Is there a good list of things that I as a customer can do to mitigate the risks? E.g. pulling various SIM cards, not ordering feature X, avoiding producer Y?
Of course one could always drive a historic car... ;)
Of course one could always drive a historic car... ;)
So, I would argue that "feature cars" are amazing value right now. Even early 2000s or early 2010s are exceptionally reliable (unless you buy a 7-series E65 BMW or some nonsense) and cost almost nothing to run. Much more sensible than paying $80k for a new Tesla, even though it's clearly better and a shiny new toy.
But they drive so smooth...
There's a huge middle ground between a 10 year old civic and an 80k tesla.
I don't like modern electronics in cars but the safety features make buying a modern car compelling.
It's a learning curve but instead of spending money on in garage (and get ripped off) over the years I invested it in tools and try to repair anything myself. Sometimes I'm back on the road within 24 hours sometimes it takes me a month. Meanwhile I made friends driving similar cars who can help out. Not an option for everybody (space & patience), but I know my car now better than most mechanics. It turned me into a massive engine nerd too and I also got all the diagnostic tools to look at and clear error codes over the OBD-II.
If a large 4x4 isn't your cup of tee then a Lotus Elise can result in similar fun. My latest project is a Caterham which I'm building from scratch and hope to have it on the road later this summer (https://www.caterhamcars.com/it)
Anything battery powered or electric for me would never be an option. People say it's "not so green" but my opinion differs. I think getting the latest model of X every 2-3 years is far more toxic to the environment.
AFAIK the pedestrian safety rating for them is why older models (after the Ford/Puma engine) was abysmal and they discontinued. If you hit a pedestrian or cyclist that's probably it. That has always been my main worry. But I think the safety for the driver/passenger is pretty good when using common sense and when not driving them like the stig. I hit a wild pig once in a forest in France and it was splattered across the front but not so much as a dent in the car.
They also come with roll-over cages on the US market which tells something about what can go wrong if you lose control. Never got one since I don't drive rallys. Still their handling (directness of the steering) is much better than a Wrangler (where the steering is horribly "spongy").
The owners are a massively understated source of differences in performance and perception of both manufacturers and specific models.
On a newer car, I'd probably install a toggle switch for that wire. (I'd love to hear from anyone who's actually tried that.)
Edit: Also, I always open the door with the physical key, and I don't even carry the button.