And that still doesn't address the issues of durability and reliability, in which the American cars are clearly inferior.

I'd recommend ordering some durable carpet from the local flooring supplies or asking for the most suitable flooring - probably it shouldn't be a carpet but some kind of tile.

LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) is more expensive but highly durable and will last a long time.Even the sheen of the paint makes a difference.

And is extremely durable and reasonably priced.

For example, the granite cost $900 and I thought that the durability and the “wow factor” was worth spending a little more over something like laminate.  

It’s a B-/C unit so I’m looking on the cheaper but durable side for cabinets, countertops, doors, paint, and floors.

New floors, again will depend on the material you chose; if this is a buy and hold rental, go with laminate or vinyl plank flooring for max durability as well as carpet.Also, you need to consider the shape the systems are in.

On the other hand we have fabricated corian off craigslist very cost effectively ourselves and it looks very nice and it is durable.

I had chosen good quality furniture, wallpaper, and other regularly used items that would be durable for a rental and eye catching (an experience type look) to get those bookings.

I used cortec and it looked great and is very durable.