Leather Seats (Retro Fit)

[en8wall]

I recently bought a pre - reg auto IQ2 with cloth interior that I'm really enjoying especially now that I have also fitted a Parrot bluetooth MK9000 screenless kit.

I saved over £4k on new but couldn't spec the Kuru black leather i wanted which i feel gives the IQ that final quality finish.

I've approached a highly respected local car trimmers (recommended by a Toyota garage) who quoted £1000 + vat to supply and fit black leather front and rear. I also contacted Toyota GB who can supply & fit the Kuru leather for £1000 "including" VAT via my local dealer with a 10 day turnaround with I guess the seats being sent away to the trimmers who do them at Port of Entry. The list price for kuru leather is £720.

I wondered if anyone has had leather retro fitted and what the quality and fit is like? I want it fitted but need to find out others experiences before taking the plunge. My concern is wear on seat edge as my old GT86 began to suffer this on the edge where I got in and out of car. I know cloth won't do this.

Any advice/opinions greatly accepted.

[simpip122]

just been looking on eBay there's some on there in black think there asking 350.00 or make a offer. do a search for (toyota iq leather interior)

[en8wall]

Saw those. Want new If I'm to do it as car is new.

[korat102]

For what it's worth, I was glad to get away from leather when I bought my used Verso. Leather looks wonderful and generally wears really well but it's a bit of a pain to live with - freezing in the winter and roasting hot in the summer. I don't think I'll be going down that route again.

[tarquin]

Hi

I retro fitted leater to my iQ2. Toyota sold the kit which was in Plum colout as it matched my interior. It cost me £575. There are certain area's that the leather has to be glued onto the original seat covering, namely on the back rest of the seat otherwise it just becomes a flapping drum. This is a good time also to decide if you want heated seats as the heating elements have to be fitted first before its glued. I fitted mine myself using uphostering stretching tools. ( hard work). I have seen quite a few examples and for me the seat being hot or cold far out ways the proffessional look it gives. Makes the car look a quality build

David

[Soeley]

I am on the fence a bit. My car came with the leather, previous owner had it fitted from new. I do like the look of it. I don't find it too cold in winter, but that could be due to may car sleeping in my garage at night. Can get quite sweaty in the summer. If I was to buy my car again from new, would I pay the £750 (Toyota fitted price) ? No, I would stick with fabric. Like anything it has its Pro's and Con's.

[en8wall]

I'm still undecided. Dealer said today that if they supply a courtesy car they would want £10 per day for it whilst mine is off road. That's minimum of £100 which will be a deal breaker for the sheer cheek considering g I bought a new gt86 off them only two years ago. Has the leather worn well for those of you with it fitted?

[Soeley]

Mine is a January 2011 model with 37,000 miles leather still looks good as new. I treat it once a year with Maguires leather cleaner/conditioner.

[iQ-Chris]

I've got a 2012 iQ with factory fitted red leather seats, it looks great and I'd recommend having it - As David said, it gives the car a premium look. The standard fabric seats look mismatched and cheapen the cabin, I think, but to each their own :)

Chris

[en8wall]

I agree about the cloth seats in the new version...looks like an after thought. I prefer the seats on pre 2012 models with the small circles on them. Will try and negotiate a free courtesy car from dealer.

[Soeley]

Don't know if you have taken a service plan out with your dealer? But if so, you normally get free courtesy cars and 10% off parts and accessories.

[tarquin]

Dont know about the courtesy car but they stopped the 10% i have a serice plan and a member of the Toyota club Nothing. I do get 10% off stuff i buy but thats another story

David

[en8wall]

Courtesy car only free for servicing etc....This is 10 days hence the charge.

[Soeley]

Ah, didn't know it was for service purpose only.

Why the 10 day turn around? does seem a long time?

[en8wall]

Seats get taken out and sent to trimmers who then return them and refit.

[iQ-Chris]

10 days is a fairly slow turnaround, isn't it? I'm surprised by that.

Chris