is this normal? almost cracking and creased leather
02-07-2011, 10:42 AM
#16
It's all normal from use and will get worse. Our '03 was completely creased on the driver's seat within a year or two, even though we treated it with Zaino leather conditioner on a regular basis. The passenger and rear seats were minimally creased due to lack of use. What appeared to be cracks never tore through, it's just the nature of leather when used and sat on on a daily basis. Doesn't bother me one bit.
There's a big market for old leather jackets, especially the bomber type. The more creases and wear, the more desirable and sought after they are.
There's a big market for old leather jackets, especially the bomber type. The more creases and wear, the more desirable and sought after they are.
02-07-2011, 10:50 AM
#18
02-07-2011, 10:52 AM
#19
Calling it "normal" is the trap they want you to fall into. A recurring problem that they decide not to fix gets spin-doctored as "normal." (all auto makers and dealers seem to do this; not just Infiniti)
It isn't normal. It's a COMMON PROBLEM. There's a big difference between those two.
They get the word "problem" out of the dialog by spinning it as normal (and getting you to repeat it that way to others on internet forums)
It's a design flaw. Whether it's due to the choice of a cheesy quality of leather, or seat foam, or whatever the cause, it's a flaw.
I've seen 10-12 year old leather seats in run-of-the-mill Toyotas with no cracking or stretching, so it is absolutely a preventable problem with the right design choices.
You can bet when you go to trade it in 5 years down the road, they will deduct for the seats, saying they will need to replace them. Try the "it's normal" argument on them at that point and they'll just laugh.
It isn't normal. It's a COMMON PROBLEM. There's a big difference between those two.
They get the word "problem" out of the dialog by spinning it as normal (and getting you to repeat it that way to others on internet forums)
It's a design flaw. Whether it's due to the choice of a cheesy quality of leather, or seat foam, or whatever the cause, it's a flaw.
I've seen 10-12 year old leather seats in run-of-the-mill Toyotas with no cracking or stretching, so it is absolutely a preventable problem with the right design choices.
You can bet when you go to trade it in 5 years down the road, they will deduct for the seats, saying they will need to replace them. Try the "it's normal" argument on them at that point and they'll just laugh.
02-07-2011, 11:20 AM
#21
My 2yr old looks better than that. I am a 150lbs guy and treat it with Lexol every 2 weeks during summer and once a month other time.
This is one of the weak points about this car but you'll only find out after you buy it. So try your best to maintain it. Don't put your wallet in your back pocket.
This is one of the weak points about this car but you'll only find out after you buy it. So try your best to maintain it. Don't put your wallet in your back pocket.
02-07-2011, 11:33 AM
#22
Calling it "normal" is the trap they want you to fall into. A recurring problem that they decide not to fix gets spin-doctored as "normal." (all auto makers and dealers seem to do this; not just Infiniti)
It isn't normal. It's a COMMON PROBLEM. There's a big difference between those two.
They get the word "problem" out of the dialog by spinning it as normal (and getting you to repeat it that way to others on internet forums)
It's a design flaw. Whether it's due to the choice of a cheesy quality of leather, or seat foam, or whatever the cause, it's a flaw.
I've seen 10-12 year old leather seats in run-of-the-mill Toyotas with no cracking or stretching, so it is absolutely a preventable problem with the right design choices.
You can bet when you go to trade it in 5 years down the road, they will deduct for the seats, saying they will need to replace them. Try the "it's normal" argument on them at that point and they'll just laugh.
It isn't normal. It's a COMMON PROBLEM. There's a big difference between those two.
They get the word "problem" out of the dialog by spinning it as normal (and getting you to repeat it that way to others on internet forums)
It's a design flaw. Whether it's due to the choice of a cheesy quality of leather, or seat foam, or whatever the cause, it's a flaw.
I've seen 10-12 year old leather seats in run-of-the-mill Toyotas with no cracking or stretching, so it is absolutely a preventable problem with the right design choices.
You can bet when you go to trade it in 5 years down the road, they will deduct for the seats, saying they will need to replace them. Try the "it's normal" argument on them at that point and they'll just laugh.
