Hey everyone,


After thinking deeply about this I've come to the conclusion that I really can't accept leather seats. They crack and the leather on the steering wheel turns to a slippery mess after 1-2 years of use, it's just not for me so that rules out the TSX. I wouldn't be posting this if I was living in Canada as the TSX is offered in cloth there. So I'm trying to narrow down my choices and it's been a bear. I want a small car like my old Intergra or the size of a TSX. It needs to be a sedan with cloth seats obviously and of all things needs to be sort of sporty.

I really can't get over the two-tiered dash so the Civic is out and the Accord is just too big for me. I test drove the CR-V and while it fit the size I wanted, I really want a car than an SUV. Does anyone have any other options to look into that meet my criteria? I test drove a Sonata, which wasn't too bad. I'm also looking at the Lancer but don't know how reliable they are. Any help would be appreciated. I'm just at a point where I don't know what to get and need to get a car soon.

One more thing to keep in mind....I've owned Hondas for 11 years and expect the reliability on any other brands out there.

Nick

 

The Mazda 3 is supposed to be good. My friend has one with cloth seats. The 6 is also available with cloth seats. What about a Subaru Legacy?

 

4 door VW GTI... Cloth seats, 4cyl turbo with an amazing DSG trans available if you don't like stick. Just to compare, in a 1/4 mile run, the GTI would be 1.3 seconds faster than a 09 TSX and 12 minutes faster than a Civic (I kid )..

If you want to take that a bit upscale, an Audi A3 may be available in cloth - but don't quote me on that.

 

Npolite, I too would recommend the Mazda 3. My roommate bought one the same time I bought my TSX back in April, and has loved every minute of it. You're not going to get the extra bells and whistles or the "gee-whizzes" of a luxury brand like acura, but it doesn't sound like you're looking for that anyway. No offense to MMC, and all opinions different, but I just wouldn't go for a VW these days due to their reliability. If you're still looking at options, try considering a ConsumerReports.org account. Pretty sure you can get a free trial, and if not, it's only 4.95/month. I used CR religiously when I was car-shopping.

Didn't think 6 months ago I'd ever be recommending a Mazda, but my roommate loves it and I do too.

 

Thanks for your suggestions. I'll try the Mazda 3 and 6 to see which one I like. The 6 looks more in length like our gen 6 Accord. The 09 Mazda 6 will be as bloated as the new 08 Accord. My only concern is the Ford has a stake in Mazda and may be influencing them to use cheap parts.

I've heard some issues with Subaru engines.

The Audi A4,A3 both are available with cloth seats, but like some, I've heard about some issues in reliability.

 

what about the altima sedan?

 

That won't happen if you take care of the leather properly with regular conditioning and cleaning. Curiously, most people never maintain the leather in their cars, yet they tend to take care of the their leather apparel. Your leather belts, shoes, and jackets don't crack and turn into a slippery mess after 1-2 years do they? Good quality leather stays beautiful for years if cared for properly. In my experience, cloth seats wear faster than leather. My TSX is my first car with leather and I now that I've experienced it, I don't see myself going back to cloth.

That said. I agree with the suggestion that the Mazda 3 as I good option that will meet your needs. They may even make a Mazdaspeed version of that. I'd rule out any VW or Mercedes product, as their reliability is dreadful across the line. There are no entry-level luxury sedans that can be had with cloth the U.S. that I am aware of. I may be mistaken, but the alternative to leather in small luxury models such as the Audi A3 and BMW 3 series is vinyl, not cloth. If you can hold out, the European Ford Focus is coming in 2010, and that car will blow away everything in its class by a large margin.

 

My entire life I've had leather seats in cars and not once have we had a problem with them. No cracking, and no slipperiness anywhere. It looks, wears, and feels so much nicer than cloth, so you should give it another shot. You buy cleaners and conditioners if you are that worried.
Anyways, most up level cars, even if they have cloth seats, will still have a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

 

I may have to revisit the Altima. I was really impressed by the engine, it felt like a 6 at low RPMs, but it didn't blow me away. Plus I don't like the bubble butt on that car.

I've been hearing that Mazda has been using Ford motors in their cars, is this the case?

Finally with the leather wrapped steering wheel, I don't think you can do anything to prevent this from turning (please correct me if I am wrong). Also I've been seeing some trade in 2005 TSX's on dealer lots and the side bolster of the front seat has creased like you would not believe. I think even with conditioning this still will occur. I can't comment on the new leather in the TSX but the one in the 1st gen is horrible.

