Paint Quality etc, is not a deal breaker, but just may be the deciding factor, all else being more or less equal. It also helps building a brand perception, and I would hope all manufactures realize this.
I can't speak for Current Kubota quality as I have not bought one in 12 years. I did sell a 32 year old worn out Kubota
B7200 to a new owner very happy to get it.
Part of the high resale value is how well the appearance and general condition holds up over time.
Even being the thrifty cheapskate I am. I would gladly pay a fair premium for the real extra cost for a any piece of equipment that had good surface preparation and paint protection, quality rust resistant fasteners, durable and lasting UV resistant rubber and plastic, electrical wiring and connectors not prone to corrosion and water entrance, Quality switch gear and controls, comfortable seats, and well laid out operator station.
That My little Mahindra is generally quite well built, it could be better in some of the above areas. I suspect these quality improvements would come at a negligible cost increase, especially looking at it in the long term.
What I say applies to many products.
A good example are the appliances I purchased for our then new home back in 2010. I find them surprisingly well engineered, but cost reduced to the point to the point where they a cheaply built, and that effects their long term quality. It is that disposable, just buy a new one attitude that raises total life cycle cost of ownership.
