Leather Seat Premature Wear?

Boston Tundra · #1 (**permalink**) 12-09-2003, 05:18 PM

I've had my '02 Limited in service for exactly two years. I've taken care of the leather seating surfaces with Zymol Cleaner and Conditioner. There seem to be cracks developing on the driver's seat door side, and the front surface under the steering wheel. Is this a common occurrence? Could it be a warranty item? Is there a better product than Zymol?

vorra65 · #2 (**permalink**) 12-09-2003, 11:58 PM

Find my post's some weeks back, about my experience with leather in my '02. It's being replaced, but damn near had to choke somebody out- to get what's right.

EZ2BME · #3 (**permalink**) 12-10-2003, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boston Tundra

I've had my '02 Limited in service for exactly two years. I've taken care of the leather seating surfaces with Zymol Cleaner and Conditioner. There seem to be cracks developing on the driver's seat door side, and the front surface under the steering wheel. Is this a common occurrence? Could it be a warranty item? Is there a better product than Zymol?

I've had my '01 Ltd for 30 months now and have the same cracking as you describe. In fairness to Toyota, I had a '94 Mustang that developed the exact same cracks, even though I babied those leather seats. I'm not upset about it, as I've seen leather seats on BMW's that looked terrible with less mileage than I've got on my truck (32k). Here's the thread vorra65 is referring to:
http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forum...ad.php?t=20813

I've been using Lexol and Meguiars for my leather, but I think a combination of South Texas heat and my big butt going in and out for the past 32k miles that I've driven this truck is gonna cause some visible wear.
I'd be interested to know if you received any warranty support for leather seating, though, without having to make a fuss.

vorra65 · #4 (**permalink**) 12-10-2003, 11:12 AM

IMO, I don't think the leather is the problem. I believe that the weak link in Toyota's leather seats-is the vinyl that is used on the sides and back. The vinyl cracked on my seat, but the leather is in great shape.

EZ2BME · #5 (**permalink**) 12-10-2003, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vorra65

IMO, I don't think the leather is the problem. I believe that the weak link in Toyota's leather seats-is the vinyl that is used on the sides and back. The vinyl cracked on my seat, but the leather is in great shape.

Sorry vorra65...
I only glanced over your thread without reading it thoroughly. In that case, I would agree with whatever you way about vinyl cracking. I don't like the fact that nowadays mfr's use vinyl on sides and back and instead of complete leather coverage (as they did years ago). In essence, I paid for back & seat leather coverage and I assume the console (on the bench seat) and doors are covered with vinyl. Bummer!