EVS Motors Inc.

You could be right about the coating, that may be the cause of the worn look.

dtchung

Yeah, I really don't like Honda leathers. I had 93 Legend before, although it wasn't the best, it felt much better than the TL. My front seats have butt prints, but the seat is holding up OK. My rear seats on the other hand is sagging already. Not too many people even ridden in the back.

I agree with most of you about perforated seats. I don't think they're sporty nor looks good. I preferr just traditional leather.

IMO, I think Volvo has one of the better leather seats around. Yes, they're thicker and not as soft, but they seem very durable. Friend of mine has '96 Volvo and he's type of person who regards cars as a basic transportation. The only time, his car gets washed is when it rains or when he takes it in for service. Basically, doesn't take care of his car at all, but his leather seats still looks great. No cracks!

Fellow TLr

I haven't noticed any cracks in my camel interior. However, I'm going to look. I do use the Lexol Leather care product on my seats. Perhaps you might try it.

rets

Oftener you condition your leather seats, more durable and better your seats would be.

dtchung

How soon and often should you condition your seats? i.e. you shouldn't polish your car until 3 months after new paint job.

Anyway, I used Eagle leather conditioner once, and I hated the oily slippery feel. Also, I heard once you start conditioning, you shouldn't stop. Kinda like using armor-all for the dash, which I don't like.

It seems like people like Lexol, Pinnacle Leather conditioner, or Maguire's. Which works the best, if you don't like that greasy slipperly feel? Thanks.

EVS Motors Inc.

Not sure how often you should condition it, but I wouldn't expect any good leather to require it more than a couple times a year. I condition the leather in my mercedes maybe once a year, and the leather is excellent.

I haven't owned a Acura recently, the last time was a 1997 Acura CL, which had pretty decent leather didn't notice any major wear on it.

TLGator

So why exactly ARE manufacturers using the perforated leather? It seems we the customers don't necessarily like it. I couldn't care less about the so-called "breathable" quality - my tan CL non-perforated leather looks and feels great year round. I wonder if it's somehow cheaper to use perforated leather - if maybe the manufacturer gets more square feet from the same raw material or something. Just wondering, because I don't see a big deal with the perforated leather. In fact I don't like it, that's chiefly why I didn't get the Type S when I leased my CL.

dtchung

I agree with you. Maybe they're trying to reduce weight, or maybe cut cost, letter material, less $$

vothsc

I believe they perforate it to give it more grip so you don't slide around.

Tripp11

Plus, as stated by someone else in this thread, the perforated seats aren't as hot as non-perforated seats in direct sunlight.

As for CL Gator stating it costs less as the manufacturer gets more out of the raw material, one would think it would take the same amount of leather to cover the seats, perforated or not.

I never much thought of perforated leather until I took a ride in one of my Partner's MB S55 AMG and I started to like the individuality of it more and more. Sort of stood out from the normal, non-perforated leather.

It has to have some function to it - like cooler in the summer and perhaps gripping your bottom a bit more for support; however, I think there's styling to it as well...either you like it or you don't - same with everything I guess.

TLGator

Perforated leather may or may not have any real function. Cooler in summer? Not sure I buy that.

I agree with tripp11 that it's probably mostly about styling and personal preference. But keep in mind that it won't "stand out from the normal, non-perforated leather" if too many manufacturers start using it!

Also, tripp11, I didn't STATE it costs less to use perforated leather. I have no idea one way or the other. I indicated I was just wondering about it as a possibility.

Anyway, I suppose those who like perforated leather will be just slightly happier with their TLs than those of us who don't. Won't stop me from getting the car when the time comes, that's for sure.

meathead

mine looks exactly the same after about 1 month. will acura replace the leather? i was not pleased with it, but i thought that was expected with car leather. how many people actually complained to the dealer???

Fellow TLr

Hello you all. The Lexol Leather Care Products doesn't leave my seats oily, slick or a residue feel to it at all. In fact, It keeps the interior of the car smelling like leather all the time. Case in Point: I previously purchased a 2000 Acura TL that wasn't as immaculate as I keep my cars. I detailed it and began applying the Lexol to the Leather. It wasn't long after that other passengers started to complement that the car had a nice leather smell to it. I highly recommend the Lexol Products. There's a cleaner and conditioner. Depending on where you live and the climate, (I live in AZ) I apply it every 2-3 months. I suggest buying both over the other products. Remember, Lexol has been used to clean and condition leather products much longer than the other products mentioned in this thread.

Tripp11

Also, tripp11, I didn't STATE it costs less to use perforated leather. I have no idea one way or the other. I indicated I was just wondering about it as a possibility.


My fault, CLGator, didn't mean to put words in your mouth. Well, unless you've done some sort of expense study over the years between perforated leather and non-perforated leather. I was just conveying my opinion that I don't think the same material would go further if they perforate. Hell, I'm no leather specialist that's for sure - so I'll just shut up now.

dtchung

Thanks for this information. I just ordered both cleaner and conditioner.

One of my rear seat looks as though, it's been stretched. Do you think using this product would help?

Fellow TLr

Can't say if Lexol will help the appearance of stretched leather, but I like how supple it feels after I apply it to the seats.

TLGator

tripp11 - No worries. Let's just hope Acura is indeed using high quality leather that will last.

TLProspect

Really? I have to disagree. I found the Lexol conditioner smell to be, well... bad. I didn't think the leather, the car, or the conditioner for that matter smelled much like leather. It did a fine job, seats were a little shiny for a while though.

I'm having better luck with Zymol leather conditioner but I want to try Pinnacle soon.

1SICKLEX

Perforated leather allows more ventilation in the seat to keep you cooler or warmer. No amount of Lexol can help make the quality of leather better. I do strongly recommend Lexol though. As stated, apply with your hands.

ColdFusionTL

that looks like normal leather wear to me. I think its expected of the drivers seat to look like that since its always getting sat on. That would be pretty cool though if a dealer would actually replace it just because its wrinkled.

KilroyR1

I have a copy of Motorcycle Consumer News (accepts no advertising) and they compared different leather care products. They were testing for the care of leather riding suits.

They actually did chemical analysis to determine which products had alcohol (a big no-no for leather).

Anyway, Lexol came out on top. I'll look around and post the full results if I can find the issue.

Don

Z Factor

That would be great. I know many people who would enjoy reading an independent review with a chemical analysis.

Lore

My driver's side seat looks much like the posted photo as well. Interestingly, it's only the left side of the seat that looks that way.

dtchung

I think that's because we enter and exit to way. Think about when you're getting into the car, most people tend to slide their butt across from left to center. When you're exiting, you excert more force on to that left side.

If you had some passengers riding in your car with you, examine the right side of the seat. Though not as drastic, you'll find similar wear on the right side. Just my examination. Well, they have to cut cost somewhere and I guess this is one of the place.

I'm still impressed with Volvo's leather seats. They left quite a bit of slacks for room to stretch. That's why I like leather seats that looks wrinkled. They might not look as pretty, but it'll last longer. Just my opinion...