I've only ever had second hand ThinkPad T series laptops and a brand new 2015 MBP. The MBP had by far the most hardware issues of any devices I ever had (second screen only on power, running hot enough to cook on it, battery life was mediocre from the start, ...). Every single ThinkPad I ever owned is still ready in my drawer. My ~15yo T420 still has like 6 hours battery life and works like a charm

The build quality thing is only true if you compare them with cheaper laptops. In the same price class you find more interesting devices IMO