rs10

I was surprised to see that a car I'm seriously considering buying has significant wear on the left bolster on the driver's seat. There are a number of cracks. It seemed to me the cracks are just on the surface, but the result in black (or some other very dark color) breaking up the color of the leather (red).

The seats are comfort seats with the standard (not supple) leather. The car supposedly has a bit under 50k miles. I understand standard leather may not wear as well as the supple leather, but is this normal? Or should I be worried about whether 50k is really correct. (My car has leather that looks and feels much like Porsche supple leather, and fairly large side bolsters too, but with almost 85k miles, no such wear.)

fpena944

It all depends what the driver wears and how much of an entrance they make on the way into the car.

If the driver wears jeans or belts it can scuff the leather. Jeans have rivets while belts are a little rougher. And some drivers just plop themselves into a seat while other glide into it.

My car has over 120k miles and the wear is quite minimal. But I also think certain colors show it more than others and I'm fortunate to have a beige that doesn't.

If the car is a good deal then repainting the seat shouldn't be a big deal.

MiamiC70

65k miles on mine and faded, torn, tearing at seams etc... So yes, drivers side bolster is a mess. I think if you have the soft leather or option they wear worse as my buddy has same miles on regular leather and his are way better. Also, sport seats vs. regular seats make a difference. Finally, yes, jeans and belts are the no 1. culprits.

AA717driver

Mine, with 63k on it has "creases" in the seat bolster leather but not cracks. (By comparison, my 2002 Lexus RX developed cracks in the sides of the seat bolster area in the 150k range with little care.)

What does everyone use on their leather?

TC

Soaringman

Leather needs to be maintained, I see it as an inticator as of po's habits, it needs to be oiled to replace the natural oils that diminish evaporate over time. If they have not maintained the leather what else have they not maintained?

The type of oil used on leather saddles will work

Hurdigurdiman

My seat on the bolster was somewhat scuffed when I got it at 45000 miles. I have been using leather cleaner on them every month and no significant wear since then. Black interior.

996Ray

It is all in how you get in and out of your seat. I drove a BMW with a black interior for 8 years and 140000 miles and the seat looked new. That being said, I place my hand on the bolster when I get in, dragging my body over my hand instead of the bolster. Also, when getting out, I put my hand on the bottom sill of the door and "rotate" out of the seat, never dragging my body across the bolster. I like nice interiors and could not "live" with a torn up seat. So, I do what it takes to preserve the seat as long as possible. The bottom line is that seats are like any other item on the car - if you use proper technique and care for them properly, they will last.

All the best.

Ray

NoGaBiker

You might find some interesting info on this subject in a recent thread of mine concerning the leather bolsters in my two Porsches:

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...y-leather.html

Gonzo911

Replacing a few panels rather than the whole seat is not as expensive as you might think. I had a very good shop replace the bolsters, one support side panel and the seat panel on my old XK8 for around $600. Matched perfectly too.

rs10

I'm sure you're right, and I'm not really worried about repair cost. I am, however, worried that it could be a sign that I should not trust the odometer (which says about 48k miles) ...

Hurdigurdiman

Trust your odometer as mine was worn at 45000 miles.. Well that's if my odometer is correct haha.

Soaringman

My leathers still in really great shape at 70kmiles.
looks like its been maintained

thepenguin99

I wouldn't doubt the odometer. I recently inquired and got some pictures of a 99 with around 50k miles. Bolster had insane wear on it.

frisbee91

At 68,000 miles, the bolsters on my '99 are pretty worn. Thinking of doing a DIY refinish on them...

Ubermensch

At 120k miles mine are still in pretty good shape. Somebody at the track the other day commented they looked better than his with 50k miles on them. I think it has a lot to do with care and upkeep. Regular cleaning and conditioning goes a long way.