Factory Installed Leather Package Vs. Leather Interior Upgrade @ dealership

[Godiva]

You'll only get a leather steering wheel with factory installed.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(juslookin @ Aug 10 2007, 12:43 PM) [snapback]493631[/snapback]</div>

I am having a similar issue, but instead of just leather, the dealer wants to modify a package #2 to a Package #6. Something makes me uneasy about this. Should I wait until the factory #6 comes in, or is this major overhaul a viable option?
[/b]

Wouldn't the VIN still list it as a #2? That would take a hit when it came time to sell or trade in, no matter what mods were made or who made them.

[IsrAmeriPrius]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(juslookin @ Aug 10 2007, 10:43 AM) [snapback]493631[/snapback]</div>

I am having a similar issue, but instead of just leather, the dealer wants to modify a package #2 to a Package #6. Something makes me uneasy about this. Should I wait until the factory #6 comes in, or is this major overhaul a viable option?[/b]

Converting a package 2 to a package 6 could not possibly be economically viable. I am positive that you can find the car that you want in some dealer's inventory in your region.

[mrg]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(IsrAmeriPrius @ Sep 2 2007, 05:45 PM) [snapback]506030[/snapback]</div>

Converting a package 2 to a package 6 could not possibly be economically viable. I am positive that you can find the car that you want in some dealer's inventory in your region.
[/b]

As the earlier post said there is more than just leather differences to get to package #6 from #2. I could not get a package #6 in a color I wanted, so I accepted a package #5 and let them add leather at the port. It has the liquicell leather seat covers. They are very comfortable and have held up just fine for nearly a year now. I have leather in my 05 Murano and 02 Suburban. I don't think either of them are as comfortable as my 07 Prius. In our Texas heat the liquicell covers are cooler, in my opinion.

I would have preferred that they had told me that I would not get the woodgrain steering wheel. I paid same price as factory leather. I don't believe the resale value will make much (if any) difference. The black steering lrim matches the rest of the dash, so I have not been disappointed.

I personally think that an add on Garmin Nav. (setting on the dash) would make a difference in value though.

[prius2go]

photo of wood grain steering wheel anyone?
where do I get one

[geodosch]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(prius2go @ Sep 3 2007, 05:05 PM) [snapback]506423[/snapback]</div>

photo of wood grain steering wheel anyone?
[/b]

[attachmentid=11098]

[jonjonbear]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(mrg @ Sep 2 2007, 08:55 PM) [snapback]506106[/snapback]</div>

As the earlier post said there is more than just leather differences to get to package #6 from #2. I could not get a package #6 in a color I wanted, so I accepted a package #5 and let them add leather at the port. It has the liquicell leather seat covers. They are very comfortable and have held up just fine for nearly a year now. I have leather in my 05 Murano and 02 Suburban. I don't think either of them are as comfortable as my 07 Prius. In our Texas heat the liquicell covers are cooler, in my opinion.

I would have preferred that they had told me that I would not get the woodgrain steering wheel. I paid same price as factory leather. I don't believe the resale value will make much (if any) difference. The black steering lrim matches the rest of the dash, so I have not been disappointed.

I personally think that an add on Garmin Nav. (setting on the dash) would make a difference in value though.
[/b]

So if you get a package 6 with factory leather you don't get the liquicell? I asked the salesman and he didn't know but assured me it probably did. The car we drove had liquicell but I don't know if it was added or factory but I have on order one with a package 6. Anyone have a package 6 with liquicell from the factory?

Thanks!
John

[priusenvy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(prius2go @ Sep 3 2007, 02:05 PM) [snapback]506423[/snapback]</div>

photo of wood grain steering wheel anyone?
where do I get one
[/b]

Some TV news reporter did a story on his experiences as a Prius owner and he had a wood-grain steering wheel. You could see it in the video that was posted on the TV station's web site.

You can get one from exoticwooddash.com for $299 ($499 but you get $200 back for sending in your old one). It might look good if you also removed your dash pieces and had them custom coated (not the flat tape-on kits, they look terrible IMHO).

[Rain]

Hi there,

I just bought an '05 Prius (Driftwood Pearl) and am looking to install leather. Do you (or anyone) know of an excellent place? I'm in Los Angeles.

[mrblaise]

Call Roadwire. They supply many of the top leather installers with their leather. They're based out of the Los Angeles area. Their number is 1-877-roadwire. Their web address is roadwire.com. That's where I'm going to go to get my leather soon.

Originally Posted by Rain

Hi there,

I just bought an '05 Prius (Driftwood Pearl) and am looking to install leather. Do you (or anyone) know of an excellent place? I'm in Los Angeles.

[mcorautomotivellc]

I know this thread is a little old but I figured I'd ad our two cents worth-straight from the "horses mouth". We have been installing leather conversions for new car dealerships and through our custom automotive shop for years. My upholster averages 2-3 installs per day for over 12 years. Consistent? His work is better than the factory. It is easily proven in the fact that we install Roadwire kits as a "preload" for three of our four major dealerships. Customers consistently choose the vehicle we preload over the factory leather fitted one. The dealerships know this and actually sell more of our "upgrade packages" on base models than they do actual upgraded models. We usually take a pretty stripped down but popular vehicle and equip it with leather, wheels, spoiler, aftermarket in dash nav/DVD system with iPod input, and window tint. The dealer can still sell this car/truck below what a loaded model goes for but the customer ends up with many more options and more attractive overall package.

Also, Roadwire, Katzkin, Pecca, Alea, and every other aftermarket leather supplier provides at least a 5 million dollar guarantee insurance that the leather, when installed by a certified upholsteror, will be completely compatible with the side airbags in the event of an accident-period. If a dealer asks you to sign a waiver, I would RUN! I have never heard of a dealership asking a customer to do this. I can only figure that they would be getting the leather and installing it through unauthorized channels but I cannot imagine a multimillion dollar corporation doing something like this?!?

Anyway, you will find that there are few aftermarket shops that install these kits for the public. We are a very rare situation and the only one like us in the Tampa Bay Area (dealer services division and full custom retail shop). You are usually safer just having it done at the local dealership. Or, if you are diligent, call Roadwire or Katzkin (I suggest Roadwire) direct and they will get you in contact with a local authorized installer. Usually though, these places only deal in volume with car dealerships.

And, if you want leather installed, you DO have options. We do lots of two-tone leather with perforated inserts for the local Nissan dealership. We do suede inserts for the local Chevrolet dealership. You can also get either pleated or smooth options, different colored piping (not too popular anymore), or custom embroidery in the headrests. And, it is really not too much more! Or you can just get the OEM equivalent. If you ever have any specific questions, feel free to email me. Some dealerships are a little "undereducated" when it comes to leather... mcorautomotivellc@verizon.net