Build quality is less about how the interior seems cheap or not but about tolerances. A Camry can have cheap plastic everywhere, but if the connection points don't rattle, it's a "better" build quality. But the truth of it is that the majority of people don't notice the build quality. A cup holder is a cup holder, even if it slightly rattles or is slightly off center.

The main example is the panel gaps on Tesla body. They can be offset by a "large" amount compared to other car brands, but it doesn't harm anything and you have to look for it to be noticeable.

So do Tesla's have a bad build quality? Yes, if you define it by tolerances, but no if you define it by "Does it feel low quality". And the debate online is largely with people talking past each other with differing definitions of what build quality actually means.

Some examples of build quality issues are the metal sheets that are glued on and coming off during driving. As well as accelerator pedals that get stuck.

I think the parent covered this,

> They can be offset by a "large" amount compared to other car brands

> if you define it by "Does it feel low quality"

The funny thing is that whenever I get into a Tesla, the interior just feels kinda cheap and of low-quality/low-effort design. That's not saying anything about their build quality, though.

It’s one of those things where you can claim Teslas have poor build quality and you get a free pass, but you will be “source?”d to death if you contradict it.

I’ve had several Teslas and even currently have their supposed disaster of a truck and have not encountered this alleged build quality issue. My car before that, a Honda Civic, spent much more time in the shop purely on account that it needed oil changes and expensive scheduled maintenances once or twice a year.

Yeah yeah, Elon bad, etc

I have two teslas and the build quality is amazing. I never do anything to them other than change the tires. Haven’t even touched the breaks. It’s the ultimate daily driver and I’ll never buy another type of car.

Build quality is attention to detail, not reliability.

Your hydraulic brake systems need to be flushed every couple years to prevent corrosion, even if you don’t use them.

Lexus.

I have a Lexus LX, one of the most expensive Lexus vehicles ever made. I love it. It was made in Japan.

Tesla panel gaps and quality are fine. They had some early issues, but the damn things are basically body panels hung off of almost entirely cast chunks of metal. There is not a lot of room for wiggle. If anything, they're so we'll integrated that they're hard to repair after a crash.

> What other car at the same price point has better build quality?

Mercedes, BMW, Volvo, Audi, Honda, Toyota, Accura, Lexus....