Consumer Reports

linda4

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I recently read a Consumer Reports article that indicated that John Deere and Bolens were rated the best among large-scale riding lawnmowers. I'm not sure I agree. I think Toro is quite good as well. What do you think ?
 

indypower

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I have no faith in Consumer Reports. Seems like half the time they have no idea what they are talking about. Tell me, how can they be EXPERTS on everything? Cars, trucks, motorcycles, snowmobiles, atv's, televisions, computers, digital cameras, lawnmowers, DVD palyers, ect. They write reports on too many different types of items to be experts on any 1 of them. And a lot of the criteria they use is bull and does not really have significance.
 

Twinkle

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Indypower makes a very good point there. personally I am more likely to be swayed by recommendations which are in publications (on or offline) which are focused on the topic. So if you want some ideas have a look here, or in a gardening magazine.
 

BKBrown

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Consumer Reports has good and bad reviews - like everything else, you should research other places as well and not rely on one source for information.
C R has always disliked Subaru cars for some reason, but they are among the best and most reliable --- Go figure ?????

Others have given good advice - check out sources that are related to items you are thinking about and consider them more heavily then C R !
 
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Manny

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I think Toro is quite good as well.

I have never had any problems with a Toro, either. I think that money always talks. Consumer reports probably get some kind of a deal for trying out the big names. I think you have to actually talk to your neighbors and friends and get their honest opinions.
 

macky

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Indypower's comment reminds me of an "expert" review of a Ford model. It was in YouTube. I was amazed by the review. But something was wrong in the picture. I couldn't seem to identify what it was. I realized later that it was the person speaking himself that did not fit the picture. It was pointed out by one commenter. He was indeed young looking, almost like fresh from college. How could he possibly review a car like that as an expert?

It's great to read recommendations. But still we must verify and make our own judgement. I've been told by my father, time and again, to verify everything.
 

Walt 2002

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"I have no faith in Consumer Reports. Seems like half the time they have no idea what they are talking about. "

I agree.

Walt Conner
 

KennyV

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It would be interesting if there were a single source that accurately filled consumer needs...

but there are so many variables in establishing value in any purchase, that such a source would be difficult to put together.... :smile:KennyV
 

macky

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How do they gather their information in Consumer Reports? Since it is named "Consumer Reports" I imagine that they gather information from those that have already bought the units. That's my assumption only though. How exactly do they do it?
 

AndyMan

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How do they gather their information in Consumer Reports?

CR sends out an annual survey to their subscribers. There are about 10 pages of questions about every different product in your home. They also do independent testing on most things they review.
 
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