Is leather worth it?

[tjhart]

I'm about to get the Astra CDTi. My dealer has told me I can put leather seats in it for about $2k. I've never been in a position before to have such luxury, but am just wondering whether it is worth it. Do they get very hot in the sun? Are they more comfortable? What does it do to resale value? Interested in your opinions.

[GETUTED]

yes, yes it is

[SCiFiRE]

Pros - Looks, Easy to clean, Some people like the smell....
Cons - V.Hot in the sun, Cold in the winter.

I dont think the cheap leather they put in the astras and my sv8 and such is that much comfier than clothe,

Personally, i love it. Ive had it in both my astra and my sv8.
But alot of people hate it. so... its very much a personal preference.


EDIT: Also, From what ive heard around here is holdens cost for leather is a bit of a rip-off. For a similar price you can get a good trimmer to re-trim your car in much higher quality leather. high quality leather makes a huge difference. If you go into a dealer feel the leather in an astra, then in a VE calais. huge difference.

[Dickie Knee]

Before I owned the Caprice I would have said not to worry about it, but now I say do it.

I live in Queensland and have not found them uncomfortable due to heat.
They are easier to keep clean ( I have two dogs and a 1 year old ) Dog hair and spills just wipe off, and I think they are more comfortable than cloth.

Just my 2c.

DK

[payaya]

I have all black leather interior. They look a lot better but as others have suggested, I cant physically sit down on my seats if the leather has been exposed to direct sunlight. In winter they are a bit cold. When your skin touches the leather it sort of feels uncomfortable.

But yeah they look good!

[BLACK 346]

Do it mate. My wife's Forester has full leather interior and it
is bloody awesome, I am very jealous that my SS does not
have leather. If I hadn't already spent over a grand on
fitted Sheepskin Covers I would get mine done in a heartbeat.
Especially good if you have grubby little pet humans (kids) in
your car all the time.

[KPWISHN]

Absolutely.

My clubby is the first car i have had that has leather and i will never buy another vehicle without it.

It is great. Apart from looking better, it supports you in the chair way better than cloth trim.

It also is much easier to clean and doesn't need cleaning very often anyway.

I would definitely recommend getting leather on a new car.

[Holdendriver]

Guess I'll have to jump in on this one.
Grew up with cars that had vinyl seats so was stoked
when they came out with cloth ( not hot or cold etc)

In more recent years bought a car with leather, but in hindsight must have
forgotten about the burnt leg thing over the years.

Put up with it for about 12 months and snapped on one summer day and traded it.

Granted it was easier to clean, but the rugrats are gone now so no problem
there anymore, I also liked the leather smell but not enough to compensate for the problems of temperature.

So not saying anyone else is wrong but personally I would pass up any car
that had leather seats, just because of comfort.

Another point is that I often wear shorts when I am driving so I guess
anyone who wears jeans etc when they drive would not be affected.


Cheers,

[Speedy Gonzales]

TJ if you are second guessing whether or not to get leather, that in itself suggests a no.

Do what makes you happy.

[RIDE:42]

I have all black leather interior in the ute and love it and it also has a/c to cool it on hot days and warm it on cold so it`s win win :bravo:

[cashie]

My wife's Tigra has a best of both worlds, part leather (bolsters) and part cloth (centre).
Has the smell of leather and the feel/grip of cloth.

[Tombo]

My current SS ute has leather, my last one did not. I much prefer the leather seats. Having said that our Astra has cloth seats on which we put expensive sheep skin covers and "she who must be obeyed" is really happy with that setup. So I guess it is all up to whether it is worth $2k to have the leather seats or if you can live with cloth seats. Remember you can always get them retrimmed in leather at a later date if you change your mind :yup:

[Alister]

Leather can be nice. The Commodores etc have nice soft leather that is comfortable to sit on. Leather in some cars feels a lot different to leather in other cars. I love the leather in my Calais (soft and comfortable) but hate it in Mazda 6s (hard and uncomfortable). Also, you have to look after leather otherwise it will crease then crack.

