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Model specific boards => Golf mk6 => Topic started by: I_want_GTI on 13 May 2012, 23:37

Title: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: I_want_GTI on 13 May 2012, 23:37
Hi all - as you can see from my name I want a GTI but doing as much research as possible. I can see everyone have suggested specifics i.e. RNS510 over the RCD310 etc. but how about the seats? I've sat in the GTD with leather seats and thought they were abit stiff but might have been because this was a showroom car - do they loosen up through wear and tear? or do they remain the same throughout?

basically - leather or cloth seats??
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: ScottA on 13 May 2012, 23:53
Hi all - as you can see from my name I want a GTI but doing as much research as possible. I can see everyone have suggested specifics i.e. RNS510 over the RCD310 etc. but how about the seats? I've sat in the GTD with leather seats and thought they were abit stiff but might have been because this was a showroom car - do they loosen up through wear and tear? or do they remain the same throughout?

basically - leather or cloth seats??

I don't think there will be much between cloth and leather with regards to comfort. Each to their own regarding them to be honest, if you like the cloth pattern and find a car with it, go for it, likewise if you don't mind leather and find a car with it, go for it.  :grin:

If you're thinking about ordering a new car, leather is standard and you can no longer order cloth.
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: PenguinGTI on 14 May 2012, 01:40
I've always preferred cloth to leather in any car although especially so in the GTI - the tartan seats are one of my favourite features in the GTI.

But...

...that's just what I prefer.

I've sat in a GTI with leather seats and (my own) with cloth seats and comfort wise there's nothing between them. As Scott said it's really your own preference as to what material and look you want your seats to have.
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: Jimmymature on 14 May 2012, 07:11
I have leather, it's ok. I wouldn't pay extra for it again though.


Jim
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: Raffe on 14 May 2012, 07:25
Mine has leather too and it really lifts the cabin making it feel more premium, that said it wasn't a deciding factor on the car we chose.

Good luck with the search  :smiley:
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: Mr_F on 14 May 2012, 08:24
I'm not fussed, though I feel like cloth holds you better.

Girls seem to prefer leather in the winter and cloth in the summer.  Though they'd probably like to change it according to their mood and not just the seasons.
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: carl1 on 14 May 2012, 08:34
I do prefer cloth over leather as it wears better but if looked after leather does look more classy, but i wouldn't pay extra for it. Me personally if you aren't to fussy about both i'd find the right car ie condition, miles, colour and any other extras you really want first.
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: andyr on 14 May 2012, 09:56
Leather I find to be hot, sweaty and sticky in the summer and freezing for the first few minutes of a journey in the winter!
Cloth every time for me  :smiley:
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: Keithuk on 14 May 2012, 15:16
If your thinking of a new GTI they come with leather seats as standard now along with the GTD.

Leather seats will be cold in winter unless they are heated and as stated they will be hot in summer.

They aren't really thick leather as you used to get on the old Jaguars but leather does deteriorate in time unless you saddle soaped them often.

The choice is yours.
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: Mr GTD on 14 May 2012, 15:17
personally i prefer leather over cloth, I've had a few cars with cloth and this is my first with leather and for me leather is so much nicer, with leather don't forget you get the added feature of heated seats which is a great feature for the winter...

The leather makes the cabin look and feel more classy...
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: SRGTD on 14 May 2012, 18:44
Preference for leather or cloth is very much a personal thing, although the choice has been removed for buyers of new GTI's, GTD's and R's.

Personally, I prefer cloth, which holds its shape much better than the VW leather. I've seen some very 'saggy' examples of leather seats on nearly new Golfs and I don't like the saggy look.

Agree that the leather looks good when new and wipes clean more easily than cloth. Heated seats also gets around the problem of cold seats in the winter, but the hot, sticky problem in summer remains, as does the susceptibility to scuffs and scratches from zips, and other fastenings on clothes.

Interesting to see that the Golf GTI convertible has the traditional Jakara cloth as standard, and not leather.


Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: Will@carbon on 14 May 2012, 18:47
"nice car mate, i like the wheels but what's with the funny pattern on the seats"

"how much £26000 for a golf!!!!, that's crap it should well have leather for that"

"sorry mate I like the car but I wanted one with leather, good luck"

Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: Jimble on 14 May 2012, 19:06
Leather is nice but my god it looks dull! The cloth is an aquired taste but is my choice in the GTI, i find it nuts that VW haven't offered half leather like the Edition 30? Definately the best of both worlds. :smug:
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: gizzywizzy on 14 May 2012, 19:09
Cloth, the leather makes the cabin way too dark.  The cloth looks classy with its smart tartan look, it's a bit different and let's face it nearly all cars get leather these days so it's  common as muck.  Also with the winter pack fir winter the cloth is loads cosier too.
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: mkviken on 14 May 2012, 19:11
the leather makes the interior look like any other decent spec golf

the cloth is unique to the GTI and GTD and therefor more desirable IMO.

plus like said above it does brighten up the dull interior a lot
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: Edi35 on 14 May 2012, 19:13
My preference is half leather as I had in my ED30, best of both worlds with GTI checkered seats with leather side bolsters and leather trim through out the cabin  :cool: would agree with everyone's comments as there are +/- for both. If I had to make a choice it would be leather as its easier to keep clean when you have kids  :laugh:
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: Jimmymature on 14 May 2012, 19:20
personally i prefer leather over cloth, I've had a few cars with cloth and this is my first with leather and for me leather is so much nicer, with leather don't forget you get the added feature of heated seats which is a great feature for the winter...

The leather makes the cabin look and feel more classy...

You can also get heated cloth seats too  :drool:


Jim
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: Edi35 on 14 May 2012, 19:23


You can also get heated cloth seats too  :drool:


Jim

And they heat up much faster than the leather too
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: Mr GTD on 14 May 2012, 19:26
personally i prefer leather over cloth, I've had a few cars with cloth and this is my first with leather and for me leather is so much nicer, with leather don't forget you get the added feature of heated seats which is a great feature for the winter...

The leather makes the cabin look and feel more classy...

You can also get heated cloth seats too  :drool:


Jim

Didn't know that, you learn something new every day... :laugh:
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: Edi35 on 14 May 2012, 19:43
Winter pack comes with heated seats. ED30 had heated seats too so with part leather heated up really quickly.
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: Damo66 on 14 May 2012, 20:12
Try selling one without leather, it's the first question you get, has it not got leather?
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: Will@carbon on 14 May 2012, 20:29
If your keeping it for 4 years get what ever you like, if you are keeping it for a year get leather,

When I was selling mine they asked this in this order.

Reg?
colour?
Leather?
Dsg?
Wheels?
doors?
Nav?
Miles?
How much?

If that helps!
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: wigit on 14 May 2012, 21:31
i think its a pitty that VW did not put read stitching on the leather and around the GTI on the head rests as it would have just given it a lift

in reality i don't mind the leather (i'd prefer alcantara) as its easy to keep on top of, the cloth in my 500 are a PINTA to keep clean
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: I_want_GTI on 14 May 2012, 22:54
WOW -wasn't expecting such a response after only posting this question out last night - Thank you all for the response.

In terms for the search for me; this is the order i'm looking at (i'd like to get your opinion also in what order you'd look for or if anything i have missed please mention also  :smiley:):


But after all the posts I do have a better idea of what I want now - thanks all.
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: JoeGTI on 14 May 2012, 23:06
RNS can easily be retrofitted as I and loads of others have done. Well worthwhile! So don't worry about finding a car with it already fitted.
Xenons are fantastic, really lift the looks of the car and obviously have great light output. And come with the LED DRL's.
I have cloth but honestly sometimes wish I opted for leather, it does look quite classy when new, but as others have mentioned it can wear badly.
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: Mr GTD on 14 May 2012, 23:39
Also get the luxury pack...gotta love those folding mirrors! and at £140 you can't go wrong :wink:
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: I_want_GTI on 14 May 2012, 23:44
Also get the luxury pack...gotta love those folding mirrors! and at £140 you can't go wrong :wink:

Can this be retrofitted Mr GTD? as i've been told otherwise... :undecided:
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: SRGTD on 15 May 2012, 00:33
Also get the luxury pack...gotta love those folding mirrors! and at £140 you can't go wrong :wink:

Agree on the luxury pack. I find the folding mirrors a good feature when getting in and out of my (small) garage and they've saved me from clipping and damaging the mirror casing on the garage door frame on more than one occasion. The dipping kerbside mirror is also useful when parallel parking.