If anyone who has owned a gen 1 TSX and can comment on the gen 2's leather I would also appreciate any input.

 

You said you wanted a TSX-sized car or smaller. The Altima is bigger than the TSX.

Ford owns a controlling interest in Mazda. Many of the two manufacturer's cars and SUVs share platforms and drivetrains. The Mazda 3 you might be interested in is built on the European Ford Focus platform. They even build cars together on the same line at the jointly-owned auto-alliance plant in Michigan. Any Mazda you see with a 3.5 or 3.7 liter 6 cyl engine has a Ford Duratec. I'm not sure if 4 cyl engines are also shared. So if you're a Ford hater, you might as well write off Mazda too because Mazda is essentially an independently operated Ford brand my friend.

I'm not sure why you would want to prevent a leather steering wheel from turning. Correct me if I'm wrong, but turning is essentially its sole function. If you don't want leather on a steering wheel, plenty of downscale cars have polyeurethene steering wheels. I'm also not sure why you object to leather forming creases. Look down at your leather shoes and sneakers. Do you not see creases were they bend as you walk? Leather is not a synthetic material, it's natural. It is essentially skin. It's appearance as it ages is normal and adds character, just like our own wrinkles.

Stay under the $23k price range in any car you consider, and I'm confident you will successfully avoid leather seats and steering wheels.

 

Another consideration is a Volvo S40, although they are also a Ford brand and I'm not sure if they come with cloth seats or not.

 

Don't get caught up in the "I don't want Ford parts" hype.

My last car was a 06 Ford Fusion and it was a fantastic car! If Ford had updated the body/style of the 09 Fusions I probably would have got another one when my lease was up.

The Mazda 3 is a great compact car. The Mazda 6 is just as good, but for those who need more room and a bit more power. And the Mazda Speed 3 won't give you more room, but man is that a FUN car to drive!

 

You have made this leather thing into a way bigger issue in your mind than it really is. You can get a stearing wheel cover and seat covers. I think it's a fair trade off to stay in a Honda product and for a car as awesome as the TSX. It is in some way better than every car anyone has mentioned yet. It's either faster, better appointed or more reliable.

The thing I love about leather is that it doesn't retain dust like fabric so the interior stays dust free a lot longer. It's also easier to move around because the leather doesn't grip your clothes. And of course leather makes you look more sophisticated.

 

In addition to the MazdaSpeed 3 (I figured that existed) that 2009TSX recommends, another fun car that can be had without leather is the Subaru WRX. Both will embarass a TSX at a stoplight (and a good many other more expensive cars too). Other models to consider are the base Volvo 240 which comes with cloth seats, but a leather steering wheel, the Volkswagen GLI (which I don't recommend because of VW's abysmal reliability), and the Pontiac G6. Happy hunting!

 

have you looked at the Volvo C30?

 

Just like Mazda, I won't touch a Volvo. I've had bad experience first hand with Fords and think their engines are pieces of junk. They may be better now, but they still can't compete with similar engines from Honda, Nissan and BMW.

 

Sentra SE-R...

I'd take a nissan anyday over a mazda..

 

GTI
VolvoS40
Mazda3
Mazda6 (my most likely tsx alternative depending on test drive)
Honda Accord

I went to tahoe this weekend and the rental car was a Pontiac G6. Worst F'n turning radius I've ever seen. Don't even bother

 

You'd actually rule out a car because you don't like it's turning radius? Wow. Now that's particular. The TSX wasn't even on my radar. It just kind of happened because the price was right vs. the competition. I just look for the most car my dollar will buy and some style, so I'm not that particular. But when the 350 hp ecoboost Ford Fusion GT comes out for about the same price as a non-tech TSX, it'll be sayanora to Acura for me.

 

So I'm guessing you lease your cars? I'm not bashing here just want to get a feeling for why you would drop a car so soon after you just bought one. I guess that's one of my problems. I want to get a car that I like and will live with for a good 7-10 years.

 

I do lease. I don't keep clothes 7-10 years because they go out of style, depreciate in value, and get worn & raggedy - so I'm not about to keep a car that long for the same reasons. But the way things are going for the auto industry, leasing might not be with us for much longer, so I may have to buy the next one. The Ford Fusion GT is expected to debut in 2010. My TSX lease ends May 2011, so my lease will be ending only a few months into my next intended car's release.

 

My car is 6 years old the leather on the seats is fine and so is the wheel. Just need to maintain it.

