Leather Seat Wear

I call BS on not sliding in/out of the seat. I'm 5'10 and practically have to dislocate my right hip to twist out from under the steering wheel.

 

Tacomas don't have leather in any shape or form. Leather is cowhide, no Tacoma has ever had cowhide seats. What you have is bonded leather at best, a composite of scrap leather shredded and mixed with vinyl to look like cowhide.

The 1st Gen Tundra and 4th Gen 4Runner had real cowhide seats, Land Cruiser, Lexus also. Real hide is nice if you take care of it, will last 40 years with monthly cleaning/conditioning and not rubbing your fat ass on the bolsters getting in and out.

 

This. Softex isn’t leather. The quality of synthetic leathers seems to vary widely. The Nuluxe Lexus uses is tits. I wish they offered that in Tacomas

 

Please refrain from calling me liar, I step into the truck with my right leg all the way over. I have no need to slide across the seat my truck is stock height.

 

I don’t think it is wear. It looks like compression from sitting on it. The leather stretches a bit. I have leather seats and am not concerned. Our 20 yr old Camry with leather seats has held up great.

 

The seating surfaces and seat back are leather. The rest of the seat cover is plastic. Toyota couldn’t claim its leather if it’s not.

 

Any thoughts on using neutral wool detergent, like the manual says, vs leather products? If so, what detergent would you even use?

Your audience: Newbie Tacoma leather owner here. Well, new to leather in general, really.

 

Any neutral PH cleaner will be fine really. It’s sealed leather, pretty forgiving.

If you had nubuck or something then you need to be careful.

 

Ah, newbie Taco owner here. However, not new to leather seats (maybe this leather Toyota has put in their truck). I had an 07 Acura TL. By year 13 of owner ship, the driver seat started to crack and stuff. I'd rather cover my Taco leathers seats with something to protect them so I can slide my fat ass in and out. Currently I step up on the running board and then down onto the seat. When I get out, I place by left hand under by left leg/buttock so I can rotate out on it instead of the seat.

Anyone got any ideas on what I can cover the seat with that wont chew the leather up? I'm thinking just to get some cheap crap that cabbies use to put under their bum.

 

Sooo what the heck should I clean my OEM leather seats with? and should I condition them? I don't want my seats to look all greasy...

 

I use chemical guys leather cleaner and their conditioner. The smell isn't too strong either

 

As long as you don't slather it on and leave it, it will be fine. Make sure you buff it in with a dry microfiber. The actual leather is where you sit only, the bolsters and the back of seats is synthetic. Use any known brand leather cleaner and conditioner and you will be fine.

 

The leather seats in my 2014 Venza lasted 7 years with just cleaning with mix vinegar/water and also did all the interior cleaning that way. Traded the Venza on my TRD Sport and the seats where still in very good shape other than a crack on the of the seat just above the adjustment buttons. Not too crazy about the leather seats in my Taco I can see they won't last as long as my seats did.

 

Are Tacoma seats even real leather? I don't think many car companies outside Bentley and Rolls use real leather anymore.

 

Yes, I agree with you.

 

Making a leather car seat cover is possible. It's a fun DIY project if you have some free time and cash to spare. No need to apologize for bumping the thread, we're here to help each other out. If you're new to working with leather, I recommend checking out this cool leather guide I found: https://vonbaer.com/blogs/blog/leather-guide-for-beginners. It's got some great tips and tricks to get you started.