How is your leather holding up - Q&A
#17
I had alabaster leather in my 2008 that didn't hold up at all. Looked terrible when I traded it at 76,000. My 2013 has the semi-aniline and I've bee much more impressed, but it is newer and only has 35,000 on the clock.
#18
Instructor
I would have your seats re-dyed, you could bring them back to life and get a few more years out of them at least
Only area I don't think they can fix is the drivers side bolster, the way its worn out, unless someone was able to take the seat cover off and put some new foam back in there
I restore leather as a side hobby, Ive gotten some great results
This is an sc430 I did a while back
Only area I don't think they can fix is the drivers side bolster, the way its worn out, unless someone was able to take the seat cover off and put some new foam back in there
I restore leather as a side hobby, Ive gotten some great results
This is an sc430 I did a while back
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1WILLY1 (01-09-17)
#19
Intermediate
iTrader: (1)
You can have your seats re-painted and they'll look like new. And you can have the cushions re-done too. Bought a 2001 LX 470 last week and the previous owners had the front seat bottoms re-stuffed and re-covered at a shop up in LA. They did a very nice job, they look better than original and are holding up beautifully.
I had the driver's seat painted in my 2010 RX350 and it looked great.
I had the driver's seat painted in my 2010 RX350 and it looked great.
Last edited by sdwtchlvr; 01-24-17 at 06:39 AM.
#20
Lexus Test Driver
I know people will hate me for saying this, but the best automotive leather I've found is in older Mercedes machines, like the W126 and W124. The R129 and W140 may also qualify.
I've owned both a 124 & 126, both were commuter cars, and even after 15 years and 205K miles, the leather in my '95 E320 looked new when I gave it to a family member. Well, on the seats, it looked new. A previous owner really screwed up the leather on the top 1/3 of the steering wheel.
Actually, the leather in my '98 Grand Cherokee 5.9L is wearing quite well, too. 175K miles, and while not a DD, it's not babied, either.
I've owned both a 124 & 126, both were commuter cars, and even after 15 years and 205K miles, the leather in my '95 E320 looked new when I gave it to a family member. Well, on the seats, it looked new. A previous owner really screwed up the leather on the top 1/3 of the steering wheel.
Actually, the leather in my '98 Grand Cherokee 5.9L is wearing quite well, too. 175K miles, and while not a DD, it's not babied, either.
#21
Lead Lap
I know people will hate me for saying this, but the best automotive leather I've found is in older Mercedes machines, like the W126 and W124. The R129 and W140 may also qualify.
I've owned both a 124 & 126, both were commuter cars, and even after 15 years and 205K miles, the leather in my '95 E320 looked new when I gave it to a family member. Well, on the seats, it looked new. A previous owner really screwed up the leather on the top 1/3 of the steering wheel.
Actually, the leather in my '98 Grand Cherokee 5.9L is wearing quite well, too. 175K miles, and while not a DD, it's not babied, either.
I've owned both a 124 & 126, both were commuter cars, and even after 15 years and 205K miles, the leather in my '95 E320 looked new when I gave it to a family member. Well, on the seats, it looked new. A previous owner really screwed up the leather on the top 1/3 of the steering wheel.
Actually, the leather in my '98 Grand Cherokee 5.9L is wearing quite well, too. 175K miles, and while not a DD, it's not babied, either.
What many folks don't realize in regards to most automotive leather interiors is that they are coated with plastic and that super expensive leather conditioners are a waste.
That does not mean it does not require protectants, rather just ones that won't eat at the vinyl covering of the leather interior.
That said, the semi aniline leather in many LS models does require different treatment and is more delicate.
#22
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (9)
If people hate you for stating the Mercedes (especially pre Daimler-Chrysler era) made cars that were practically heirloom quality are far too biased. Ironically it was the LS400 which sent MB (and many others) down a dark rabbit hole where for almost a decade Mercedes really had lost their way in trying to stay cost competitive with Lexus.
What many folks don't realize in regards to most automotive leather interiors is that they are coated with plastic and that super expensive leather conditioners are a waste.
That does not mean it does not require protectants, rather just ones that won't eat at the vinyl covering of the leather interior.
That said, the semi aniline leather in many LS models does require different treatment and is more delicate.
What many folks don't realize in regards to most automotive leather interiors is that they are coated with plastic and that super expensive leather conditioners are a waste.
That does not mean it does not require protectants, rather just ones that won't eat at the vinyl covering of the leather interior.
That said, the semi aniline leather in many LS models does require different treatment and is more delicate.
And yes Mercedes was a well built car up until the early 90's
#23
Lead Lap
Currently I am just using Lexol and truthfully, I would most likely be good for semi aniline as well.
#24
Lexus Fanatic
I've had both types of leather, the semi aniline is really the same to care for.
#25
Lead Lap
I know in my 430 UL, the leather felt completely different and far more delicate than the standard leather in my 460.
#26
Lexus Fanatic
My GS with semi aniline leather had a polyurethane coat...it definately feels different but it's still coated.
#27
Lead Lap
I will defer to you on this. Just from past experience with both semi aniline and aniline leathers, it was/is a completely different ballgame. That said, it makes sense in an automotive application not to make such a delicate interior when so many will get upset when it starts to show signs of wear.
#28
Lexus Fanatic
Yeah the only cars I've seen with noncoated leather, mainstream cars, are King Ranch F150s...