Hi guys,

Can someone tell me are the Verada GTV seats the same as the Ei and Xi in shape, or are they sports seats?

Also, is there any place I can check what each facelift had introduced in the Verada range?
I am sure you guys are sick of me asking these n00b questions :facejump:

GTV seats are exactly the same as the EI/XI seats just covered in black (perforated) South African leather. XI naturally had Howe leather until the KL (possibly even the KJ series 2.

CLICK HERE FOR SPEC LISTINGS (http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60701&p=910765&viewfull=1#post910765)

Mike

Thank you mcs_xi, I was really hoping to find such a listing.
Which leather has a better feel to it? And does one wear better than the other?
I notice the decade old XI's are starting to look worn :(

Howe leather will always trump the GTV leather from new. But age as you say is different. Depends on the condition. My passenger seat has gone slightly harder because I use the sunroof often for example.

The GTV leather seems to go hard and shiny with age more so than the Howe grey and tan leather, but 10 years will do that.

I expect the cars trim to become worn. Anyone who specifically purchases leather and doesn't enjoy it because they have seat covers is getting it for the wrong reasons.

One my real dislikes is when leather goes hard and shiny. Is there a way to recondition this?

I am trying to decided between getting a KJII EI, XI or GTV. I want the sunroof, and I would like the leather seats but only in decent condition

One my real dislikes is when leather goes hard and shiny. Is there a way to recondition this?

I am trying to decided between getting a KJII EI, XI or GTV. I want the sunroof, and I would like the leather seats but only in decent condition

Finding leather seats that don't have cracking on a car that age is impossible, unless they've never been sat in! It's not overly expensive to get them reupholstered.

Any idea of how much it would be to reupholster them?
And, would it be cheaper to reupholster existing leather seats as opposed to cloth trimmed seats?

Any idea of how much it would be to reupholster them?
And, would it be cheaper to reupholster existing leather seats as opposed to cloth trimmed seats?

Well you can get a full set of leather-look seat covers tailor made for the magna for $600 and they look mint.
If you were to do a proper retrim in leather on cloth seats would probably be 2-3 grand. To get sections fixed up significantly less. On leather seats I've found its just the bottom part that cracks/fades over time, back and sides are usually ok.

Will the color be able to be matched 100% or will it always look "patchy"?

I have seen leather look seats before and in my opinion they look horrible and cheap, unless you are talking about some other ones.
2-3K for a trim is not worth the money on a car worth so little. I also noticed that often it is just the drivers seat which needs immediate attention, then the passenger and less so the rear seats. I guess it is wear and tear from sitting/sliding on them.
Do you know if the trim is transferable between left and right front seats? As maybe a good condition second hand passenger seat would be easier to source

Left and right front seats have different bases and top sections, so a transfer from one side to the other is not possible.

Leather is excellent in colder climates but for Australia, leather just doesn't last. I prefer cloth seats for that reason. Leather look material is even worse, it's a throwback to the 1960's when cars came out with vinyl upholstery.

Anyhow, each to his own - a good upholsterer would be able to match leather, and replace the worst of the panels. But it won't be cheap.

How would leather restoration be?
http://www.myleatherdoctor.com.au/automotive_car_leather_repairs_recolour_clean.php

Anyone know the cost, and whether the results are long lasting or whether it is all good right after it's finished and then back to how it was soon after?

The seats in my GTV are brilliant.. As long as you take care of them, they'll last!

If you get a set in good nick.. Use Bowdens Own Leather Care througg.and you'll be cheering!

The other oil based leather care.products do more damage than good to PU Leather..

Restoration worked well for me in my old car and to this day the cracks havent reappeared!

SuFz

How much did you pay for the leather restoration in your other car?
And how many km on your GTV?

Front and Rear Seats.. $499 IIRC..

That included a few minor repairs like cracks etc.

SuFz