 

Does the leather cleaner actually remove the oil buildup on the steering wheel? If You wouldn't mind and have some time, would you post a picture of what it looks like?

I was also reading in the 09 brochure that the leather wrapped steering wheel and addational accessory. Is this true?

 

Um I guess so? I've used leather steering wheels all my life, and never once cleaned them. When you put cleaning products on the steering wheel, that's when it becomes slippery, so it is not recommended. There is really no reason to clean it though, it does not really get dirty. You won't feel anything. It's a lot nicer than the gross rubber steering wheels that make your hands sweat.

 

No my issue and I guess I'm mixing the terms together, is that it turns a shinny color which I would assume also makes the wheel more slippery? This doesn't happen on a rubber steering wheel well into the life of the car whereas in a matter of 2 years occurs on a leather wrapped steering wheel.

 

I had a leather wrapped steering wheel for five years on my previous car. I never cleaned it, and it never became "slippery" or had any other problems.

 

The TSX is a great car, very few competitors offers so much at its price point. If you don't like the leather, get some custom car seat covers.

One added benefit is that the leather greatly reduces the static shock that occurs in the winter.

 

Don't forget about the seat heaters that come with leather. Big plus in my book even in warm california. Not so much for the butt , but for the back. Does help a lot on long trips.

Can't imagine not getting heated seats on any future car purchase for me.

 

The Mazda3 is a great small car. Good handling, good looks, good enough fuel economy. Zoom-zoom is not just marketing hype.

 

As i mentioned earlier in my post I won't touch a Mazda with any Ford in it. I was burned when we had a Ford years ago and won't go back.

Sadly my choices have diminished to things I really don't care for but are the best I could come up with at the moment.

1) Sonata
2) Camry
3) Used 2006 Accord

I need to still test drive the Camry to see if that 158 hp engine will haul that car without any problem.

I have the money to buy a new car so I would rather do that since I don't know down the road if I will be able to do that.

 

If your leather steering wheels are getting oily and slick, maybe it has nothing to do with the leather and everything to do with you?

I have never had a car with a leather wrapped steering wheel where the leather got to be the way you describe. Of course, I also have strict rules about never eating in the car so my hands are never greasy or oily when I touch the steering wheel.

Perhaps your real solution is to just get the car you want and spend $30 on a pair of driving gloves...

 

GTI/GLI
I have a GTI with DSG and a really fun car to drive.
But I am probably one of the few people out there that has a VW and an Acura and really enjoys both

 

When I traded my '04 TSX 4 months ago, the leather looked better than it did when the car was new -- and also better than the new leather in the '08 model I purchased. I have used Lexol (may not have any UV protection), Meguiar's Gold Class Cleaner/Conditioner (comes in a 14 oz bottle and DOES have UV protection) and Meguiar's Leather Wipes (you pull one sheet out at a time), and also a small amount of Aerospace 303. I like my leather to have some sheen to it, but not be too shiny or slippery -- as occurs if you apply Armor All. Neither Lexol nor Meguiar's will leave an artificial gloss.

I consider it important that the leather get some form of moisturizer and UV protection. Both will help prevent drying, cracking, and fading. I intend for my '08 to last for many years (hopefully at least 14 years), including the leather. My last car, a Pontiac 6000, lasted 20 years. The dash, steering wheel, and seats were all "like new" the day I drove it to the junk yard. It can be seen at:
http://www.psiprograms.com/cImages/6000/

 

In regard to a new car; (in no particular order) a chevy Malibu, Mazda 3, Mazda 6, Pontiac G6, or, if you can handle something smaller, the Mazda MX-5 (new Miata) -- but I don't know about materials used -- may only be leather.

 

You may wish to consult Consumer Reports and J.D. Power & Associates. Ford has caught up to the Japanese recently. They have passed Nissan in overall company reliablility and are on the heals of Toyota and Honda with most models. The Ford Fusion is more reliable than the Toyota Camry now. My '96 Ford Probe GT had a few problems later in its life, but that's okay as it was 12 years old when I sold it. But she was rock solid the first several years and never left me stranded and always brought me home. Ironically, it had a Mazda powertrain.

 

I haven't owned a car with leather or a leather wrapped steering wheel; I'm making my observations by looking at used Honda's and Acura's that are from 2005. That should be a good indication of how well the leather will hold up and ever TSX that I have seen the leather has worn to a shiny slick surface on the wheel and has cracked in the side bolster seat.