How is the quality of the TL's leather? I am planning on buying a 2000 TL, and I found that in a few of the cars I looked at, there werea few tears or cracks in the leather. I realize that this be simply be the result of a previous owner not taking good care of the seats, or accidental tearing. The reason why I am a little concerned is that in a few people that reviewed the car mentioned a poor leather quality.

 

Other than the leather not being as luxurious as in higher end cars, I think the durability if fine. I looked at many 99 - 00 TL's with mileage from 20K to 50K and didn't notice any problems. I thought the interiors were all above average. I purchased a 00 with 20K on it that looked brand new inside. I think you have to evaluate the condition of the interior and go from there.

 

I got my 2003 TL 2 months ago. The seats have begun to squeak. The leather is so stiff. I cannot imagine this is the quality of a luxury car!!!! If god gave me another choise, I will definately choose another car, maybe Lexus or Passat.

 

I think the leather is fine and quite smooth. I have found with my 1994 Vigor, that the leather quality was likely better, but seemed to crack, even though I conditioned it.

 

I've got a '99 TL w/68,000 miles on it, and the seats still look and feel great. I was looking at '99 Jeep w/leather with a friend looking for a new car and was really surprised how bad it looked, and that's when I realized how nice my leather was holding up.

I've got two kids and used a car seat for the first year and a half and the seats are holding up fine. Also, although I keep the outside clean, I have not done anything special to the seats but wipe them off with an occasional wet rage.

Additionally, I parked next to another '99 TL owner yesterday and he asked me how I liked my car, and I told him I still loved it. He said the same about his. It's an AFFORDABLE luxury car. Get the car. You won't regret it.

 

We have an 03 TLS and the leather seems to be very good so far. I have a 2001 Ford Sport Trac and it's leather quality and durability is absolutely horrible despite fairly regular cleaning and conditioning.

 

Even BMW 3 series owners complain about their leather. Maybe it was a bad cow... maybe the previous owner was lazy, or used rubbing alcohol to clean it.

 

just keep conditioning and cleaning it and it would last as long as the car.

 

I agree, My car is about a year old and the leather is like new.

 

My 99 still looks new.

 

I have used leatherique.com leather conditioner and its definitely makes the leather 10x softer, without ruining it. Although its called Rejuvinator Oil, it has no oil in it. Its all water based collagens that still lets the leather breathe. I highly recommend it. BTW I do hate the parchment color. It gets dirty to easy. I wish i had the dark interior instead.

 

LMAO, that's a good one!

 

very true, the leather in the e36 is nothing to write home about. My drivers side door side bolster has worn through the leather (110,000 miles) and I have some pretty big wrinkles, in the front seats. I think its because the previous owner never treated the leather (lease).