[HRT 8]

I'm about to get the Astra CDTi. My dealer has told me I can put leather seats in it for about $2k. I've never been in a position before to have such luxury, but am just wondering whether it is worth it. Do they get very hot in the sun? Are they more comfortable? What does it do to resale value? Interested in your opinions.
Leather isnt a factory option for the CDTi astra, so my guess is that the holden dealer is going aftermarket.
I recently had my VYSS retrimmed in black leather by Blackmans in Melbourne.
The quality of leather is different and much better in my opinion and blackmans to the regular holden stuff.
If you buy a holden off ths showroom floor that isnt fitted with leather, but you want it, the dealer will generally send it to a trimmer to be redone, or swap it out of another car on the lot. A lot of Vic Holden (Saab, Ford, Peugeot and Mazda too) dealers use blackmans.
My car had leather fitted ex factory, but prior to being sold new, had it replaced with cloth. Id say someone came into the delaer and wanted a VYSS with leather so they used the stuff that was originally in mine. Pooftas.
I tried a warranty claim but the main man kinda said NO.

[BIGDAO]

I've got leather seats in my VZ SS ute, and I love it.

Another point, if you have leather, at least you know a big helpless animal has been slaughtered for your arse's comfort. Relax people, I'm joking!




(boy I hope there are no PETA activists without a sense of humour that peruse this forum)

[Cainer]

yeh dont think i will be getting leather again anytime soon, pain in the ass keeping it clean and always worried about damaging it.

[clixanup]

Another point, if you have leather, at least you know a big helpless animal has been slaughtered for your arse's comfort.
Well it was slaughtered for lunch anyway. Might as well make use of it's skin too!

(boy I hope there are no PETA activists without a sense of humour that peruse this forum)
If there are, this one's for them:

http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=sponsor

And to answer the OP, yes get leather. I have it, and don't think I can go back to cloth. Ever.

[SCiFiRE]

i dont get the 'pain in the arse to keep clean' part......
whats hard about keeping leather clean? wipe it witha damp clothe and everything comes off. its a hell of alot easier than clothe

clixanup >
nullify the vegetarian moral crusade. thats awesome. LOL

[OzMystic]

Guys
Just a question that has been bugging me for a while. How do the leather seats bear up with the likes of jeans or belts. Do they get marked that much?

Cheers

[Dickie Knee]

Guys
Just a question that has been bugging me for a while. How do the leather seats bear up with the likes of jeans or belts. Do they get marked that much?

Cheers

Moble phones on belts are the big killer.

DK

[lumina ss]

VZ and VE leather is not all leather only the bit you sit on is leather the sides and back is leather look vinyl. is it worth it NO, in fact advertising leather seats when there not all leather may be stretching the truth a little

[NickS]

I can't go without leather now ... love it !!! I upgraded my SS with a full leather interior from Nickh @ NVU, one of the best mods I have ever done.

[jerrel]

my dads beema had leather, and i have been wanting it ever since.

[gaz vyss]

My beamer had full leather and now my SS has full leather. Seats, door trims, etc and its comfy leather too... not that cheap shit.

Seeing as you are asking opinions..... yes... DO IT.:)

[O5BRKY]

I'm getting leather in the VX wagon soon, looking forward to the smell, and hopefully keeping cleaner bit. Also just got a new leather couch for the house, love it !!

[Dacious]

Leather for me if at all an option. Holden's perforated leather is comfortable for a long day in the seat, and once the newness wears off I find it very grippy to sit in. I use shade to stop the interior getting too hot before getting in - once there, aircon keeps it cool to the touch. Just be careful of Levis studs or protruding buttons on denim scratching or marking it getting in/out.

Even on a warm day with the window down, it is not sticky feeling. The feel on the steering wheel and seats, middle hump is just so natural compared to cloth. I wear shorts and t-shirts all the time in summer and find it comfortable as. It warms quickly to the touch when cold and feels tactiley great. As soon as cloth gets wear in patches it just looks tatty. Leather if kept cleaned gets a natural shiny patina which looks nice even when you know it is contact wear.

[Tez82]

Love leather, actually just cleaned mine today and damm it comes up nice :D I think would be hard to go back now to cloth trim however personal choice imo...


Tez

[SSASSC1]

Is leather worth it? --- NO !!!

Looks good when new, but that's about it.

Scratches easily, after a while cracks appear in the bolstering and on a hot day your legs fry to it.

Been there and done that with leather.

[Wonky]

VZ and VE leather is not all leather only the bit you sit on is leather the sides and back is leather look vinyl. is it worth it NO, in fact advertising leather seats when there not all leather may be stretching the truth a little
More info? Proof?

Oops ...... realised what you meant now. Who cares about the back and sides? Am also sure Holden won't be the only ones to do that.

