Alcantara seats

bs2014

Hi there, Looking about a car (1yr old seat leon) with alcantara seats. Wouldnt be my first preference of seats but the car is gorgeous overall. Its only myself who drives the car and I wouldn't be too hard on a car, what are peoples thoughts/experience of alcantara. I've read they are extremely hard to keep clean and after a few years, the seats start to fade and not wear well. Thanks.

Alanstrainor

I'm a fan. Just sat in a 12 year old 3 series with them and the seats were in good condition. Although it depends on the material I guess. But I wouldnt be put off by it!

Cee-Jay-Cee

I love alcantara seats, I'd chose them over leather any day. They're easy to clean so long is you don't let dirt get engrained in them, I used to use Punch suede shoe cleaner to take out any stubborn stains.

If the car is only a year old, how long do you intend holding onto it for? They're not going to fade that quickly, it's generally older cars that are exposed to a lot of sunlight (not a problem in this country) that sees them fade but if you consciously park with the rear of the car to the sun and tiny the rear windows you'll prevent any possible fade.

bs2014

Cee-Jay-Cee wrote: »

I used to use Punch suede shoe cleaner to take out any stubborn stains.

Thanks, a friend of mine said he uses carpet cleaner when valeting.

[/QUOTE] If the car is only a year old, how long do you intend holding onto it for? They're not going to fade that quickly, it's generally older cars that are exposed to a lot of sunlight (not a problem in this country) that sees them fade but if you consciously park with the rear of the car to the sun and tiny the rear windows you'll prevent any possible fade.[/QUOTE] I'd be keeping it for at least 3 years but all the same, that could change to 4 or 5 if circumstances dictate. As much as I see your suggestion, if I buy a nice car, I don't fancy constantly parking to avoid the sun ect, that would just wreck my head!! ha:D

Henry Ford III

Alcantara is the best material bar none for a sporty car, but the quality varies enormously.

Donie75

I recently bought a new car with very light cream alcantara seats. I'm having a problem with jeans/trouser dye bleeding into the seats. Anyone ever had this problem before and found a good solution?

coylemj

Donie75 wrote: »

I recently bought a new car with very light cream alcantara seats. I'm having a problem with jeans/trouser dye bleeding into the seats. Anyone ever had this problem before and found a good solution?

bs2014

Has anyone used autoglym lifeshine, called into a dealership this afternoon and they recommended this. Any experiences?

ianobrien

bs2014 wrote: »

Has anyone used autoglym lifeshine, called into a dealership this afternoon and they recommended this. Any experiences?

Ask any of the lads over in the detailing forum and they'll tell you.....

Basically don't bother. Generally they are slapped onto the car. The key is preparation and generally a proper detail from a proper detailer gets better results. I wouldn't bother with it (and I try to avoid having the main dealer washing my car)