rlin5741

Perhaps this is more general than the Lexus GS thread, but I'm looking at a used GS that has some damage to the back seat - it looks like the previous owner had children in a child seat, which tore part of the leather in the seat back (two 2 inch tears connected at a 90 degree angle) on the driver side and stretched out the leather on the seat on the passenger side (so that the leather wrinkles very noticeably). Since they are selling this CPO, the dealer indicated that both issues will be fixed on their dime, although they are using a leather repair shop rather than replacing the leather itself.

Does anyone have any experience with leather repairs? Can the stretching even be repaired or does the leather have to be replaced? Not noticible would the repairs be? I was assured they would be unnoticeable, but since its preforated leather I have my doubts, and I was not aware thay stretching can be repaired. Both spots of damage are on the perforated area.

Thanks for anyone with experience in this area.

BinaryJay

If it's noticeable when they're done then tell them it's not good enough. If it's not, then while you're there abuse it a bit and see if it rips easily.

Who knows what they'll do, but you'll only be able to tell after it's done.

bigblack06

iTrader: (20)

yeah you should have them do it before you purchase it just say you will give a down payment, so that way you make sure it looks good before you purchase it.

HomieG

Always amazes me that dealers don't have stuff like this fixed on CPO's before they put the car on the lot for sale. Seems to me like they'd want the cars in near-perfect condition to sell them, especially at the highly inflated prices they charge on most CPO's.

As others have already said, tell them you'll consider buying the car after you've seen the repair. If they refuse, time to look at other vehicles!

rlin5741

Thanks for the help. One thing that isn't readily apparent in any repair is longevity - has anyone had any experience with repairs of tears and stretching, how durable are repairs?

sum10ne

If the rips are on the perforated leather portion of the seats, it might be a difficult fix and one where you can easily tell there was damage there before.

I would agree that if you are particular about those kind of things, to put a clause on the purchase that requires the fix to be done first, before buying.