Hallo, My Prius hasn't arrived yet ... the sales manager at the dealer told me it should arrive in this coming week and I'm keeping my fingers crossed ... but I have a question about the interior. I'm getting option package #6 as I didn't want the navigation system and it seemed that I had to purchase that to add the leather interior package, for a total of an additional $3000 or so. But I would like the leather interior package. One of the salesmen (whom I don't trust ... long story) said that I could get the leather package installed after the fact at the dealership as a $1600 option. He said it was an "original quality Toyota-approved installation" ... whatever that means. Not cheap but better than +$3000. Trouble is I've never heard of this kind of service before and I don't trust this guy very much. Has anyone else on this board had this service done? and are you satisfied with the results. thanks for any info! Godfrey - soon to be Prius owner -
I'm happy with my after-market leather. Package 8 wasn't available in the Southeast Region when I bought so I had leather installed at the Port for around $1,200. My dealer added side and center leather armrests (actually vinyl) and the SE Region threw in the leather steering wheel, both at no extra charge, so I had the equivalent of a full package 8. Am I satisfied; yes. My dealer also has an contract upholsterer working on site who's work is just as good as the Port installation. My sugestions: $1,600 is at the top end of what's being paid; $1,000 is more typical for dealer installed after market leather If you're brave there are DIY and local shop prices in the $500/$800 price range Watch your colors and stay close to the factory selections, otherwise your trade value will suffer It's worth a few extra dollars for the guaranty coverage to buy your leather as a dealer installed accessory Don't forget to cover the center and side armrests and the rear seat triangle shaped strip between the rear doors and the upper seat cushion Good luck.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Godfrey DiGiorgi @ Aug 6 2006, 02:30 AM) [snapback]298563[/snapback]</div> I just picked up my car yesterday. I had the dealer install leather as well. Cost varies between dealers. I have been quoted anything from $1000 to $1500. The shop that did the work for the dealer I bought from did excellent work. It also came along with a 3 year guarantee same as the factory installed. I did exactly as you did. I bought package #6 then added leather, as I did not want to spend another $2000 on the navigation system. It worked out fine. I'd also recommend getting the full Clear Bra package. Usually includes: 18" on hood, front bumper, headlights, 18" on front side panels, forward side of mirrors, and top of rear bumper. Mine was $525 from the dealer. There is a discussion topic on the costs in this forum. Enjoy, Joel
The dealers usually get the leather "covers" from places such as: http://www.autoleathers.com/HTML2/AL.MAIN.FS.html http://www.leatherseats.com/ and not leather, but http://wetokole.com/ Check in your city for auto upholsterers. Often you can save a lot of money by cutting out the dealer's exhobident profit. They will usually not do this themselves, but send your car to these folks (recommended - it takes little skill to replace the seat covers, it takes a lot of skill and knowledge to do it without wrinkles and have it last). There, now you have options! Missed one place that does "other" leather parts for the car: http://www.redlinegoods.com/shiftboot.htm
Thanks for all the comments and ideas! I'll be looking through the web pages listed and pricing things. Since the salesman indicated that there was no need to obtain the leather option prior to initial delivery of the car, I'm pretty sure that there's no real incentive to keep me from going with a quality leather covering package and a good upholstery shop instead. Seems to me that the leather-covered steering wheel and center/door armrests would be a welcome upgrade, regardless of whether I went with the leather seating surfaces. Godfrey
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Godfrey DiGiorgi @ Aug 6 2006, 03:30 AM) [snapback]298563[/snapback]</div> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ We bought a #7 Prius 6/9/06. Dealer (Walnut Creek CA) said he could have "leather" installed & the new price would be MSRP for a #8. That meant that he would add $1160 to the cost of a #7. They didn't offer to do the steering wheel. The upholstery shop did a nice job. Covered everything that we could see. HOWEVER, I have since discovered that they did the entire job in NAUGAHYDE! A person can reach under the back of the drivers seat & feel the cloth backing on the seat material! I am pretty sure that all of the cows I have seen DON'T have cloth backing under their hides! I am seriously toying with the thought of raising hell over this. You will be VERY HAPPY with a Prius! We are estactic over ours!
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Vincent @ Aug 6 2006, 06:34 AM) [snapback]298574[/snapback]</div> My dealer added the leather to my package 4 - including the console and doors for 1100 and they did a great job. Apparantly you are right not to trust this guy - he wants to make a commission on the leather because they really don't make much on the car. Also, if you want an extended warranty shop on the "net". I bought one thru the dealer before checking on their program. (Bad feedback) I had to cancel it and buy a better policy.
I added leather my 2006 pkg. 5. I went to an aftermarket installer that does 95% car dealer work. I paid $1100 which was better than the $3500 extra I would have paid for pkg. 8 which includes the leather. As mentioned by others, the center console and arm rests are all covered in matching leather as well. When going to the aftermarket dealer, you can specifiy exactly which color you want as well as texture. Try and do that with factory-installed leather!
Thank you all again. The Coach leather work looks great. Stopped by the dealer on my way home this evening to tell them I was back in town and confirm when my car will be in. It's due by the 17th, plus or minus a day supposedly. I'll be taking it just as delivered to the dealer, and will talk to Coach if I'm serious about a leather interior, I think. Godfrey
