Unhappy with aftermarket Leather Seats

Please post a picture of the leather seat.

 

I have a feeling they installed cheap vinyl seat covers.

 

Does not to bad to me from the picture

 

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!

 

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

 

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.

 

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...

 

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...

 

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.

 

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.....

 

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?

 

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...

 

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

 

Did that also include heated seats?

 

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.

 

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.