Hi everybody! I just bought my first mini cooper! It's a used 2002 Mini Cooper... picking it up on Friday, and am so excited!!

The driver's seat has seen better days, and I'm wondering what my options are in fixing it. There is cracking in the seams, exposing white material under the black leather. One route would be just to get seat covers, but does anyone have ideas/experience with repairing a seat or finding a replacement? I've attached a picture of the damaged seat.
Thanks!

 

I'd start with the Yellow Pages and look for an auto upholstery shop near by. Estimates are free - odds are they can get you a new leather cover and make the seat like new.

This won't be cheap but gives you a starting point . . .

 

If the seams are still strong, just cracking of the leather and dye wearing off, I suggest these folks: http://www.leatherique.com/ . They have the best products for repairing and treating leather. Using their instructions and products, you can fill the cracks, re-dye the leather (either touch-up or re-do entire panels). They can match the leather dye perfectly. In addition, their Leatherique Rejuvenator and Prestine Clean are excellent products for keeping the leather in top condition. If you use their products and follow the directions, you'll save a bunch of money and be pleased that you did it yourself!

 

I just pulled the leather cover off of my seat, got some good strong thread and sewed it back together. Time consuming but worth it.