quality of minor parts?

[4azdmunky]

Have you all seen a quality delta between minor and major parts?I’ve noticed that major parts are well constructed, while minor parts (molding) are (removed). I've had my 05 for 4 months now and had most of the external molding remounted/replaced, now the weather stripping along the roof rain gutter is falling off. It is a good thing it is still under warranty.

[binary]

Nock on wood - my '05 has over 15k on it and haven't had a major issue.It's garage kept and highway driven 600 miles a week.

[Digger]

I had no problems at all with mine.

[ColonelPanic]

Must be something specific to your car... I have no difference in quality between major and minor parts, they're all (removed)! But yes, I do agree a LOT of the little bits are far too cheap. I've had issues with the roof gutter molding not staying put as well, because the molding got all warped out of shape.. And then, the crappy little rubber pieces that go between the cladding and the body. I have one of those pieces that is just hanging off on the back door, see picture. Very cool! And these pieces fade out to a poopy/rusty color around the wheel opening moldings. Then the cladding itself on my 2-tone has faded in funky looking patterns, after 3 years it looks pretty rough.And don't get me started on those Pontiac emblems on the hatch that fade into pink before the car even leaves the fricken lot. Inside, I have many a' things to gripe about too but I'll leave it there.So yes, NUMMI/GM/TOYOTA need to find some better suppliers for the small stuff. It can look crappy enough when new, and once the car gets some age on it, it looks even worse. 'course this is all MHO and your mileage may vary. I always get a chuckle when I read reviews of other cars where the other guys get trashed because "quality of materials are not up to Toyota standards" yet I recall some of the stuff I've seen on my particular specimen.

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[ToolGuy]

No real issues here, in fact it has only been to the dealer once for the rotten egg exhaust smell. All fixed up and away I went... Great car!And the paint is fine and normal course for wear since it was driven on the highway for work! My wife got a new job so no more of that commute and abuse. I do have a window channel molding on order since it is mangled and I strongly feel it was assembled this way but good luck trying to prove it to the dealer now.

[JohnC]

Considering that this is an "economy car", I think all the parts are up to par. Now if this was a $30k and up I would be very disapointed in it. Paint, trim, plastics etc. are definatly not high end. I am very happy with my $15k commuting car so far, at 50k miles there have been very few problems and I am expecting 250k more problem free miles.