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Can anyone provide me with feedback re: leatherette vs. cloth interior? Traditionally, I really do not like leather, unless its a light color, as I can't stand hopping into a car and burning the living crap out of every exposed piece of skin on my body, and of course in the winter, freezing to death. Also, I'm not a smoker, so I don't plan on having any "malodorous scents" consuming my car. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks
Cloth is somewhat cooler, but gets dirty, and is a bit tough to clean.
Sheepskin seatcovers offer the coolest, and the warmest feelings against the skin in all temperatures.
You have to get some that are custom cut for the MINI seats, or they will look tacky. Black ones look real nice, but all sheepskin wear down eventually at friction points. Usually where you slide into the seat, along the seat edge. Nice thick ones will last a number of years before needing replacement. Usually the drivers seat will go first, and black is easier to match than the natural (tan or beige) color. The softness can't be beat !
I'm going for the leather though, as well maintained leather has a supple feeling and aroma that is wonderful.
I've got the leatherette in mine (you would be suprised by how many people think its real leather) and I have a sunroof and live in sunny hot Florida. It's been 94 to 96 for the last 2 weeks and I have had no problem with the seats burning me. I also have to say cloth seats soak up stains and smells.
>>I got cloth because of the hot reason too.
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>>p.s. I thought the INDI Blue wasn't available in the cooper S
Unfortunately I am on a LONG wait list, actually getting a 2003 and the Indi Blue is available for the S...
As far as the seats, I think I may change my order to the leatherette... why is this so difficult?! I think I have too much time to wait and mull over every minute detail... does anyone else have a spreadsheet of all of the toys they're going to buy or is it just me?
I have the leatherette as well. It's been in the upper 90's and sunny for weeks here and the seats havent been overly hot. I even have the sunroof. It's a pleasant suprise. Also the are super easy to clean and most people think they are leather. I like the look of the tarten red cloth, but I'm glad I have the heated leatherette.
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2003 MINI Cooper S Electric Blue / White Helix 15% Pulley, Helix Cold Air Intake, Helix Performance Rear Anti-Sway Bar, Texas Racing Rear Control Arms, 17x7 O.Z. Superturismo WRC White Wheels http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h9...tuff/BRT09.jpg
I've been told by my brother in law (he's a semi-car buff) that BMW's leatherette is better then some mfg's leather. And as I'm sick of the icky look of the cloth seats in my car (it's 12 years old, the seats have seen better days), the leatherette was an easy choice...
I got the leatherette Looks soooo close to the leather can't really tell the difference and it cleans very easily. I think cloth would wear out, discolor, etc.
>>I've been told by my brother in law (he's a semi-car buff) that BMW's leatherette is better then some mfg's leather. And as I'm sick of the icky look of the cloth seats in my car (it's 12 years old, the seats have seen better days), the leatherette was an easy choice...
>>
>>Rocketboy_X
I generally always go with clothe seats , i can not bring myself to pay that much for leather seats , but when i went to the dealer and saw the leatherette i really thought it was REAL leather the look and quality really surprised me .So i decided to go with the black leatherette . so i would say if it appeals to you go for that look .
Most people think my mini came with REAL leather instead of the leatherette, because I treat it with a Leather cleaning foam which gives it that natural smell you'd expect, at the same time making it shine!
i chose the cloth because i have two dogs and didn't want to risk having the leatherette rip....as in the mini promo book "dogs love to motor"....
alex
I'm up in the air on this. I also have two dogs. Thought the leatherette might be easier to clean, but that the cloth more comfortable on trips. For now going with black cloth & an anthracite dash. I hope to keep the dogs in back & the seats down when moterin.
MY NUMBER IS UP!!!!
Status Code 111 on 9/27. Hopefully in (or before) wk 36 a black over chili Cooper will be built with Premium & Sport pkgs, Chrome Bumpers and SSP.
I have leatherette, because that's what was in the car. It's great. But then, I also have seat covers that are made of wet suit material which is really comfortable. See them on page 14 of Members' Minis. Ron
Neoprene? Wow... I'd be timid about using it, because it shouldn't be left in the sun.. It starts to shrink, and over time becomes ruined! I learned the hard way by drying my 7mm wet-suit in the sun EEK!
I opted for the Black with Blue Lapis Leather. It just looks sooo cool, and there really is no substitute for leather, the leatherette is hard and not as smooth.
Member #41, been here a while