Also agree with JoeGTI on the Xenons; glad I spec'd them, even though they seemed expensive at the time. I think they're one of the best features on my car and well worth having if you do a reasonable amount of night driving. The adaptive cornering feature of the Xenons is good too!
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: Ginge 35Edition on 15 May 2012, 05:12
My advice is, avoid touching cloth at every opportunity! Lux pack is a no brainer, if nothing else it looks flash when ya park up and fold the mirrors. Drl's look mint too with the xenons.
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: Mr GTD on 15 May 2012, 08:07
Also get the luxury pack...gotta love those folding mirrors! and at £140 you can't go wrong :wink:

Can this be retrofitted Mr GTD? as i've been told otherwise... :undecided:

Not as far as I'm aware of, I'm sure if someone else can elaborate more on this I'm sure they will but for £140 from the dealers you can't go wrong, as peeps have said for the £140 you get the folding mirrors, dipping left mirror(when reverse is activated) and puddle lights which look  :cool: at night...

I think if you've got or know someone with VAG.COM you can have the right mirror as the dipping mirror instead of the left, I don't think you can have both...it's one or the other :wink:

And yes if you can get the Xenons I strongly recommend you get'em, that is one feature I wished I'd spec'd
:sad:
Yes there £1100 quid but are more expensive to retrofit, I think retrofit is in excess of £1400-£1500 :sad:
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: Mr_F on 15 May 2012, 08:47
My advice is, avoid touching cloth at every opportunity!

Brilliant, 1st with the T.C. comment!  :laugh:

go with what you need,

Small Garage = lux pack
Parking, rear cam followed by lux pack
Night Driving (Like me) = Xenons

Sat nav = pay less, do it later.  I just went with the RCD, like the touchyness and sat nav is a target for thieves and is supplementable by a £130 Garmin unit.

Regards,

Stephen
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: Mr GTD on 15 May 2012, 10:29
Also if your thinking of getting cruise get it done by the dealer @ £188 fitted its cheaper than factory...that's what I did!
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: I_want_GTI on 15 May 2012, 23:07
Thanks all - If only I could afford it, i'd go for the ed35 without a 2nd thought or even the R...

Yeah I agree with everyone the xenons just makes the car look that much cooler, and lux pack is a no brainer!

now just a matter of finding one that matches the spec  :cry:
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: The Doc on 15 May 2012, 23:10
Thanks all - If only I could afford it, i'd go for the ed35 without a 2nd thought or even the R...

Yeah I agree with everyone the xenons just makes the car look that much cooler, and lux pack is a no brainer!

now just a matter of finding one that matches the spec  :cry:

we just sold Wills one for about £10.....
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: I_want_GTI on 15 May 2012, 23:24
Thanks all - If only I could afford it, i'd go for the ed35 without a 2nd thought or even the R...

Yeah I agree with everyone the xenons just makes the car look that much cooler, and lux pack is a no brainer!

now just a matter of finding one that matches the spec  :cry:

we just sold Wills one for about £10.....

 :shocked: Doc do you know if there's any mk6 matching the spec I want? I've looked on pistonhead also but not much luck from what i'm seeing...
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: The Doc on 15 May 2012, 23:47
What exactly do you require sir?
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: I_want_GTI on 16 May 2012, 00:05
What exactly do you require sir?

Doc - Ideally a Mk6 in CW with lux pack & xenon with winter pack (if without is also ok - as this can be retrofitted), RCD/RNS510 etc.

any matches? Its been quite difficult to find one without it break my wallet in half... :cry:
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: Mr GTD on 16 May 2012, 19:45
What exactly do you require sir?

Doc - Ideally a Mk6 in CW with lux pack & xenon with winter pack (if without is also ok - as this can be retrofitted), RCD/RNS510 etc.

any matches? Its been quite difficult to find one without it break my wallet in half... :cry:

Budget?
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: Raffe on 16 May 2012, 20:06
My car has the dipping left mirror when in reverse but not power folding mirrors, guessing thi is standard?

Also have heated seats, is this the winter pack?

Only thing I wish I had held out for is the Xenons although the fairy light LEDs on them look cheap and nasty compared to Audi's :sad:
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: carl1 on 16 May 2012, 21:00
^^^^ Do you have parking sensors as i'm sure it comes with those aswell.
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: I_want_GTI on 16 May 2012, 23:08
What exactly do you require sir?

Doc - Ideally a Mk6 in CW with lux pack & xenon with winter pack (if without is also ok - as this can be retrofitted), RCD/RNS510 etc.

any matches? Its been quite difficult to find one without it break my wallet in half... :cry:

Budget?

Guess absolute max £24K I've seen a few thats around the £22k mark but now the more I look at the xenons that more I want them...
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: Will@carbon on 16 May 2012, 23:16
Get xenons or you will regret it, trust me. Also seriously go and drive a dsg even if you don't like autos you might love it. It was the best part of my gti, it made the car.

