I've read a few threads regarding the issues with leatherette seating and a lack of breathablity, but what is most important to me is the overall durability regarding resistance to puncture and the ability to resist stains and be cleaned? I'm torn 50/50 right now in regards to price and overall comfort and looks. Resiliency will be the most important factor.
Any advice?

 

I would say, IMHO of course, that you would be much happier with Leatherette, cleaning is a breeze and after 3+yrs. Molly's Leatherette still looks new...check out my garage for pics. I have a couple of great products that I can also recommend, I use 303 Aerospace Protectant and Prima Nero in a 50/50 Solution in a Squirt Bottle, both work great on the seats.

 

+1 for Leatherette my 04 R50 has around 34k miles on it and the seats still look new...and I only clean them with some cloth and water...

 

Another one here that can attest to the durability of leatherette. If you clean it regularly, once a week for me, it stays looking brand new. My last MCS had leatherette and if it wasn't for my butt imprint on the bottom cushion you would think it was brand new.

Prepare to have a sweaty back and butt though. I never liked the fact that leatherette allows for no breath-ability, but the durability far outweighs the con.

 

+1 for leatherette. easy cleaning. not high maintenance. no more worry of cracks in leather. it does hold heat in more - good for winter, bad for summer.

 

Cool! thanks everyone.
I'm glad the leatherette is a better option because not only is it cheaper... 'm a vegetarian so I'd feel aa little better knowing my seats aren't all leather. Though I am guessing even leatherette has a blend of vinyl and leather so not completely animal friendly.
Anyone know if there is any real leather in leatherette?

 

Leatherette is pretty much plastic and cloth. In fact, I'm pretty sure there are leatherette shoes and accessories that are marketed toward vegetarians.

 

i have leatherette with NO wear, my 2006 seats look brand new. granted i have the cooper and if i could get leather cooper s seats i would, but im overall happy with them, they may have an imprint when you first get out of them, but they quickly conform back to their origional shape

 

I hate to rain on the leatherette parade, but my 06 with 32,000 miles had leatherette and it started to split on the left side driver's leg bolster. I always took good care of it, and do not live in a hot, dry climate. I'm not the only one who has had problems with leatherette. My current 06 has leather, and it feels a lot more durable than the leatherette. That's just my .02. I know some people have had no problems, but others have. I think you take your chances either way.

 

The left side leg bolster is probably the first place you will see wear. Every time you get into the car people tend to put their weight on just the left side before they slide over. Sorry to hear yours started to split, but I have to ask. How does the rest of the seat look?

 

actually i do have some minor cracks in the left side bolster come to think of it. theyre only noticeable if you apply pressure to the area

 

I know exactly what you're talking about. My ex used to do that in her Maxima with leather and it did serious damage over time. I would mention it constantly with her. Maybe that's why she's an ex? HAHA I do not tend to put my weight on the left side and then slide over, however I cannot speak for the previous owner. The rest of the seat looked perfect, but for a car with only 32,000 miles, it seems a little premature for cracking. The leather in my current MCS seems FAR superior.

 

This is just a question...How many of the people here saying leatherette is great have had leather seats in their Mini's? Again, just a question, not trying to pose an argument. I just think if you've only had leatherette in your Mini's then you'd have no way of being able to logically say either way. We have leather in all of our cars (except my current, soon to be replaced personal car, my 97 Toyota Corolla) and have 0 problems with them. My grandparents have a 92 cadillac with leather and the seats look brand new to this day. Honestly, as long as you keep care of your seats, leather will look brand new from day one on. It's really just personal preference. But there is a reason leather is a $1,500 option and leatherette is standard. Motorcycle jackets are made of leather...not leatherette. and there is a reason.

just my .02

 

My redwood leather looks just as good as when I bought it 2 years ago/24k miles. Plus, Leather breathes a lot better than the fake stuff.....I would never have a vehicle with leatherette. Either its going to be a good quality cloth or real leather......