I've just ordered a 2015 Cooper Hardtop S and it comes stock with leatherette seats. I don't have any prior experience with the material; is it durable? Will it stand up to dogs? I have a 75 lb lab/golden that will be in the car at least once a week. Should I consider seat covers?

 

My '13 Hardtop is vinyl. I've only owned the car for 10 months but I would call it durable for normal use. Though I haven't done it I know it can easily be scratched and taking into account your intended use I would get something to protect it.

 

I have seat covers on my 2011 S because the leatherette gets extra hot here in south east Florida

 

I have an 03 MCS with the space cloth.. it was very hard to find as all inventory was vinyl and did a factory order.. but is one of the best options i picked. after 11 years ive had zero wear issues and the 2 tone is a nice touch. lots of compliments and questions if i changed the seats as well


The mini cloth is really nice too.. not the fuzzy stuff.. proper weaved material.


phil.

 

Good to know! I hadn't even thought of that.

 

My 20 lb. doggie hasn't caused any issues with my vinyl. If yours will ride in the back, you might get one of those seat covers for dogs - believe MINI offers one - to at least broaden the paw impact. I'd fear a stretch factor more than scrapes, scratches or punctures, though I imagine a 75 lb dog is going to be laying down mostly in the back seat of a MINI. I've seen where some have done the rear seat delete to the give the dog more durable space.

 

Yeah, my last MINI had the full cloth seats stock and they were great but there wasn't a full cloth option when I ordered the 2015.

 

Leatherette is just another name for vinyl. I have an MG with it's original leatherette seats, they are over thirty years old and are still in great shape.

Unlike leather seats they take very little care, just spray them down with 303 protectant every once in a while, to keep them supple.

Dave

 

Great! Thanks for the info!

 

I have a boxer that travels with me from time to time and the leatherette in my '11 S hasn't seen any wear at all. I should also add that I am a rather large individual and my drivers seat doesn't show any unusual wear from 60,000 miles of use over the past 3 years either.

 

Agree with the 303 protectant advice. On my '03 MINI, the driver's seat bottom started to crack a little at about 9 years old on the left side that gets squished every time you get in and out, but this was with no care.

Since then I've been using the 303 protectant. I expect if I had been using it since day one, the seat would be fine.

 

I have a 2012 with leatherette and two border collies that occasionally ride in the back with the seat folded. Since they stay in the back I never have to worry about them scuffing up the seats. Also, leatherette is fine in Michigan since it didn't get to 90 once this summer. I've got a little bit of heat envy.

 

leatherette looks the same as the day I bought my MINI. I just wipe it down with water cloth and that's it. I'll put up with a little bit more heat as a trade off to low maintenance