Get xenons

Get xenons

Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: I_want_GTI on 16 May 2012, 23:30
Get xenons or you will regret it, trust me. Also seriously go and drive a dsg even if you don't like autos you might love it. It was the best part of my gti, it made the car.

Get xenons

Get xenons



+1 thats why i'm looking to find one that has them fitted already, as seeing them retrofitted cost a bomb from other users on here say...
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: RickS on 17 May 2012, 07:19
I do prefer cloth over leather as it wears better

Are you sure? I have cloth but I'm pretty sure leather would wear better.
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: RickS on 17 May 2012, 07:25
susceptibility to scuffs and scratches from zips, and other fastenings on clothes.

Wouldn't these same zips and fastenings on your clothes do more damage to cloth seats? i.e. Rip them rather than just scuffing.
Just be careful getting in and out of the car.
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: Raffe on 17 May 2012, 07:26
^^^^ Do you have parking sensors as i'm sure it comes with those aswell.

Sure do, sensors front and back, thanks  :cool:

Have been reading a number of old threads, and would I be correct in suggesting that xenons are one of the hardest retrofits, as you all seem to tackle most other options?
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: gizzywizzy on 17 May 2012, 12:12
If you are unsure of whether or not you can afford a car with xenons, drop one of your other options because you will regret purchasing a car without them.  They just finish off the look of the front end plus they give  out awesome light when night driving.
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: SRGTD on 17 May 2012, 20:03
I do prefer cloth over leather as it wears better

Are you sure? I have cloth but I'm pretty sure leather would wear better.

I think it depends on the quality of the leather. Judging by many of the threads on this forum, VW Vienna leather isn't the best quality - it can also be prone to stretching and sagging quite badly, although to be fair, not all leather clad cars seem to suffer. On those that do, the right hand bolster on the driver's seat cushion seems particularly prone to this problem - check out the white 9 month old used GTI at Northfield VW (Cirencester) on the VW website that's done less than 9,000 miles. I'd be quite upset if my seats started looking like that so soon in the car's life - I don't like that lived-in look.

http://www.vehicleimagezoom.r66.co.uk/?Theme=Volkswagen&DefaultImage=Volkswagen&Id=602500221

When I bought my car, leather was a cost option and I didn't feel I could justify the £1,800 it would have cost, especially when much of the 'leather' is plastic. I got Xenons, 18" wheels and luxury pack instead for much the same cost and don't regret my decision, especially as far as the Xenons are concerned!  :smiley:

Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: I_want_GTI on 18 May 2012, 00:15
I do prefer cloth over leather as it wears better

Are you sure? I have cloth but I'm pretty sure leather would wear better.

I think it depends on the quality of the leather. Judging by many of the threads on this forum, VW Vienna leather isn't the best quality - it can also be prone to stretching and sagging quite badly, although to be fair, not all leather clad cars seem to suffer. On those that do, the right hand bolster on the driver's seat cushion seems particularly prone to this problem - check out the white 9 month old used GTI at Northfield VW (Cirencester) on the VW website that's done less than 9,000 miles. I'd be quite upset if my seats started looking like that so soon in the car's life - I don't like that lived-in look.

http://www.vehicleimagezoom.r66.co.uk/?Theme=Volkswagen&DefaultImage=Volkswagen&Id=602500221

When I bought my car, leather was a cost option and I didn't feel I could justify the £1,800 it would have cost, especially when much of the 'leather' is plastic. I got Xenons, 18" wheels and luxury pack instead for much the same cost and don't regret my decision, especially as far as the Xenons are concerned!  :smiley:



That is one of the reasons why I started this thread as my friends Mazda 3 MPS has leather but the seats are completely out of shape. The only problem is that I really need a 5 dr and most of the GTi's with Xenons fitted are 3drs.. sad times.. I will continue on with my search though...
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: SRGTD on 18 May 2012, 03:40
I do prefer cloth over leather as it wears better

Are you sure? I have cloth but I'm pretty sure leather would wear better.

