Seat treatment: ay or nay?

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jcristus @ Nov 26 2007, 11:18 PM) [snapback]544524[/snapback]</div>

I found that a can of Scotch Guard works great and is a lot less than $600.00 I have been able to clean
all kinds of dirt and grime off of my light tan interior easily with a wet rag and carpet cleaner (may be overkill with the carpet cleaner).

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jcristus @ Nov 26 2007, 11:18 PM) [snapback]544524[/snapback]</div>

I'm a big fan of keeping the $600. I usually Scotch Guard the seats and carpet and any other fabric, such as door panels, in every car I buy. With a dog, I'd suggest some seat covers, mainly because I think their claws could rip the fabric, an old quilt would work just as well. Happy Motoring!

 

Under no circumstances whatsoever would I pay $600 for the dealer fabric protection:

* The stock microfiber fabric cleans pretty easily on its own.

* Especially if you get the gray fabric.

* I vote for the $5 Scotch Guard.


And if you decide to get seat covers, these seem to be popular or good options:

* Seat covers for $59 from the ebay vendor "exactseatcovers":

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-7-TOYO...1QQcmdZViewItem

* Seat covers from GT Covers for around $340.

* Seat covers from Wet Okole for around $500 - $600.

* OEM seat covers are also frequently available on ebay for $29 - $89. I bought a new condition 2008 set for $49. These OEM seat covers are purportedly taken off of Prii whose owners opted for aftermarket leather covers. Note that unlike the above seat covers that go over the existing fabric, these OEM seat covers replace the seat covers that come on the car. And therefore, you would probably best have a professional auto upholsterer install them if and when you need to. I don't know how much a professional upholsterer would charge. But if you can find a good set on ebay at the price you're willing to pay, then you can just order them and keep them as backup in the event that your original seat covers ever become irreparably soiled or damaged.

 

Not to hijack the topic, but can anyone share their technique on spraying their interior with Scotch Guard?

Did you have to put down any sort of "drop cloth" over the dash, etc. to prevent from over spray or anything of that nature?

I'm real interested, since my last car (with grey interior) could have used a dusting of Scotch Guard, and so I figured I'd do some preventative protection of my brand new interior.

Thanks!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Dminor @ Nov 26 2007, 08:59 PM) [snapback]544568[/snapback]</div>

I used two cans of regular Scotch Guard to do all of the interrior fabric on mine. I usually do this to all of my purchased cars. There wasn't enough overspray to warrant protecting the dash. I did use an old towel to prevent hitting areas ajacent to seats, etc. I also removed all of the carpeted floor mats (including rear) and treated them with carpet Scotch Guard. I did it when it was still warm and let everything dry overnight. Whole thing came to less than $12; beats $600.

 

I think I paid about $600 for aftermarket leather (not an option on the 04' ... only aftermarket) a couple years ago. I was hoping you were gona be talking about leather treatment. Don't know if scotchguard works on leather

 

For $600 I bring over my can of scotchguard and do it PERSONALLY LOL

 

Definitely do not throw away $600 on dealer anything. But I don't think you even need the Scotchguard. The fabric is already treated with something Toyota uses at the factory, which is basically the same sort of thing. It cleans up very well. No treatment is needed.

 

i'd look into it a little more than most have suggested. down here almost every toyota has toyoguard protection added. its more than just seat protection. i had toyoguard on my previous rav4 and when it sold it looked like new with normal maintenance. i have it on my prius, not only cause it comes with almost every toyota sold in so fl, but i firmly believe it is more than just scotchguard...check into it on toyota.com

 

After $12 worth of Scotchguard and 44 months of washing with Mr. Clean Autodry mine looks new also (except for the road debris dings on the hood). A newspaper in the other hand seemed to catch the overspray well enough.

 

$600 is a bit steep....really steep if it's just for an interior coverage.

Given that, keep in mind, most all of these packages do or should involve some type of guarantee or insurance. That's essentially what they are.

Paint and interior protection plans like this shouldn't be looked at that you won't have to clean or wax your car again. They may incorrectly be sold as such, but they are actually a warranty and piece of mind plan.

Case example, I grew up in the car business and we would sell an interior and exterior package for $299-$399 but to correctly sell it, the plan should be sold / purchased as an insurance plan that "if" anything happens to stain the seats, floor covering or paint, that after an attempted cleaning or correction which isn't successful, they should replace or repaint the area for you.

The above is a brief example and consolidated answer, but look carefully at the offerings and understand more in detail what you are actually paying for when purchasing such things is my piece of advice. Make sure the warranty is underwritten by a stable company too.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(paprius4030 @ Nov 27 2007, 01:29 PM) [snapback]544800[/snapback]</div>

Um, I'll do it for $595...

 

I bought custom made seat covers at "ToyotaPartsStore.com" for $129.00 each front and back. I specified for "side air bags". These seat covers look as good as the original seats. I have had people get in the car and thought they were the original seat upholstery. They fit tight and the color is good.