Because you’re not just buying a car, you’re buying into the company that makes the car. You need a company that’s going to be around to do recalls, repairs, parts, service the warranty. It supports your continuing to operate the vehicle and contributes to its resale value.

This is even more important with BEV. There are very few, if anyone outside the company that can work on repairs and no non-OEM parts suppliers. It’s more like a laptop with wheels than a car with a computer.

The “antics” matter because it is a sign of instability. I’m not buying a car from a company that’s going to turn out to be the next Enron. If that happens to Tesla your car is going to be worth close to zero.

Quality control after 2019 seriously declined.