leaping assumption about my car's maintenance history and condition which is downright wrong. Someone less well-informed than this audience could well be very misled by that. There's more: the other day I saw a 2-door car described as having "an impressive number of doors" and everything seems to end with "Don't miss this opportunity..." etc.For clarity, I've written my own description that accurately reflects my car's condition. I think it took me 15 mins, so no big deal. I know I can back up any statements I have made about its condition.
So, for discussion at your leisure:
- Anyone have any experience buying / selling where an AI description has been the hook?
- In the event somebody buys a car as badly mis-described as the example above, and gets their pants pulled down, who's liable when it goes wrong?
Edited by Turbobanana on Monday 8th July 13:34
Personally i wont even enquire if it has POA on it, and lesser so if the description is pish poor, cant be assed etc. As you say, not hard to differentiate between a pukka add and one conspired by a BS machine.
If interesting, i ALWAYS pick up the phone after a few messages etc to see what the seller is like etc then go and have a look.
If i REALLY like the vehicle and seller sounds kosher i might even go with money, trailer and tow vehicle, indeed the last 2 classics i bought, i did this.
If interesting, i ALWAYS pick up the phone after a few messages etc to see what the seller is like etc then go and have a look.
If i REALLY like the vehicle and seller sounds kosher i might even go with money, trailer and tow vehicle, indeed the last 2 classics i bought, i did this.
Mark A S said:
Personally i wont even enquire if it has POA on it, and lesser so if the description is pish poor, cant be assed etc. As you say, not hard to differentiate between a pukka add and one conspired by a BS machine.
If interesting, i ALWAYS pick up the phone after a few messages etc to see what the seller is like etc then go and have a look.
If i REALLY like the vehicle and seller sounds kosher i might even go with money, trailer and tow vehicle, indeed the last 2 classics i bought, i did this.
I'm not as hateful of POA as most PH-ers, although it's a pain if you're "information gathering" like most of us do. I bought the 6 unseen, off an honest-sounding description on eBay and it was exactly as described, so I'm happy taking the risk. The difference was that the seller had bothered to look at the car, write the description and take some pictures.If interesting, i ALWAYS pick up the phone after a few messages etc to see what the seller is like etc then go and have a look.
If i REALLY like the vehicle and seller sounds kosher i might even go with money, trailer and tow vehicle, indeed the last 2 classics i bought, i did this.
I'm an academic (part-time PhD Researcher) and AI is increasingly muddying the waters of academic submissions. It's a long way from perfect, but by its very nature it will learn and improve.
Mark A S said:
Personally i wont even enquire if it has POA on it, and lesser so if the description is pish poor, cant be assed etc. As you say, not hard to differentiate between a pukka add and one conspired by a BS machine.
If interesting, i ALWAYS pick up the phone after a few messages etc to see what the seller is like etc then go and have a look.
If i REALLY like the vehicle and seller sounds kosher i might even go with money, trailer and tow vehicle, indeed the last 2 classics i bought, i did this.
Seconded!If interesting, i ALWAYS pick up the phone after a few messages etc to see what the seller is like etc then go and have a look.
If i REALLY like the vehicle and seller sounds kosher i might even go with money, trailer and tow vehicle, indeed the last 2 classics i bought, i did this.
Oh yes, these are really annoying as it's just meaningless tosh.
Some ads I really like, and can be an absolute gold mine (if you're prepared to do some leg work) are the ones where you have virtually no description.
Eg:
"MGB for sale, runs, drives and stops. What you see is what you get"
Down at my end of the classic car market I'm more interested in bodywork as nearly all mechanical stuff can be fixed relatively inexpensively. I often don't even read the descriptions as photos are worth a thousand words.
Some ads I really like, and can be an absolute gold mine (if you're prepared to do some leg work) are the ones where you have virtually no description.
Eg:
"MGB for sale, runs, drives and stops. What you see is what you get"
Down at my end of the classic car market I'm more interested in bodywork as nearly all mechanical stuff can be fixed relatively inexpensively. I often don't even read the descriptions as photos are worth a thousand words.
Yes, I’ve always found that driving a car with the “petrol fuel type” provides a unique and thrilling experience.
Slightly OT but I loved an ad in C&SC last month. A vendor had made some alterations/expansion to his home and needed to rationalise his collection of classic cars. So two of his cars were up for sale “as the result of a barn conversation”
Slightly OT but I loved an ad in C&SC last month. A vendor had made some alterations/expansion to his home and needed to rationalise his collection of classic cars. So two of his cars were up for sale “as the result of a barn conversation”
moffspeed said:
Yes, I’ve always found that driving a car with the “petrol fuel type” provides a unique and thrilling experience.
Slightly OT but I loved an ad in C&SC last month. A vendor had made some alterations/expansion to his home and needed to rationalise his collection of classic cars. So two of his cars were up for sale “as the result of a barn conversation”
Barns are great conversationalists. I often stop while out walking to pass the time of day with an agricultural outbuilding. I usually open with "Hay!".Slightly OT but I loved an ad in C&SC last month. A vendor had made some alterations/expansion to his home and needed to rationalise his collection of classic cars. So two of his cars were up for sale “as the result of a barn conversation”
ts destined to get stupider over time as AI does more and more for them. Me I'd stay well clear of an advert like that.
I buy and sell a lot of cars and bikes and I generally ignore any AI generated ad
I just want the basic information, a pic of all 4 sides, the interior and a phone number
The people who post 5 million pictures of close-ups come a close second, if you wish to do that fair enough but please post the four sides and an interior shot first
I just want the basic information, a pic of all 4 sides, the interior and a phone number
The people who post 5 million pictures of close-ups come a close second, if you wish to do that fair enough but please post the four sides and an interior shot first
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