How common are fi/finish issues on new cars?

I was curious, we just bought a new Honda for the wife and I have noticed some minor gaps in the plastic pieces, like one side having bigger gaps than the other, how common is this and is it worth even fixing? any examples or pictures of similar issues any of you guys had?

 

this applies to all makes and models if you have anything to share, thanks !

 

Unfortunately new cars are like that. Mass production and plastic parts are probably to blame for that. I have seen that on many makes and models. More expensive German cars for instance should not have this issue, but the average Honda, Chevy, Ford etc. (okay Toyota also) is just not built to the quality standard that you and I would like to see.

Due to over-sized holes to make assembly easier and plastic connectors there is typically too much play between these parts, and not much that you can do to adjust some of these items, so it is probably not worth trying, unless it is a real eye-sore.

 

interesting, i saw online where some people had issue with MB and Lexus! i was surprised

 

i wonder how Toyota in general compares?

 

my old toyota was pretty solid but those were the good ol days

 

This.

Any vehicle not built painstakingly by hand is subject to the downfalls of mass production and time restraints.

Toyota's back in the day were (I'm guessing) built in smaller numbers, and with less automation, so probably were a bit better finished.

 

Got a 2nd gen Taco? Look at the glovebox gaps on the left side vs the right side.

Plastic pieces typically install with a bunch of molded-in locating pins and snap-hooks, with no room for adjustment. So no, not worth fixing. Large exterior panels like doors, hood, trunklid, etc. have slots built into the hinges to allow adjustment at installation.

 

good point Ken!

 

Even if they are handbuilt your going to have a bad time if you have to replace a part if it gets damaged. No two cars will be the same no matter how hard you try.

 

yup

 

Get used to it. It's a Honda so it will be around for a long long time. German cars are nice inside but expensive to maintain and damn near impossible to be as maintenance free as a Honda.

 

My truck was spot on (95) and then I did some minor body work and removed the hood once. It was easy to line it up so that it fits but getting it perfect would require more than one person. I think overall the more plastic you have forming a line against metal the greater the chances are for issues.

 

I know some will disagree but since the Japanese manufacturers have moved production to the states on certain models quality has dropped. I bought an '08 Accord brand new and the interior fit and finish was horrible. The headliner did not even make it all the way to the upper plastic. I lived with it due to being a new model year but there were a fair amount of rattles.

I have had zero issues with my FJ and Highlander. Both were built in Japan.

 

made in Japan baby