Will your next vehicle have leather?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 03-12-2008, 03:39 PM
  #1  
Moderator
Thread Starter
 
Street Spirit's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 9,161
Likes: 0
Received 58 Likes on 34 Posts
Question Will your next vehicle have leather?

Mine: I hope not. I'm well over it.....Too cold in winter (and no, seat heaters won't convince me to want leather anymore), and too hot in summer.

The only downside is finding a manufacturer that provides good, durable, quality cloth. When I was on the look out for a new car (earlier in the year), I found myself mostly impressed with VW GTI's cloth. It looked really attractive (none of that ugly airline seat, weird patterned fabric) and really durable. If I remember correctly, the Mazda 3 cloth was pretty decent too, but not as good as the GTI. Otherwise, most of the other cars I looked at just deserved a "meh".
Old 03-12-2008, 03:42 PM
  #2  
Pro
 
shrykhar's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 656
Received 21 Likes on 9 Posts
It wears too easily and quickly. But they seem almost obligatory for nicer cars these days, so meh.

Not a fan of Mazda3 seats. Civic seats are nice and squishy though.
Old 03-12-2008, 03:42 PM
  #3  
3.2L Vtec
 
typeS6S's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Southern California 951
Age: 42
Posts: 481
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
if it was my choice i would get the alcantara cloth
Old 03-12-2008, 03:49 PM
  #4  
Advanced
 
Mike00's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Plymouth Meeting, PA
Age: 40
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I hate cloth seats so yes. In fact I've never owned a car without leather seats. So much nicer looking to me.
Old 03-12-2008, 03:51 PM
  #5  
Team Owner
iTrader: (1)
 
CGTSX2004's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Beach Cities, CA
Posts: 24,299
Received 378 Likes on 198 Posts
Doesn't matter to me. Leather upholstery is pretty far down on my list of priorities when it comes to choosing cars.
Old 03-12-2008, 03:52 PM
  #6  
Fahrvergnügen'd
 
charliemike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Maryland
Age: 52
Posts: 13,494
Received 1,569 Likes on 986 Posts
I have had the "cloth" Mz3 and leather MS3 and while I like the leather so much more (cleans very easily) it just wears down ...

My next car will have leather but my dog will not be allowed in it
Old 03-12-2008, 03:53 PM
  #7  
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (5)
 
juniorbean's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: The QC
Posts: 28,461
Received 1,760 Likes on 1,046 Posts
Originally Posted by CGTSX2004
Doesn't matter to me. Leather upholstery is pretty far down on my list of priorities when it comes to choosing cars.


Same here. All of my new cars (except my first) and all of the wife's cars have had leather... however, I am not tied to it. Our business truck does not have it and I do not miss it one bit...
Old 03-12-2008, 03:54 PM
  #8  
Oderint dum metuant.
 
chill_dog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Lake Wylie
Age: 46
Posts: 12,496
Likes: 0
Received 534 Likes on 446 Posts
I won't go out of my way for it, but if it comes with it, so be it.
Old 03-12-2008, 03:58 PM
  #9  
teh Senior Instigator
 
CLpower's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Huntington Beach, CA -> Ashburn, VA -> Raleigh, NC -> Walnut Creek, CA
Age: 42
Posts: 44,094
Received 976 Likes on 330 Posts
never owned a car without leather. Cannot see myself buying a car without leather unless it was some kind of suede.


Being a detailer once in my previous life Cloth is MUCH harder to deal with the leather IMHO. I also take good care of my leather. Both are going to "wear down". The GTI is one exception, I love their cloth interior
Old 03-12-2008, 04:12 PM
  #10  
Burn some dust here
 
cob3683's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Atlanta
Age: 41
Posts: 5,709
Received 13 Likes on 5 Posts
Nope...leather only.
Old 03-12-2008, 04:22 PM
  #11  
In the Mid-South meow
iTrader: (2)
 
SuperTrooper169's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Music City
Age: 47
Posts: 10,799
Received 2,151 Likes on 1,097 Posts
Originally Posted by typeS6S
if it was my choice i would get the alcantara cloth
I loved my EP3 seats. I would take leather over the typical cloth interior any day though.
Old 03-12-2008, 04:26 PM
  #12  
Senior Moderator
 
Crazy Bimmer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Chicago Burbs
Age: 43
Posts: 34,937
Received 638 Likes on 276 Posts
Leather or fake leather only for me.

