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New Cars with No Leather? - READ ONLY

28 messages,  Last post on Feb 19, 2007 at 9:47 PM

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Messages Page 3 of 3

#19 of 28 Leather steering wheels and shifters... by andys120

Jan 24, 2007 (10:27 am)

it's possible to order an optional wooden steering wheel in a Mini in place of the standard leather, or do you object to killing trees as well?
 
I 'spect it's possible to replace leather covered shiters in most of the cars that offer them as standard.

#20 of 28 Re: Now there's an idea [fezo] by wale_bate1

Jan 24, 2007 (10:30 am)

Replying to: fezo (Jan 24, 2007 9:33 am)
Yeah, very few butts are enhanced by a spoiler.
 
I'm especially fond of them on things like Acura TLs, which derive so much benefit from the added downforce supplied by the aerodynamically designed attachment...
 
I like leather surrogates, to put it in Aldous Huxley terms. Really, even as a leather fan, I wouldn't mind moving to a mix of Leatherette and Alcantara for all the appropriate surfaces. I can see that as very functional, from both wear and performance stances, as well as comfortable.
 
I do think that since they are manufactured from completely non-renewable sources, though, and that the processes themselves are fairly dirty, and that they emit gasses for years after manufacture, that the real thing may be a much greener product all around.
 
Regrowing cows is easy. Regrowing compressed dinosaurs not so very much...

#21 of 28 Jetta / Rabbit by dgcamero

Feb 02, 2007 (9:51 am)

Strippos come standard with cloth and a plastic steering wheel. The step up option package comes with some really good "tex" vinyl (so good that most people think its actually leather) and a plastic steering wheel...get into the next option package tho and you get dead cows. They're not terribly exciting to drive, but not too boring either, have good seats, almost perfect ergonomics, and environmentally friendly 10K mile service intervals.

#22 of 28 cloth > leather by jimveta

Feb 16, 2007 (2:21 am)

I'd also like to see a cloth option in more cars. I hate the way leather and anything leather-like feels (and smells as well). Damn cold/hot, hard/impermeable/un-breathing, slippery, smooth surface is just nasty

#23 of 28 Re: cloth > leather [jimveta] by gagrice

Feb 16, 2007 (8:17 am)

Replying to: jimveta (Feb 16, 2007 2:21 am)
I kind of agree with the hot and cold aspect of leather seats. I do like the smell of a good quality leather. What would we do with all the cow hides if not use the leather in our cars? That seems environmentally wasteful to me.

#24 of 28 Re: cloth > leather [gagrice] by rockylee

Feb 16, 2007 (8:27 am)

Replying to: gagrice (Feb 16, 2007 8:17 am)
I kind of agree with the hot and cold aspect of leather seats.
 
I can solve that problem for you. Buy only cars with heated seats for when it's cold and ventialated seats for when it's warm.
 
I do like the smell of a good quality leather.
 
Not really a better scent is their ? The only one that I can think of that rivals it is a handful of crisp $100 dollar bills.
 
What would we do with all the cow hides if not use the leather in our cars? That seems environmentally wasteful to me.
 
I must have a little bit on Indian, in my blood because I feel the same as you do.
 
Rocky

#25 of 28 I still prefer... by wale_bate1

Feb 16, 2007 (8:39 am)

Alcantara to cloth as a seating surface. It's breathable, a lot grippier than cloth, much more sophisticated looking (IMO), and pretty easy to care for.
 
Still, perfed leather is pretty darn good as a surface. I haven't found mine to be particularly slippery at all, and it's plenty breathable as well. Darn durable too. The aroma? OMG, OMG, OMG, OMG! Can't get enough!

#26 of 28 Re: I still prefer... [wale_bate1] by rockylee

Feb 16, 2007 (8:58 am)

Replying to: wale_bate1 (Feb 16, 2007 8:39 am)
wale_bate,
 
I 100% agree with both of your points sir.
 
Rocky

#27 of 28 Cloth for me by kcwolfpack59

Feb 19, 2007 (8:22 pm)

I wish manufacturers would offer a higher quality cloth as an option, if they insist on sticking us with low quality cloth as in base models. With the upcharge of leather seats, you get to buy seat heaters and coolers for big bucks.
You can get cloth in an Impala, even for credit in the SS.

#28 of 28 Re: Cloth for me [kcwolfpack59] by texases

Feb 19, 2007 (9:47 pm)

Replying to: kcwolfpack59 (Feb 19, 2007 8:22 pm)
What's worse here (Dallas) is the Honda dealer that's offering discounts on their LX (cloth) models - but only if they have the aftermark leather!

Messages Page 3 of 3

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