[ace185]

I have a hothouse green VYSS and had to have leather in it as the cloth colour coordinated trim looks terrible. The leather can be cool in winter but dosen't take long to warm up. It would be nice if Holden were to heat the leather seats like many european cars. I have only had the car for three months so I haven't got an opinion on summer temps and it's effect on black leather. It is easy to clean and looks great !!! I would still be happy to have cloth seats and $2k is a fair bit for an option. I don't know what quality leather they use in the Astra but the SS is not a soft touch leather. Good luck !!

[kryten2001]

Love it....

That being said, I'm not a huge fan of coloured leather (it doesn't age well), and any leather has to be taken care of properly, otherwise it looks aweful after a few years....

Use good protectants.... It's like your skin, it loves a bit of moisturiser from time to time... Otherwise it'll end up with the clint eastwood look.

[LRL82]

I'm doing mine in the next few months not cheap but will increase the value of my car significantly. Will look hot also:)

[Lokky]

I haven't noticed too many scuffs due to belts and rivets in jeans in my SSZ, but it does get a bit worn on the side of the sports seats, and also a bit mis shaped as its hard to get in and out without either putting the seat back or squashing the side bit.

If the astra doesn't have sports seats, you might be ok.

[Merlin]

My first car with leather was an Astra Turbo - heated leather seats - will never ever go back to cloth now.

I also don't like how a lot of "sports" cars at the moment are advertised with leather interior but it is only the side bolsters not the whole caboodle e.g. Mazda 3 MPS and Clio Sport. I want full leather dammit!

[SV805]

Add me to the Leather is good side. Bought a Pajero a few years ago and as it was top of the line it only came with leather. If I was able to I would have optioned the cloth at the time but wasn't able to do this.
First weekend in the state forest and red mud on the side of the seat as I got back in. All good just a wipe with a wet cloth and all is new. Not with cloth . Yes it gets a bit hot in summer but most cars aircon is great and only a minute or two and all is good. Don't wear short shorts anymore so most shorts are long enough to cover the under side of leg anyway so not sweating on the leather anyway.
Three cars since then all with leather and won't go back to cloth.

[xr8_forever]

Yep! Most definately is worth it?


Maybe there should be a poll on this thread????

Mods????

[cdxi]

My CDXi Vectra has factory leather and hasn't caused any issues in the hot Perth summers. The heated seats are a bonus in winter for sure.

If it's factory leather, check the quality as everyone suggests. The Vectra leather is a bit stiffer than I would have wanted in this sort of vehicle. Check on a sample if it is aftermarket too.

It won't add very much to resale - the CDTi will hold its value well but the leather won't make any difference a few years down the track.

Speaking of resale, anyone notice that Wheels has the Omega at 39% resale value in three years? Gotta be better than that!

[BIGDAO]

I have a hothouse green VYSS and had to have leather in it as the cloth colour coordinated trim looks terrible.

Correct. My brother has that car, and his seats look like MC Hammer's pants.

[Stevotski]

bit off-topic but Holden is basically forcing leather in the VE. The next new car I buy for myself will be a sporty 6. Personally i dont want a leather interior (it can get to minus 15 degrees here in winter) but I would like curtain airbags - however I can't do this except in Omega!

So you get an Omega, add the side impact protection pack, FE2, 18" alloys, blue tooth, bodykit, spoiler and you have $44,612 (A4) (and honestly this is knocking firmly in standard Calais territory - which has all that barring the bodykit items and has only 17" alloys and the better interior, engine, gearbox etc)

Now an SV6 with curtain airbags and leather is $42,490 (M6) $43,490 (A5)

...so it is cheaper for me to buy an SV6 (with better interior, engine, gearbox, and resale) than a similar Omega!

Holden sort your shit out!


BIGDOA: now i have 'you cant touch this' stuck in my head :bash:

[Dacious]

...so it is cheaper for me to buy an SV6 (with better interior, engine, gearbox, and resale) than a similar Omega!

Holden sort your shit out!


BIGDOA: now i have 'you cant touch this' stuck in my head :bash:

And this is a problem how? Do you want an Omega over an SV6? Holden prices it's vehicles 1. to be competitive 2. as to what the market will bear - which detemines equipment levels. Unlike a takeaway food shop, it's time and money for them to break the cycle and customise your order.

The moment you want something different to run-of-the-mill it will cost you. I'd wait until they bring in the 'value-pack' they were talking about at the launch which will probably bundle all that at a cheaper price.

My initials are MC and one of the girls I work with calls me 'MC Hammer' so he is always with me.