I think it depends on the quality of the leather. Judging by many of the threads on this forum, VW Vienna leather isn't the best quality - it can also be prone to stretching and sagging quite badly, although to be fair, not all leather clad cars seem to suffer. On those that do, the right hand bolster on the driver's seat cushion seems particularly prone to this problem - check out the white 9 month old used GTI at Northfield VW (Cirencester) on the VW website that's done less than 9,000 miles. I'd be quite upset if my seats started looking like that so soon in the car's life - I don't like that lived-in look.

http://www.vehicleimagezoom.r66.co.uk/?Theme=Volkswagen&DefaultImage=Volkswagen&Id=602500221

When I bought my car, leather was a cost option and I didn't feel I could justify the £1,800 it would have cost, especially when much of the 'leather' is plastic. I got Xenons, 18" wheels and luxury pack instead for much the same cost and don't regret my decision, especially as far as the Xenons are concerned!  :smiley:



That is one of the reasons why I started this thread as my friends Mazda 3 MPS has leather but the seats are completely out of shape. The only problem is that I really need a 5 dr and most of the GTi's with Xenons fitted are 3drs.. sad times.. I will continue on with my search though...

I_want_GTI, Don't know what your budget is but there's one at Barnstaple VW that ticks most of your boxes, plus a few more; Candy White 5 door, Xenons and RCD510. It's a Sept 2011 61 plate manual with 6,000 on the clock at £24,980. Also, it doesn't have leather, but it does have cruise control, Bluetooth, DAB radio, Dynaudio, winter pack (so heated seats) and 18" Monza shadows. Looks nice............... :cool:

http://www.volkswagen.co.uk//retailers/used-cars/00397/barnstaple-volkswagen/barnstaple/#width@709%7Cheight@2439
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: SRGTD on 18 May 2012, 07:39
^^^ Actually, from the pictures, it looks as if it's a DSG and not a manual.
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: carl1 on 18 May 2012, 07:56
I do prefer cloth over leather as it wears better

Are you sure? I have cloth but I'm pretty sure leather would wear better.
Well it takes less looking after, our mk5 tdi family shopping car etc with 93k miles get abused a fair bit and the seats are still very good nick. If you take care getting in and out over that side bolster they are a lot better, but ive also noticed if you are on the larger side ie 17 stone plus thats when they get destroyed. My mate is 19 stone and 5ft 8 and his golfs seats are terrible after one day of ownership, i don't let him get in my car for this reason but he doesn't know that.
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: Will@carbon on 18 May 2012, 08:59
It's a shame they don't make fabric or half leather or alcantara seats with out that stupid pattern, no offence it's just silly. It would be nice to have the choice for such an expensive car.
Title: Re: Leather or Cloth?
Post by: I_want_GTI on 18 May 2012, 22:12
I do prefer cloth over leather as it wears better

Are you sure? I have cloth but I'm pretty sure leather would wear better.

I think it depends on the quality of the leather. Judging by many of the threads on this forum, VW Vienna leather isn't the best quality - it can also be prone to stretching and sagging quite badly, although to be fair, not all leather clad cars seem to suffer. On those that do, the right hand bolster on the driver's seat cushion seems particularly prone to this problem - check out the white 9 month old used GTI at Northfield VW (Cirencester) on the VW website that's done less than 9,000 miles. I'd be quite upset if my seats started looking like that so soon in the car's life - I don't like that lived-in look.

http://www.vehicleimagezoom.r66.co.uk/?Theme=Volkswagen&DefaultImage=Volkswagen&Id=602500221

When I bought my car, leather was a cost option and I didn't feel I could justify the £1,800 it would have cost, especially when much of the 'leather' is plastic. I got Xenons, 18" wheels and luxury pack instead for much the same cost and don't regret my decision, especially as far as the Xenons are concerned!  :smiley:



That is one of the reasons why I started this thread as my friends Mazda 3 MPS has leather but the seats are completely out of shape. The only problem is that I really need a 5 dr and most of the GTi's with Xenons fitted are 3drs.. sad times.. I will continue on with my search though...

I_want_GTI, Don't know what your budget is but there's one at Barnstaple VW that ticks most of your boxes, plus a few more; Candy White 5 door, Xenons and RCD510. It's a Sept 2011 61 plate manual with 6,000 on the clock at £24,980. Also, it doesn't have leather, but it does have cruise control, Bluetooth, DAB radio, Dynaudio, winter pack (so heated seats) and 18" Monza shadows. Looks nice............... :cool:

http://www.volkswagen.co.uk//retailers/used-cars/00397/barnstaple-volkswagen/barnstaple/#width@709%7Cheight@2439


WOW - i was thinking how did i miss this car? but its a DSG, Great shout though, I have still yet to try a DSG so would definitely give it a chance when I'm free.. so sad that work is so demanding. Thanks though SRGTD - appreciate your help!