Tinted windows help for the summer time. Never had issues in the cold...
Old 03-12-2008, 04:29 PM
  #13  
dɐɹɔ ǝɥʇ ʇɐɥʍ
 
iTimmy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Lexington, KY
Age: 43
Posts: 7,522
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
I'm a fan of leather, my last 5 cars have had it and I plan to continue that trend. I don't keep cars that long so wear is not much of an issue to me, the longest I've kept a car was a little over 3 years and 42k miles, the leather was still in great shape, while not new looking, it was pretty close.
Old 03-12-2008, 04:37 PM
  #14  
The sizzle in the Steak
 
Moog-Type-S's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Southern California
Posts: 71,436
Received 1,877 Likes on 1,297 Posts
Leather for me
Old 03-12-2008, 04:51 PM
  #15  
has been here awhile
 
SPUDMTN's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Charlotte, NC
Age: 38
Posts: 1,612
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I like leather, as well...but I think you're onto something with the high quality cloth.

The GTI has sweet cloth. Check out Audi, BMW, & Mercedes' German websites; I believe there is high quality cloth available on nearly models (they even used to offer it on their flagship models).

It would be nice to see manufacturers bring high quality cloth over.
Old 03-12-2008, 04:59 PM
  #16  
Oh Hullow
 
03bl AC k CL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Freehold, NJ
Age: 36
Posts: 1,990
Received 14 Likes on 14 Posts
may be a bit young to be a leather snob but yah i agree... my maxima had leather and now my tl does. i think the look of cloth cheapens the look of a car, but to each his own ... and to the OP ... my buddy has an 05 black on black AV6 coupe w/ cloth it is almost a velour texture, very comfortable, and attractive .... and i agree with you about the mazda 3 cloth, it is decent looking... but still i prefer leather 10 out of 10 times.
Old 03-12-2008, 05:04 PM
  #17  
What Would Don Draper Do?
 
JediMindTricks's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Houston
Age: 44
Posts: 22,223
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Originally Posted by CGTSX2004
Doesn't matter to me. Leather upholstery is pretty far down on my list of priorities when it comes to choosing cars.
Old 03-12-2008, 05:35 PM
  #18  
Moderator
Thread Starter
 
Street Spirit's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 9,161
Likes: 0
Received 58 Likes on 34 Posts
Originally Posted by JediMindTricks
So when you order your next car, you'll just let the salesman check 'cloth' or 'leather' for you?

I understand it's not a priority in the search for the car itself, but when it comes time to place your order or if given the choice, what are you going to choose? ...That's what I'm wondering.
Old 03-12-2008, 05:48 PM
  #19  
The Third Ball
 
Sarlacc's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Los Angeles, Ca
Age: 45
Posts: 49,356
Received 5,022 Likes on 2,670 Posts
Depends on the car really.
Old 03-12-2008, 06:40 PM
  #20  
Unofficial Goat
iTrader: (1)
 
The Dougler's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Toronto
Age: 39
Posts: 15,744
Received 112 Likes on 89 Posts
leather for sure, unless it's a pickup truck, in that case i'm indifferent.
Old 03-12-2008, 06:50 PM
  #21  
Senior Moderator
 
LuvMyTSX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: NY
Age: 45
Posts: 14,667
Received 13 Likes on 11 Posts
Leather for me. Cloth just feels to me now.
Old 03-12-2008, 06:51 PM
  #22  
Moderator Alumnus
 
eclipse23's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: CRY, CRY SOME MORE!
Age: 49
Posts: 11,829
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 1 Post
Originally Posted by Sarlacc
Depends on the car really.
Exactly. Coudn't see a 7 series in cloth, might deal with cloth in a wrx.
Old 03-12-2008, 06:51 PM
  #23  
Moderator Alumnus
 
eclipse23's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: CRY, CRY SOME MORE!
Age: 49
Posts: 11,829
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 1 Post
Originally Posted by LuvMyTSX
Leather for me. Cloth just feels to me now.
Princetonian snob :P
Old 03-12-2008, 06:58 PM
  #24  
Suzuka Master
 
nokiaman's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Maryland
Posts: 6,271
Received 236 Likes on 97 Posts
Leather,sunroof and bi-xenons are a must have for me.
Old 03-12-2008, 07:01 PM
  #25  
Senior Moderator
 
LuvMyTSX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: NY
Age: 45
Posts: 14,667
Received 13 Likes on 11 Posts
Originally Posted by eclipse23
Princetonian snob :P


Actually, I live 45 minutes away in Branchburg, so HA.
Old 03-12-2008, 07:06 PM
  #26  
Team Owner
 
EuRTSX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: District of Corruption
Age: 36
Posts: 23,588
Received 105 Likes on 69 Posts
Like Sarlacc said. Depends on the car.

But I definitely prefer Leather.
Old 03-12-2008, 07:18 PM
  #27  
Race Director
 
Mokos23's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Illinois
Age: 45
Posts: 10,741
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Leather
Old 03-12-2008, 07:59 PM
  #28  
Senior Moderator
 
F23A4's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Age: 56
Posts: 17,900
Received 1,667 Likes on 931 Posts
Although my last two major car purchases (07 Accord and 05 Murano) were models with leather seats, it had more to do with the cars' other options (Navi in the Accord and sunroof/AWD/projector HIDs in the Murano) with which leather just happen to be part of the deal. Honestly, both the AV6 and Mo have forgettable leather.

