Build quality
Racer
Joined: Feb 2026
Posts: 268
Likes: 232
From: PNW
This seems questionable to me too. Wouldn't that be considered a factory defect and covered by the 3/36?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,591
Likes: 2,647
From: Texas
As someone who has OCD (about certain things, not everything) I am torn by this post because I generally agree with the comments that perfection is not a realistic expectation with a mass produced GM vehicle, however, the OP can do whatever he wants. I spent $4000 on an aftermarket exhaust system for my Z06 because the interior exhaust did not align perfectly with the fake exterior exhaust tips (I consider them fake since they aren't connected directly to the exhaust, but that's just me). It was a small thing, something nobody would notice unless they bent down and stared at it, but it bothered me enough to put a new exhaust in (AWE Switchpath). Rational? No, of course not, but like I said I have OCD so I did it. Funny enough, it took a bit of playing with the AWE tips to get them perfectly aligned with the exterior rear panel. To each their own.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 435
Likes: 318
I've had 6 C8s and they're all bad... GM owns this price point and you have to pay double for a Porsche to get it any better or almost double for a Mercedes with nowhere near the performance.
I'm very picky, but I've come to terms that I have to ignore it if I'm going to own one.
I'm very picky, but I've come to terms that I have to ignore it if I'm going to own one.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 611
Likes: 415
From: Texas
I've had 6 C8s and they're all bad... GM owns this price point and you have to pay double for a Porsche to get it any better or almost double for a Mercedes with nowhere near the performance.
I'm very picky, but I've come to terms that I have to ignore it if I'm going to own one.
I'm very picky, but I've come to terms that I have to ignore it if I'm going to own one.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 435
Likes: 318
Anyone who says they have excellent panel gaps/assembly doesn't know how to look at a car. OP's concern is how these cars are... even $200K ZR1s have door beak alignment issues.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 611
Likes: 415
From: Texas
Pro
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 697
Likes: 419
From: Armonk, NY
How have you made it this far in life?
I GUARANTEE the person who bought your "rejected" E-Ray is enjoying every moment of driving it instead of spending time worrying about panels being a mm off.
I remember when the GT350R came out and all the "serious" waxers complained about panel gaps😂, meanwhile the people who actually bought them to DRIVE were too busy enjoying...you know DRIVING them as opposed to worry about panels being gaps.
I am far more OCD than 99% of the population but if you'll drive yourself crazy looking for the perfect car. Mass produced cars are just that. As soon as you actually use a powerful car on the street or track, pebbles and road debris are going to start making a mess of things anyway--PPF or not.
The thing about perfection is it never ends. As soon as the panel gaps are perfect you might latch on to a squeak or start concentrating on interior panel misalignment. The rabbit hole is deep and never ending. Corvettes appeal is that it gives you performance unmatched for the money, if you are looking for higher standards--spend $100K more and get a Porsche--I bet you it won't be as fun though.
I GUARANTEE the person who bought your "rejected" E-Ray is enjoying every moment of driving it instead of spending time worrying about panels being a mm off.
I remember when the GT350R came out and all the "serious" waxers complained about panel gaps😂, meanwhile the people who actually bought them to DRIVE were too busy enjoying...you know DRIVING them as opposed to worry about panels being gaps.
I am far more OCD than 99% of the population but if you'll drive yourself crazy looking for the perfect car. Mass produced cars are just that. As soon as you actually use a powerful car on the street or track, pebbles and road debris are going to start making a mess of things anyway--PPF or not.
The thing about perfection is it never ends. As soon as the panel gaps are perfect you might latch on to a squeak or start concentrating on interior panel misalignment. The rabbit hole is deep and never ending. Corvettes appeal is that it gives you performance unmatched for the money, if you are looking for higher standards--spend $100K more and get a Porsche--I bet you it won't be as fun though.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 642
Likes: 353
For $136000 panels should align and drivers door should not crunch when opened because it is aligned incorrectly. And dealer PDI should fix these. It isn't OCD.
If more buyers rejected poorly made cars I guarantee the build would become better.
If more buyers rejected poorly made cars I guarantee the build would become better.
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Racer
Joined: Feb 2026
Posts: 268
Likes: 232
From: PNW
If buyers rejected buying homes in any areas that have floods, earthquakes, fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, rock slides, trees, etc. insurance prices would be lower. My point is it’s never gonna happen because most people accept imperfection. You do you, but as a recovered perfectionist I can report that life is a lot happier and enjoyable when I’m not fixated on the small stuff.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 54
Likes: 52
Its not a $136,000 car, its a 70k car with a lot of options running it up to 136k. Strange that the dealer didn't try to please you though. Mine had the bumpers and roof a little off. I didn't ask the dealer to fix it cause I learned long ago that they will likely make it worse. You did the right thing to reject it. I would move on to another brand cause if you order another one it will likely be the same.
