View Poll Results: leather vs. cloth
leather interior
310
68.13%
cloth interior
132
29.01%
not sure
13
2.86%
Voters: 455. You may not vote on this poll
leather seats vs. cloth seats
12-27-2001, 10:55 PM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 82
leather seats vs. cloth seats
i'm shopping new maximas for 2002 and i'm debating the seats. is it really worth it to get the leather interior?? i mean they look sharper but if it gets too hot you get fried or too cold you get frosted. but i'm really a leather loving kinda person! i like the cloth interior that i presently have but i also keep in mind the stain possibility and my friends ALWAYS eat in my car. Any feedback and help on the decision would be really appreciated! 
12-27-2001, 11:02 PM
#3
hmm
How much is the leather option for the 2k2 from Nissan??????
I would much rather get it without leather and save some $ on Nissan leather which is not even that good.... then go to www.leatherseats.com and order their custom made leather for like 700$ which would probably be cheaper then getting Nissans leather.
Even though my car doesn't have it, (GXE) i love leather... in the summer time, just cover them up, or get a nice window tint.... It's no big deal.
I would much rather get it without leather and save some $ on Nissan leather which is not even that good.... then go to www.leatherseats.com and order their custom made leather for like 700$ which would probably be cheaper then getting Nissans leather.
Even though my car doesn't have it, (GXE) i love leather... in the summer time, just cover them up, or get a nice window tint.... It's no big deal.
12-27-2001, 11:43 PM
#6
The leather seats will make the interior look a whole lot better. I got many compliments on how nice the leather interior looked from other Maxima owners who didn't have leather in their car. It depend on you. As you know, living down here, it tend to get very hot in the summer. If I could do it over again, I would not have got the leather. Instead, I would have got the cloth seat and then either buy aftermarket leather or better yet, get some sport seats. If you want leather you could get aftermarket leather that is a whole lot cheaper than what the dealer will charge you.
12-28-2001, 12:23 AM
#7
I wouldn't buy a car with leather seats. In Florida it's unbearable to sit on leather in the hot sun. Plus, to me cloth feels a lot more comfortable and holds you in better during those quick turns.
12-28-2001, 05:27 AM
#8
Donating Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 361
I'd say it depends on where you live
I have black leather and live in Alabama. It is horrible in the summer, I wish I had cloth 9 months out of the year. Now if you live in a colder climate this is probably not an issue. I do agree that leather looks a lot sharper though. 
12-28-2001, 05:39 AM
#11
Originally posted by RastaManMax
Colder weather sucks even more for leather, i'd rather have my *** burnt rather than frozen.
Colder weather sucks even more for leather, i'd rather have my *** burnt rather than frozen.
i don't have those problems.. neither hot nor cold.. is it because my seats are preforated?
12-28-2001, 06:19 AM
#12
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 944
Leather
I voted for the cloth and the reason is you can get custom leather from www.customleather.com and it's cheaper than factory. It's also higher quality. Good luck!
12-28-2001, 07:29 AM
#13
U wanna try me young boy?
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 1,024
I've owned/drive many cars with and without leather. In a moderate climate (Lowest winter temp 32 degrees, highest summer temp 80 degrees) they are excellent, as long as you get buckets if you want to corner without sliding out.
In the 12 degree temps we have here today, they would have been too cold unless they had seat warmers (even then they're too cold, but for about 2 minutes) In the 90-100 degree temps we get for 3 months of the year they are waaay too hot if left in the sun without dark tinted windows. That's why I keep staying away from leather in this country - the temp extremes don't work with leather.
You wanna know hot seats? My dad had a canvas-roofed ex-Army Land Rover that we all rode in when he was posted to Saudi Arabia back in the early 80's. The rear passengers sat on un-upholstered metal seats. When the canvas roof was down the hot desert sun would heat up the seats to a point where simply touching them with bare hands would produce actual burns that could even require medical treatment. We had to carry towels in a cooler to sit on. But that was something of a balancing act because you can't hold on to the canvas roof supports or the sides of the truck because they're just as hot so it was just a case of balance yourself on your feet and butt, and hope to hell the driver didn't make any sudden moves that made you slip off your towel...