More than likely, this will not change with my next purchase.
Old 03-12-2008, 08:50 PM
  #29  
teh Senior Instigator
 
CLpower's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Huntington Beach, CA -> Ashburn, VA -> Raleigh, NC -> Walnut Creek, CA
Age: 42
Posts: 44,094
Received 976 Likes on 330 Posts
Originally Posted by nokiaman
Leather,sunroof and bi-xenons are a must have for me.

I am still amazed at how much I miss a sunroof
Old 03-12-2008, 08:54 PM
  #30  
Pre-Registered Member
 
odessa's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,869
Received 246 Likes on 150 Posts
Leather for me
Old 03-12-2008, 09:35 PM
  #31  
Suzuka Master
 
nokiaman's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Maryland
Posts: 6,271
Received 236 Likes on 97 Posts
Originally Posted by CLpower
I am still amazed at how much I miss a sunroof
Yep, always open or tilted during the summer time.Weirdly enough it doesn't feel like summer when I'm driving and my sunroof isn't open...it's a habit I've always had since HS .
Old 03-12-2008, 09:41 PM
  #32  
Unofficial Goat
iTrader: (1)
 
The Dougler's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Toronto
Age: 39
Posts: 15,744
Received 112 Likes on 89 Posts
Originally Posted by nokiaman
Leather,sunroof and bi-xenons are a must have for me.
after experiencing them for the first time in the TL they will be musts for any future cars. Soonroof open windows down cruising is the best.
Old 03-12-2008, 09:43 PM
  #33  
Suzuka Master
 
nokiaman's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Maryland
Posts: 6,271
Received 236 Likes on 97 Posts
Originally Posted by The Dougler
after experiencing them for the first time in the TL they will be musts for any future cars. Soonroof open windows down cruising is the best.
With shades, some music bumpin and shifting gears with a stick, my definition of summer good time
Old 03-12-2008, 09:54 PM
  #34  
Suzuka Master
 
crazymjb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Age: 34
Posts: 7,438
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Truck has cloth, parents MDX and TL have leather. While I certainly don't mind the feeling of cloth, here is why I prefer leather:

A. I have never seen a car with cloth heated seats, though they may be out there
B. Leather looks high class
C. Leather stays/is cleaner
D. Leather smells better (may be related to above)

If any of you have ever cleaned cloth seats, and by that I mean used the hand held upholstery scrubber on a carpet cleaner, and seen just how much brown fluid (friends scrubber has a clear handle) keeps coming and coming and coming out of the seats, with every pass, you would never want cloth again.

Mike
Old 03-12-2008, 11:06 PM
  #35  
Senior Moderator
 
mattg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: OR
Age: 48
Posts: 22,909
Received 388 Likes on 196 Posts
leather here. kthx
Old 03-12-2008, 11:14 PM
  #36  
One on the right for me
 
subinf's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Bay Area, CA
Age: 41
Posts: 27,913
Received 271 Likes on 173 Posts
Probably.
Old 03-12-2008, 11:20 PM
  #37  
この道は毛むくじゃらのマンコだらけ..
 
onebadna1nsx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Mr. Hankey's House
Age: 34
Posts: 10,953
Received 219 Likes on 118 Posts
leather please : )
Old 03-12-2008, 11:28 PM
  #38  
Registered but harmless
 
Will Y.'s Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Age: 59
Posts: 14,851
Received 1,127 Likes on 769 Posts
Originally Posted by EuRTSX
Like Sarlacc said. Depends on the car.

But I definitely prefer Leather.

I prefer leather or fake leather (vinyl/MBTex, etc.) to cloth for cleaning and appearance purposes, although cloth is better for autocrosses or high-G turns.

IIRC, the fabric seat covers on the RX-8 were pretty nice, but so was the leather. I like the tight neoprene-like fabrics, and dislike the looser fabric covers that come in some Toyotas.
Old 03-12-2008, 11:31 PM
  #39  
_____ like a rabbit
 
stangg172004's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Edgewater, Chicago, IL
Age: 36
Posts: 8,594
Received 12 Likes on 10 Posts
Seat design is a higher priority then the material used. Come to think of it, ive never looked at seat material when shopping for a cloth. If its a no cost option, ill get leather. If it cost more, cloth is just fine for me...
Old 03-13-2008, 12:51 AM
  #40  
Oh Hullow
 
03bl AC k CL's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Freehold, NJ
Age: 36
Posts: 1,990
Received 14 Likes on 14 Posts
Originally Posted by crazymjb

A. I have never seen a car with cloth heated seats, though they may be out there
They are out there.


Quick Reply: Will your next vehicle have leather?



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:23 AM.