[andrewslr]

If you like it, and want it, it is then worth it.:thumbsup:

If you are doing it for resale value, it's worth 2/3rds of bugger all.:moon:

[Merlin]

I disagree with the comments on resale, I will always pay a little bit more for a car with leather fitted and wont even consider cars without leather.

[googers]

I've got an ss ute so obviously would only need the front seats and small door trim pieces done.
Probably not something i'd rush out to get cause my red/black cloth looks good and is in pretty good nic, and would probably rather spend my cash on engine mods or wheels but without having to ring around. What's the going rate to get seats trimmed in good quality leather?

[Wonky]

I think Blackmans in Moorabbin who are apparently THE place to get it done in Melbourne charge low to mid $2000's for a sedan, though depends on the quality of the leather you choose. I guess you could halve that for a ute.

[jerzey21]

leather is awesome just make sure u look after it

[Merlin]

I've got an ss ute so obviously would only need the front seats and small door trim pieces done.
Probably not something i'd rush out to get cause my red/black cloth looks good and is in pretty good nic, and would probably rather spend my cash on engine mods or wheels but without having to ring around. What's the going rate to get seats trimmed in good quality leather?

About 6 months ago a mate got quoted between $1500 and $2000 for a sedan so cut that price in half for a ute I guess.

[HRT 8]

I've got an ss ute so obviously would only need the front seats and small door trim pieces done.
Probably not something i'd rush out to get cause my red/black cloth looks good and is in pretty good nic, and would probably rather spend my cash on engine mods or wheels but without having to ring around. What's the going rate to get seats trimmed in good quality leather?
Blackmans in Moorabin for sure.
Retail for a sedan I believe is approx $2200. I'd expect about 1200 - 1500 for a Ute.


Search "Blackmans" in here and you'll get a good idea of their reputation.

[NickS]

...so it is cheaper for me to buy an SV6 (with better interior, engine, gearbox, and resale) than a similar Omega!

Holden sort your shit out!
Makes sense to me, in one case you have the car mass produced from the factory, very easy as it just runs along the production line. In the other case they have to custom build it to your order specs, it is an exception to the norm. and therefore requires more work.

An SV6 is basically a spec'd up Omega anyway, so if you want all the options, just buy the SV6.

[EddieVE06]

Blackmans in Moorabin for sure.
Retail for a sedan I believe is approx $2200. I'd expect about 1200 - 1500 for a Ute.


Search "Blackmans" in here and you'll get a good idea of their reputation.

I agree, Blackmans is great. I bought a VY SV8 in 2002 and I wanted leather in it. The dealer said they would have it done for me. Went to blackmans and they did a great job, they even embroided the SV8 like the badge on all the seats.

[02_CV8]

My 2c leather is worth it it feels heaps better than cloth in my opinion, I just got my first car with leather and I won't buy another with out it now

[05_ENFORCER]

The look, the smell, absolutely, leather for me :smilesandbanana:

[babycow]

I like cloth over vinyl and leather over cloth but prefer the new suede/ leather combo in the VE GTS

[omgbees]

Yes, yes, and yes.
The only exception is if you mave messy kids, or a wife / GF that has studs in their jeans.

you will need to be more careful with leather seats, but in the end its worth it, feels better to sit on, looks better, and personally, I feel happier knowing another option box has been ticked =P
As for the seats getting hot, I recently bought a Black series 3 CV8, with black leather, it gets parked in direct sun for 8 hours a day and when I get in my car to go home, I dont get burnt because I wear pants....
if you wear clothes in your car, I wouldnt worry about then being hot.

[German Statesman]

Good leather seating is unbeatable for comfort - I've got an old '92 DC LTD flogger and the Howe leather seats are like sitting in lounge recliners. Its probably the only reason why we still keep the car because the kids love how comfy the ol' girl is.

Having said that, when the Toyota Century was built for the Japanese royal family, they specified velour a thick rich type similar to a Bedford cloth weave that Cadillac used until velour became cheaper. Traditionally, chauffeur's compartments have always been covered in leather for its hard wearing properties and passenger compartments have had rich cloth/velour, but RR changed all that with their full leather interiors and that seems to be the way it is ever since...

[VEbudSS]

another thread from the dead! :goodjob:

[zaim]

When I went shopping for my car, I specifically went looking for a calais WITHOUT leather.... till I was told it holds its value a lot better.. and then I just sat in one, and admire the black leather.. MMMMMMmmmmm sexy.

[mrstallion]

Leather two thumbs up. Smells nice, feels comfortable and is easy to care for