In the 12 degree temps we have here today, they would have been too cold unless they had seat warmers (even then they're too cold, but for about 2 minutes) In the 90-100 degree temps we get for 3 months of the year they are waaay too hot if left in the sun without dark tinted windows. That's why I keep staying away from leather in this country - the temp extremes don't work with leather.
You wanna know hot seats? My dad had a canvas-roofed ex-Army Land Rover that we all rode in when he was posted to Saudi Arabia back in the early 80's. The rear passengers sat on un-upholstered metal seats. When the canvas roof was down the hot desert sun would heat up the seats to a point where simply touching them with bare hands would produce actual burns that could even require medical treatment. We had to carry towels in a cooler to sit on. But that was something of a balancing act because you can't hold on to the canvas roof supports or the sides of the truck because they're just as hot so it was just a case of balance yourself on your feet and butt, and hope to hell the driver didn't make any sudden moves that made you slip off your towel...
12-28-2001, 07:53 AM
#14
Member
Join Date: Nov 2001
Posts: 63
Its a matter of personal preference. I have had 5 cars in the last 7 years all with leather. I loved them at first, but I also had the same problems being cold in winter and hot & sticky in the summer. When I bought my Max I got cloth and have been very happy. I agree that the leather looks nicer, but I am getting to old whereas looks do not count as much with me anymore as comfort 
My advice it to get what you like and what you feel comfortable with.
My advice it to get what you like and what you feel comfortable with.
12-28-2001, 08:11 AM
#15
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Re: hmm
Originally posted by NYCe MaXiMa
How much is the leather option for the 2k2 from Nissan??????
I would much rather get it without leather and save some $ on Nissan leather which is not even that good.... then go to www.leatherseats.com and order their custom made leather for like 700$ which would probably be cheaper then getting Nissans leather.
Even though my car doesn't have it, (GXE) i love leather... in the summer time, just cover them up, or get a nice window tint.... It's no big deal.
How much is the leather option for the 2k2 from Nissan??????
I would much rather get it without leather and save some $ on Nissan leather which is not even that good.... then go to www.leatherseats.com and order their custom made leather for like 700$ which would probably be cheaper then getting Nissans leather.
Even though my car doesn't have it, (GXE) i love leather... in the summer time, just cover them up, or get a nice window tint.... It's no big deal.
12-28-2001, 08:26 AM
#17
go for the leather...if its the temp problem go for the heated seats as well so you wont freeze and in summer a windshield sun shade and tinted windows will help. (i mean dont get them just for the leather but theyre good for other things) I have black leather on superblack on my 92 SE and im putting MORE leather in it...in the door panels. (they always came cloth in 3rd gens and it looks tacky with leather seats) In the spring will come the tint and i already have a sunshade for the windshield they really do help. But as for the cold no i dont have heateds but they warm up pretty quickly after my fat @$$ sits on them
12-28-2001, 09:11 AM
#19
Can you get heated seats without leather?
Anyone know?
Because, Leather really is colder in the winter and hotter in the summer. The summer problem can be dealt with with a nice tint, and a sun shade, won't entirely elliminate the problem, but will help out well. In the winter, if you have heated seats, then it's no big deal. Besides, get a remote start, and have the car warm up in the winter, before you get in it, and have it cool off in the summer... Leather looks too good and feels too good in regular temperatures, makes the whole interior look way more upscale.
Because, Leather really is colder in the winter and hotter in the summer. The summer problem can be dealt with with a nice tint, and a sun shade, won't entirely elliminate the problem, but will help out well. In the winter, if you have heated seats, then it's no big deal. Besides, get a remote start, and have the car warm up in the winter, before you get in it, and have it cool off in the summer... Leather looks too good and feels too good in regular temperatures, makes the whole interior look way more upscale.
12-28-2001, 11:17 AM
#22
Re: Can you get heated seats without leather?
