Live4brew

Fellas,

I've got the bug to upgrade to a 430. I don't like how my leather has worn and cracked on my 98. I was wondering if the color of the leather (perhaps darker = less durable because it absorbs more sun) has anything to do with the durability.

Or is color irrelevant in comparison to care? I suspect the main contributing factor is whether or not the car has been garaged (and how can you ever tell, really).

Just wanted to hear some thoughts on the subject.

alredxiii

iTrader: (13)

I just purchased an 06 with saddle 3 months ago and the leather looks like new (not wrinkle like the ecrus and tans).It seems to be not as soft either.Also if you live in harsh summer area you need to tint your windows.The only thing that I dont like is the fact that I dont want to treat the leather because I might clog the holes the ventilations comes throught on the front seats

Brewmyown

I picked up an 02 with 125,000 miles on with black leather interior and I cannot believe how great the leather looks. It looks like the seats were never sat in. I've had leather in my cars for as long as I can remember. I just sold an 07 Acura and the seats looked very worn compared to my 02 LS. According to the previous owner, the only thing he did was bring it to Lexus almost every Saturday for a free wash / detail.

94GS300

In my experience, it seems as if the black (semi-aniline) and saddle leather is much more durable. I found it very hard to find an Ecru interior that wasn't worn on the driver seat or showing major crease lines. However, just about every black semi-aniline interior looked brand new. I think it has more to do with it being semi-aniline than the color.

My black semi-aniline leather is not worn at all and has had 2 previous owners with 110k miles. It is amazing how durable it is. Never had any other leather like it.

AlexusAnja

Black just by the color will always 'look' much better because you don't see the wear marks because of the lack of contrast. The worst would always be white or tan because of the darker lines and wear. Tint helps to keep the leather from cracking under UV but over time it will dry up.