02-07-2011, 11:39 AM
#23
If it's a common problem then why wouldn't it be considered a normal occurrence? I'll bet if you do a search on creased leather you'll see complaints in many other manufacturer's forums.
We have high end leather furniture and every piece has creasing from use. All my "other brand" vehicles owned in the past with leather experienced creasing. This material is cow hide, not man made. How can you improve the quality of something that is a natural product? It's like washing a cotton garment in hot water and complaining that it shrank. It's the nature of the material. Lay your best leather jacket on your car seat and sit on it every day. I guarantee you it will eventually develop creases.
I'm sure heat and direct UV sunlight will play a part in how fast a material will break down. I'd also guess that if leather is stretched very tightly that it will experience less creasing, but then I suspect the comfort level would be compromised?
Unless there is actual ripping or separation of the leather seats, I've never had any issues with creased leather seats playing a part in lowering the value of a car for resale or trade in.
I personally like the worn look of leather--it clearly separates it from the look of vinyl and cloth. This is all obviously my personal opinion and I understand we all have different tastes.
We have high end leather furniture and every piece has creasing from use. All my "other brand" vehicles owned in the past with leather experienced creasing. This material is cow hide, not man made. How can you improve the quality of something that is a natural product? It's like washing a cotton garment in hot water and complaining that it shrank. It's the nature of the material. Lay your best leather jacket on your car seat and sit on it every day. I guarantee you it will eventually develop creases.
I'm sure heat and direct UV sunlight will play a part in how fast a material will break down. I'd also guess that if leather is stretched very tightly that it will experience less creasing, but then I suspect the comfort level would be compromised?
Unless there is actual ripping or separation of the leather seats, I've never had any issues with creased leather seats playing a part in lowering the value of a car for resale or trade in.
I personally like the worn look of leather--it clearly separates it from the look of vinyl and cloth. This is all obviously my personal opinion and I understand we all have different tastes.
02-07-2011, 11:46 AM
#24
A couple replies were calling it normal, but my comments weren't directed at anyone in particular. One thing is guaranteed: if everyone gets on the "it's normal" bandwagon, they aren't going to fix it.
So...complain early, complain often
) (and take photos along the way) If they change their policy in the future and have a fix for the stretching and/or cracking, you'll be on record.
The trouble is, replacing it with the same thing will lead to the same result. They need to fix it, not temporarily refresh it. In the future, they should provide another seat option. I like the leather with alcantara (a suede-like material) seat and back fabric on Audis (all leather is a premium option). Something like that would be nice. I wonder how much that would cost to have that done by an upholstery shop.
So...complain early, complain often
) (and take photos along the way) If they change their policy in the future and have a fix for the stretching and/or cracking, you'll be on record.The trouble is, replacing it with the same thing will lead to the same result. They need to fix it, not temporarily refresh it. In the future, they should provide another seat option. I like the leather with alcantara (a suede-like material) seat and back fabric on Audis (all leather is a premium option). Something like that would be nice. I wonder how much that would cost to have that done by an upholstery shop.
Last edited by clutch5; 02-07-2011 at 11:55 AM.
02-07-2011, 11:53 AM
#25
i read in another thread that the seats in 2011's are different. so for others that have had their seats replaced only with the same ones, then yes, the problem will reoccur. if i can somehow have them replaced with 2011 seats, maybe it will cure the problem. who knows.
02-07-2011, 01:18 PM
#26
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i read in another thread that the seats in 2011's are different. so for others that have had their seats replaced only with the same ones, then yes, the problem will reoccur. if i can somehow have them replaced with 2011 seats, maybe it will cure the problem. who knows.
02-07-2011, 01:37 PM
#27
Honestly my left bolster is starting to wrinkle on my 500 mile (yes, 500 miles) old 2011 sedan. And I expected it, actually, because its hard to get out of the car without brushing across it with my thigh.
Hands down, the most comfortable seats Ive ever ridden in were in my Dodge Neon (can you believe it!!!)...it was an R/T so it came with the ACR sport seats. They werent leather, but it was like sitting in a custom made seat. AND I didnt rub any part of it when I got in or out, they just fit so well.
but they honestly do a fine job of keeping the leathers from cracking AND bubbling. 
