well, I have my99TL in the body shop (small fender bender), and got a loaner 2002(3?) TL-S and dont see a major diff. Sure, the engine is pretty badass, even chirps in second, but, the interior is so-so. I think I am swayed to my gray (fern?) interior with natural burlwood look, as apposed to the perforated leather and black-wood?? To each his own, but I thought I would like it MORE (dont get me wrong I DO like it!!). Are all 2002+ leather perforated? I think it looks cheap when its perforated, like a shoe (you never see couches with perforated leather) :p

 

The perforation in the leather is to keep it from cracking and tearing. I personally don't like the way it looks either.

 

has anyone without the perforation had cracking?? What year did they start holing things up?

 

I agree, but I got my type-S for its engine, not its interior.

 

IMO, I think the leather in the TypeS is more comfortable and looks a lot sporty. I ride on my friend's TL and it is comfortable, but not as comfortable as mine.

 

I think the preforated look is more sporty,
but i would rather have the ol school,
but i dotn really mind,
i got 260 Biotches working for me under that hood

 

I would like those extra 35 biotches!!

 

The perforated leather also helps keep heat away...so your body can "breathe" i guess, so the leather doesnt get all sticky when you sit on long drives in the summer. but then of course you have AC

 

I took my '03 TL-S in last night to have the coilovers installed and was given a regular '02 TL as a loaner. In contrast to some of the other posts here I didn't like it much at all. In fact if Acura only had the regular TL I can tell you I wouldn't have bought an Acura. The reasons...
1. The Type S seats are signficantly more comfortable shape-wise. This has nothing to do with perforated leather, but I prefer that also both for comfort and for aesthetics.
2. The difference in power is noticeable. The Type-S engine gets your attention right away as "whoa, this thing goes". whereas the regular TL, while no dog, seems ordinary.
3. The overall tuning of the suspension, transmission shift program, etc., make the regular TL feel more like a Buick.

Your '99 may be different, I've never driven one, but for someone buying a new car the Type-S option makes all the difference in the world. In fact it's the only thing that makes it a contender to steal business from potential 3 series or C class customers, which I was.

FWIW,

 

The 2003 Type-s has perforated leather on the door panal, above the arm rest. I know in my 2002 the door panal above the arm rest has the leather that is folded. I like the folded look much better than the perforated leather on the 2003. just my 0.02!!

 

I think the Type S ebony perforated interior is nice. In parchment though, I would prefer old school leather. (Perforated is supposed to be more breathable and "non-slip" for the driver when busting 3 positive G corners. ...huh?...)

However, in any color, our perforated leather is much much nicer than say....a Cadillac Escalade's perforated leather. American leather leaves a lot to be desired.

my .02

 

I am not a big fan of the perforated on my CL-S...i personally would like to have just pure leather...easier to clean...

 

then go buy a modded out civic and save yourself a few bucks

 

i have a 00 tl and i like the TL-S perforated seats...anyone wanna trade:p


anyways...how did you get a TL-S as a loaner? at the dealer?

 

I think it's cool
:licka:

 

The main reason why the TL-S leather is perforated is because it grips better than non-perforated. It is not because it helps keep heat away or less prone to tear.

 

I like my buick! why would you spend 30k+ only to have you and your occupants endure a bone-garing ride?