Factory Installed Leather Package Vs. Leather Interior Upgrade @ dealership

[llyons]

Having a hard time finding the exact package/color I'm looking for with a leather interior. One dealership offered the option to install a leather interior. What I'm wondering is if there would be a difference in quality/style from the factory installed package and what they would be installing. Any information would be much appreciated. TIA!

[vdubstress]

I've had both factory leather and 'aftermarket' leather on various cars. My best comparison point in from two identical cars. One Jetta came from the factory with leather, the other with cloth. The factory leather was nice, but did not hold a candle to the leather (in wear and comfort) to the leather I had put in after purchase.

In my experience I've always found factory leather to be sub par. From what I recall it, gets pretty hot in Texas in the summer, the installer can add inserts and different foams that might make the car more comfortable overall.

If you're going to be using a car seat I would say go dealer installed, it always holds up better to the wrath that little people and their car seats subject to a cars interior.

[llyons]

Awesome! Thanks so much for getting back to me so quickly. The salesman actually told me the same. But, with all the bad experiences I've had with car dealerships I end up feeling like they are telling me whatever they can think of to make a sale. I wish I could just buy a car online!!!!

Thanks again!!!

[jeromep]

I wish I could agree with the way this thread is unfolding. However, there are many factors which would lead aftermarket leather to be "better" than factory leather. THe major factor that seems to have been missed here is the technial capibilities of the aftermarket installer. The variety and additional features available with aftermarket leather can be quite substantial, compared to factory leather; but the key issue is finding a place that will send the vehicle out to an apholestry shop that will do a top notch job.

In general factory leather is consistant. I have not seen a poor install of factory leather. Aftermarket leather is sometimes superior because of advanced cushioning which is installed with an aftermarket leather package, however if the installer is not skilled or takes shortcuts, it doesn't matter how nice the leather it will be worse than factory if it starts falling apart due to poor installation.

[priusenvy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jeromep @ Jun 5 2007, 04:45 PM) [snapback]456100[/snapback]</div>

THe major factor that seems to have been missed here is the technial capibilities of the aftermarket installer. The variety and additional features available with aftermarket leather can be quite substantial, compared to factory leather; but the key issue is finding a place that will send the vehicle out to an apholestry shop that will do a top notch job.
[/b]

You're absolutely correct. Most installers use the Katzkin interior kits, so they're all starting with the same materials. However, I have seen a lot of variability in the quality of the installs, based on by the number of wrinkles I see in the finished job. I paid through the nose for my install but the install is OEM quality and I've never regretted spending the extra money. On the other hand, I've seen installs where the labor was half of what I paid and the install looks like it was performed by a <strike>blind </strike> unsighted person.

"The bitter taste of low quality lingers long after the sweetness of a low price is forgotten".

[vdubstress]

I've always worked with reputable installers. It is always a good idea to ask to see samples of the shops work. Possibly they might have a car on the lot (say someones financing fell through) that can serve as a sample.

[Paul R. Haller]

I have a 2005 with after market leather and an 06 with factory leather. The 05 after market leather is more comfortable and way more durable. Its thicker by about a factor of 2. If I had to do it over I would have bought the highest package without leather and sent it out and had it done after market.

P.S. My leather was installed by coach industries in Dublin Ca.
-Paul R. Haller-

[llyons]

Sorry I didn't get to post sooner. But I did see the responses and I was able to stay on top of things. I have to say - I was VERY impressed with the leather job. My past 2 cars have also had leather but it was factory installed and the quality of this leather is by far superior. As far as the workmanship goes, I couldn't have been more satisfied. I LOVE how it looks and feels. Thanks again for all the help and I again apologize for not thanking everyone sooner. Just too busy enjoying my car!!!

[apriusfan]

One additional consideration in going with after-market leather seats is the seat mounted side impact air bags. They need to be able to deploy through the seat covering. The factory seats are certified to not interfere with air bag deployment. Are the after-market seat covers similarly certified? And who is giving the certification - the installer? What proof do you have regarding the veracity of the installer's claim that the seat covers they installed will not interfere with the operation of the seat-mounted side impact airbags?

[tnthub]

I know a little bit about dealer installed options, in general, and have firsthand experience with the Toyota dealer where my wife works in regards to the quality of the work.

What I have seen, in general, is dealers do not like problems. Yea they make some money on the leather upgrades but if a call back is needed it is a real pain for the dealer to take care of it quickly and efficiently so they generally have a pretty good relationship with the installer performing the work.

I do not understand how leater would bother an airbag deployment realistically and if it were an issue I cannot picture a dealer even offering the service as the liability would more than offset the profit. There isn't much that an airbag won't blast through when it is activated.

I have done vehicle interiors myself from carpet to seats, dash trims and covering, stereo and elctronics installations, pedals and even shifter relocations. The work is always installer dependant and if a dealer were to get complaints they would either stop offering the upgrades or contract with a different installer.

If Toyota were to hear about sub-par dealer installed accessories they would severely investigate the matter and possibly place the dealers status in jeopardy. A dealer is under far tighter constraints than an automotive aftermarket shop. And any shop performing work as a sub-contractor for a dealership has to comply with all dealership requirements (and by reference with Toyota).