Originally posted by NYCe MaXiMa
Anyone know?
Because, Leather really is colder in the winter and hotter in the summer. The summer problem can be dealt with with a nice tint, and a sun shade, won't entirely elliminate the problem, but will help out well. In the winter, if you have heated seats, then it's no big deal. Besides, get a remote start, and have the car warm up in the winter, before you get in it, and have it cool off in the summer... Leather looks too good and feels too good in regular temperatures, makes the whole interior look way more upscale.
Anyone know?
Because, Leather really is colder in the winter and hotter in the summer. The summer problem can be dealt with with a nice tint, and a sun shade, won't entirely elliminate the problem, but will help out well. In the winter, if you have heated seats, then it's no big deal. Besides, get a remote start, and have the car warm up in the winter, before you get in it, and have it cool off in the summer... Leather looks too good and feels too good in regular temperatures, makes the whole interior look way more upscale.
12-28-2001, 03:19 PM
#24
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Originally posted by Maximan190
But as for the cold no i dont have heateds but they warm up pretty quickly after my fat @$$ sits on them
But as for the cold no i dont have heateds but they warm up pretty quickly after my fat @$$ sits on them
hehehehehe LOL Yippy human heater good for you
12-28-2001, 04:41 PM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 773
i love the cloth seats in my 2001, they feel really nice to the touch. it was either the choice between a new gxe, or a used 4th gen, maybe gle or loaded se, i chose the new gxe, rather have the new car. but i love the seats, i think there is less maintanence for cloth seats, unless a drink is spilled on them. leather reacts to the outside temp real easily and it also cracks, looks ugly after a while, and you have to condition it often, not a lot of people have the time for that. get the cloth, it will be cheaper right now, and if you decide you want leather later on, get aftermarket leather, its a win win situation either way.
12-29-2001, 12:45 PM
#29
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Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Manhattan Beach, Ca / Dallas, Tx
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Iwould have to say cloth, after a few years most leather in cars is either all wrinkled up or even tearstimes. Cloth seems to age better over time keeping its looks better than leather.
12-29-2001, 02:29 PM
#30
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Ft. Sask. AB Canada
Posts: 166
For many I hated leather, because of all the reasons that are listed above. Then I grew older and moved in circles with richer friends who all had leather furniture and leather in their cars - they loved it. Now I do too! It really isn't as bad as most people say and most of the nay sayers (like me) had never owned leather (until now).
The majority of cloth 2k2 Maximas have the frost cloth which didn't do anything for me (I also have two kids now) and my dealer couldn't find a cloth charcoal interior anywhere in Western Canada. They offered to put black leather in a frost interior - Yuck! for $1200 Cdn. I opted for the black leather (since my car is black) and I've been very happy. It is almost impossible to get the perforated leather, but with seat warmers and 35/20% tint who cares. I used some Lexol leather conditioner to soften it up even more and make it a bit grippier in the cold - Love it. Even the simulated leather on the doors looks cool.
My wife drives a '98 SE with charcoal sport cloth and that looks a he** of a lot better than the 2k2 SE cloth IMHO.
p.s. A tip I got from a friend that tints and details high-end cars is to use liquid shoe polish on any worn leather areas to make them look like new.
The majority of cloth 2k2 Maximas have the frost cloth which didn't do anything for me (I also have two kids now) and my dealer couldn't find a cloth charcoal interior anywhere in Western Canada. They offered to put black leather in a frost interior - Yuck! for $1200 Cdn. I opted for the black leather (since my car is black) and I've been very happy. It is almost impossible to get the perforated leather, but with seat warmers and 35/20% tint who cares. I used some Lexol leather conditioner to soften it up even more and make it a bit grippier in the cold - Love it. Even the simulated leather on the doors looks cool.
My wife drives a '98 SE with charcoal sport cloth and that looks a he** of a lot better than the 2k2 SE cloth IMHO.
p.s. A tip I got from a friend that tints and details high-end cars is to use liquid shoe polish on any worn leather areas to make them look like new.
