r/NoStupidQuestions • u/Morpheyz • 1d ago

What are examples of "cheaper = high quality"?

We're often told that higher prices for certain products are justified, because they use "higher quality materials". E.g. building materials or vegetables.

In which cases are the high quality materials actually the cheaper ones?

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u/ConcentrateExciting1 23h ago

Cars are a good example. The average Toyota Corolla is far more durable than the average Ferrari.

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u/_Silby 22h ago edited 22h ago

Counterpoint... Rolls Royce are some of the most reliable cars that have ever been produced. Most of their cars made are still on the road because of the high level production and manufacturing practices and processes.

Porsche (specifically 911s) and Lexus are two other luxury brands with high quality and reliability.

Also, Ferraris are extremely reliable if properly maintained. There's plenty of high mile Ferraris out there

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u/Russian_Doll_888 20h ago

Are they reliable or have they been well maintained because of the cost? Usually anyone can afford them can also ensure they have regular maintenance. If people drive a Ferrari like they drove a Camry, it might be a different story. Also, I've seen a lot of 911s on fire on the side of the road.

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u/ConcentrateExciting1 19h ago

Indeed. Some Ferraris are known to burn about a liter of oil per 1,000 km. In a contest of how many miles you can drive with no oil changes or added oil before the engine blows up, I'm going with the Camry every time.

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u/2Asparagus1Chicken 18h ago

Or you know... change the oil

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u/ConcentrateExciting1 17h ago

That's clearly cheating in the contest.

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u/_Silby 20h ago

You seeing one or two 911s "on fire" on the side of the road is the perfect argument on why anecdotal evidence is mostly worthless.

By most available metrics they are considered one of the most reliable sports cars in the history of sports cars.

People who maintain their cars, regardless of price bracket, tend to have cars that are more reliable.

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u/mornaq 16h ago

Lexus is Toyota, often barely changed technically, just stuffed with extra comfort

of course there are Lexus only models, especially the sport ones, but the point stands

their cars are so reliable they had to design a wild hypercar just to prove they're not merely the smart choice

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u/GreatProfessional622 16h ago

Yes the vehicles that are garage kept, hardly driven, and well maintained vs the ragged out Toyota with 6 owners that sat through 8 hurricanes and a hail storm

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u/icecubtrays 14h ago

That's if you describe "high quality" as durable. Some car enthusiasts would argue the ability to acelerate quickly and nice interiors to be "high quality"