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Unhappy with aftermarket Leather Seats

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Accessories and Modifications' started by SandyPW, Aug 6, 2010.

  1. SandyPW

    SandyPW New Member

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    Hi all - I am new to this, so please forgive any faux pas. I just bought a 2010 Prius lll and had the dealer add leather. My car came back and on the back of each of the front seats, there are two huge visible zippers. I was very taken back and questioned my sales rep on this & was told that it is necessary due to the shape of the new Prius seat.....I have never seen leather seats that look like this - is this true? Anyone else have this experience?
     
  2. toyolover

    toyolover Member

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    Please post a picture of the leather seat.
     
  3. silentak1

    silentak1 Since 2005

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    I have a feeling they installed cheap vinyl seat covers.
     
  4. SandyPW

    SandyPW New Member

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    Here's some quick pics of the zippers......
     

    Attached Files:

  5. Airbalancer

    Airbalancer Active Member

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    Does not to bad to me from the picture
     
  6. Paul58

    Paul58 Mileage Miser

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    They are aftermarket, they have to get them on there somehow. Do you really want them removing your seats and risk screwing up one of the many sensors? The other thing to think about, if you do have problems, replacements should be a snap... Errr, well more of a zip!
     
  7. SandyPW

    SandyPW New Member

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    My Husband has aftermarket leather in his Jeep Liberty ....no zippers.....I just have never seen leather seats (factory or aftermarket) that have zippers that are this visible, but I don't go around and check out the back of everyone's seats (OK, that sounded bad...)

    ....So is this really normal & I am just being a bit too picky?
     
  8. adamace1

    adamace1 Senior Member

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    i think they seem fine. So if i understand right, are the cloth seats still under the leather?
     
  9. silentak1

    silentak1 Since 2005

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    I'd be pissed. To me those look like vinyl covers or MAYBE cheap leather covers. Not the real "stitched on" leather. Take it to the top service manager.
     
  10. Paul58

    Paul58 Mileage Miser

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    Don't know if this is normal or not, but there was a Prius III on the lot when we bought ours that had the Port Installed aftermarket leather, and there were no zippers. How do they feel when you sit in them. If they are comfortable, I wouldn't worry about them, and if Toyota installed them they should be covered by the bumper-tobumper warranty. If you do have a problem, have the dealership replace them...
     
  11. rrolff

    rrolff Prius Surgeon

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    I believe the dealer has really two options:

    1. Classio (they basically just cover the existing cloth, and center console) - hard cost is around $500 (plus install which is not hard - they slip on - and I guess zip up).

    2. Katzkin (or similar) - most dealers use Katzkin. I've had (2) 2010s, and I put it in both. Cost (for their highend leather - which seems to always be on sale) is around $1000 installed. These are the seats most dealers use. The local place here (Orange County) has many vans that drive as far as Victorville (100+miles) - they pick up interiors, swap leather, then go back to install the seats etc).

    Edit: The Katzkins *replace* the cloth - so they tear apart the seat. Also, they are airbag compliant (which is why dealers use it).

    A real proper upgrade includes:
    1. All seats (4+pcs)
    2. All Door panels (4+pcs)
    3. Center console (1 pc)
    4. sides by the back seats - battery vent and other side (2 pcs).

    A good install includes around 11 pieces of leather/vinyl (seat backs, doors etc are really not leather in any install).

    As a side not, yo also get a very nice chance to *change* the factory colors - which I would argue is not bad.

    For Misty gray (very light interior), I went with the dark gray seats/inserts. I'm now on a dark gray interior, and I have the Misty gray seats.

    You get options.....

    You may just have a $400 slip on...
     
  12. NickinVA

    NickinVA Not saving the world, just gas

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    Let me be very clear: that is NOT okay. I just also purchased a III w/ after market leather and they look BETTER than the factory. Everything is stitched, and the leather is thicker and more plush than the standard factory install. You should absolutely throw a fit. For negotiation purposes, a proper leather install (which includes the door inserts, seat backs, center console, etc.) job will cost the dealer (and therefore you) about $1500.
     
  13. ern1976

    ern1976 E Nyce

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    Hence why you should have gotten the leather option when you bought the car. There is no comparison, and a reason it costs what it does.....
     
  14. Codyroo

    Codyroo Senior Member

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    Elephant in the room question

    How much did you pay for your aftermarket leather? Was it in the $500 range or in the $1500 range?
     
  15. hythere

    hythere HyThere

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    Did they say they were leather seats or leather covers? If that's what they call leather seats, I would be disappointed.

    I have had after market leather installed in both my gen III and my highlander and they have no zippers whatsoever. The leather is from Katzkin (sp?) and as someone pointed out earlier, they cover seats, armrests and the door panels. The original cloth covers are removed and they stitch the thing back together in leather/vinyl. The best part is you can choose any color combo which IMO, looks and feels much better than factory leather. (I'm not into Toyota's perforated leather with kids spilling milk and food in the cars)

    Anyway, you are the one who has to live with the car. I would complain but do whatever would make you feel happy!!

    Good luck...
     
  16. Airbalancer

    Airbalancer Active Member

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    Really need to know the cost
    How do they look from the front?
    How nice is the leather?
     
  17. SandyPW

    SandyPW New Member

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    Ok - more info...the price range was in the 1,500.00 range - the shop that did it was Coach Automotive restyling, which seems to have a good reputation & uses Katzkin leather...They did the seats and the trim inserts -I called the dealership back and told them I was really unhappy with the appearance of the back of the front seats ( honestly I am very happy with everything else) They talked to the shop & told me that they said they did it to factory specs....the dealership sales rep said that he checked both a few aftermarket jobs that were on the lot and cars with the factory leather and they all had the zippers in the back and invited me to come out and check for myself .....and I definitely plan to do later today - I just can't believe that even factory installed leather has huge zippers in the back! I will post what I find - Thanks for everyones input
     
  18. Airbalancer

    Airbalancer Active Member

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    Did that also include heated seats?
     
  19. silentak1

    silentak1 Since 2005

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    I'm going to say that you got ripped off. Those look like covers to me plus $1500 is overpriced. You can get aftermarket for about $800-1000 installed.
     
  20. The Electric Me

    The Electric Me Go Speed Go!

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    Communication.

    It's kind of up to you whether you want to be happy or unhappy with these seats.

    I get the feeling you do not like them and are unhappy.

    What I think we have here is a failure to communicate.

    The Dealer should of had pictures or an example and SHOWN you exactly what you were purchasing, BEFORE you purchased.

    You, should of asked...and made sure you knew what you were buying before you bought it.

    Now it's up to you...and whether you like it enough to live with it. Or the flexibility and kindness of the dealership in making any changes.

    I think you can say, this doesn't meet my expectations, I did not expect visible zippers. But I don't think you can say the dealership hasn't installed leather seats. So it's just going to be an exercise in what you want, and what is possible at this point.

    Good luck.

    Personally, I actually do think it looks fine. If workmanship and quality is otherwise alright? I personally don't think I'd be unhappy. But that's just me.