2008 Leather Seat Issue

[snj1013]

My 2008 Highlander Limited came with the grey leather seats. My wife and I really wanted black but at the time, Gulf States Toyota wasn't offering black. Anyway, the grey has some stains that will not come out (seams to be dye transfer from my wife's Coach purse). I am considering 2 options, one buying one of the leather seat kits in Black and having it installed. The kits look to be the same or very similar to what Gulf States Toyota installs at their Vehicle Processing Facility. The other option is having the seats dyed. Has anyone gone through either of these options with success or have any other feedback.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[Thunderchief]

Originally Posted by snj1013

My 2008 Highlander Limited came with the grey leather seats. My wife and I really wanted black but at the time, Gulf States Toyota wasn't offering black. Anyway, the grey has some stains that will not come out (seams to be dye transfer from my wife's Coach purse). I am considering 2 options, one buying one of the leather seat kits in Black and having it installed. The kits look to be the same or very similar to what Gulf States Toyota installs at their Vehicle Processing Facility. The other option is having the seats dyed. Has anyone gone through either of these options with success or have any other feedback.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

I used some dye on my old Corvette, it was not anything I would recommend. The results were poor but then again, it was a touch up and it did not match.

I had dealer installed leather for 1K added to my HL before delivery. When I inquired about the leather, they said it is Toyota leather that is used, not a substitute. They said they frequently add leather at the arrival ports, not all is done at the factory. I was slightly disappointed in the grain and feel. My Infiniti G-35 coupe feels like glove soft leather. The Toyota was more grainy and rough. It just may be the cow hide on that particular install but I guess there are all different grades. Toyota does not seem to use the same quality as the Infiniti or maybe they use the real soft stuff over at Lexus, I don't really know.

One more option is to go to a local shop, probably less money than the dealer charges and maybe a higher quality. I don't even know if my 1K leather was due to the fact it was a pre-delivery cost? It may cost more if someone goes to the dealer after they own the car.

Maybe a local shop knows how to fix the leather with stains with a cleaning process? Just a thought.

[grandpapa]

see if good auto detail shop has good solution before spending $ on leather seat cover.

[Yazon]

From what i know (my father worked at Toyota dealer for a number of years) there is no FACTORY leather installed anywhere but factory.

All other leather installs (done at port, or dealer) are either Katskinz or no-name sets bought in bulk by whoever is doing the installs.

In all fairness - some of the aftermarket leather is just as good and often indistinguishable from the OEM.

[vsansal]

Originally Posted by snj1013

My 2008 Highlander Limited came with the grey leather seats. My wife and I really wanted black but at the time, Gulf States Toyota wasn't offering black. Anyway, the grey has some stains that will not come out (seams to be dye transfer from my wife's Coach purse). I am considering 2 options, one buying one of the leather seat kits in Black and having it installed. The kits look to be the same or very similar to what Gulf States Toyota installs at their Vehicle Processing Facility. The other option is having the seats dyed. Has anyone gone through either of these options with success or have any other feedback.

Thanks in advance for any replies.

Did you try any leather cleaning products? I wouldn't replace the leather cuz I don't think it will match the quality. You might end up having lots of wrinkles and the leather might also loosen up which looks ugly.

[dirtraven1]

Originally Posted by Yazon

From what i know (my father worked at Toyota dealer for a number of years) there is no FACTORY leather installed anywhere but factory.

All other leather installs (done at port, or dealer) are either Katskinz or no-name sets bought in bulk by whoever is doing the installs.

In all fairness - some of the aftermarket leather is just as good and often indistinguishable from the OEM.

I had Katskinz installed on my '08 Sport and 3 yrs later, I have no complaints about it.

Take it to an interior shop and see what they say.