12-30-2001, 09:45 PM
#31
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Well Maxed the charcoal cloth in the 2k2 looks good bud, I have it mine and its great. it looks alot better than the 2k and 2k1's cloth. As far as cloth goes the 89 and 90 MAX GXE had the best looking cloth interior Nissan has made.
12-30-2001, 10:32 PM
#32
Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: GTA, Ontario
Posts: 89
I never had leather, but I ordered it this time giving it a try. Still don't have my 2k2 HSLD 6 speed yet, but here are my reasons for going with the leather package:
• easy clean up (5 month old baby, and dog, golden retarded)
• heated seats will take that winter chill out. Would I get leather without heated seat? most definitely not.
• if you smoke, cigarette burns instantly in cloth (read synthetic nylon), takes more time on leather and not as noticeable
• re-sale
• prestige
• doesn't get as dusty or hold that much dust & dirt
• wears better than cloth,
• better fade resistance to UV
CONS:
• sticky in the summer, even with air and tint because your skin doesn't breathe as well.
• not as grippy as cloth
Hope my 2 cents helps
• easy clean up (5 month old baby, and dog, golden retarded)
• heated seats will take that winter chill out. Would I get leather without heated seat? most definitely not.
• if you smoke, cigarette burns instantly in cloth (read synthetic nylon), takes more time on leather and not as noticeable
• re-sale
• prestige
• doesn't get as dusty or hold that much dust & dirt
• wears better than cloth,
• better fade resistance to UV
CONS:
• sticky in the summer, even with air and tint because your skin doesn't breathe as well.
• not as grippy as cloth
Hope my 2 cents helps
12-30-2001, 11:13 PM
#36
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 82
wow you guys i got such a great response thank you sooooo much! i think i'm going to go with the cloth when i order it and then if i decide to get leather i'll order them - not from nissan. It works out in all ways and it's the cheaper choice! again thank you so much you all really did help me
again thank you so much you all really did help me
12-30-2001, 11:40 PM
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Ft. Sask. AB Canada
Posts: 166
Originally posted by MONTE 01&97 SE
Well Maxed the charcoal cloth in the 2k2 looks good bud, I have it mine and its great. it looks alot better than the 2k and 2k1's cloth. As far as cloth goes the 89 and 90 MAX GXE had the best looking cloth interior Nissan has made.
Well Maxed the charcoal cloth in the 2k2 looks good bud, I have it mine and its great. it looks alot better than the 2k and 2k1's cloth. As far as cloth goes the 89 and 90 MAX GXE had the best looking cloth interior Nissan has made.
12-31-2001, 12:32 AM
#39
Not DAVEB the parts guy
Join Date: Aug 2000
Posts: 8,555
I just done installing my aftermarket leather interior in my 96 Maxima. It takes the "ho-hum" look of the cloth interior and changes it dramatically into something far more luxurious. The leather also seems to increase bolstering somewhat. The seats went from looking flat and ecomony into something that truely looked "flagship". I will never have cloth again. Leather is much colder than cloth, but once the car is warmed up (about 5 minutes) the difference is negligible.
Dave
Dave
12-31-2001, 06:10 AM
#40
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Join Date: May 2001
Posts: 944
Originally posted by Dave B
I just done installing my aftermarket leather interior in my 96 Maxima. It takes the "ho-hum" look of the cloth interior and changes it dramatically into something far more luxurious. The leather also seems to increase bolstering somewhat. The seats went from looking flat and ecomony into something that truely looked "flagship". I will never have cloth again. Leather is much colder than cloth, but once the car is warmed up (about 5 minutes) the difference is negligible.
Dave
I just done installing my aftermarket leather interior in my 96 Maxima. It takes the "ho-hum" look of the cloth interior and changes it dramatically into something far more luxurious. The leather also seems to increase bolstering somewhat. The seats went from looking flat and ecomony into something that truely looked "flagship". I will never have cloth again. Leather is much colder than cloth, but once the car is warmed up (about 5 minutes) the difference is negligible.
Dave