i just realized that my 02 sc uses a different quality of leather than the 03 and on models !!!

02 leather feels stiffers, and wrinkles and creases not as easily as the 03 on models. the surface feels harder and not as soft as the later models


did anyone notices that? is that a deliberate act by lexus to cut cost on the later model or the vice versa??

 

not sure that's true.
my 04 leather is pretty stiff.
after I bought it, I gave all the leather a good cleaning and treatment that softened it quite a bit. it's been 6 mos and about time for another treatment.

what I have noticed is how the 430 leather traps body heat, due to its non-perforated surface. sometimes I swear the seat heater is on (not). I'm sure that doesn't help the suppleness of the leather.
my mercedes suv has perforated leather and is cool in the heat of summer.

 

It's possible this is true.
My 06 GS leather feels harder than my 07.
I actually like the harder seats better, they are more supportive.

 

Lord! If it's any harder in 2002, how do you sit on it? Mine's like a brick right now.

 

My '02 is pretty hard too, but not as hard as some of the older leather car seats I've had (like my former '69 Volvo P1800). Once the leather starts drying out and hardening, I don't think that there is much you can do to restore them, but I'm no leather expert. (Anyone with experience along these lines, please chime in.) To keep them from getting worse, be sure to keep treating them with a proper leather conditioner. (Sorry, I don't know enough about what is available to make any product recommendations here.)

 

If you want your leather less hard try this. It basically feeds the leather, keeps it nourished and stops it drying out which leads to cracking and creases.

http://www.saddler.co.uk/shop.html?c...od_for_leather

 

I don't think we're really talking about the leather being hard.

I think we're talking about it being stretched very tight over some very firm foam.

I know I've conditioned the hell out of mine and the leather is in very good shape, but the seats are very hard.....and I've got an 05. If the 02 is any harder than mine, it would be like sitting on a park bench.