Or, Say it ain't so.<p>I got my '96 quattro today and am so infatuated I keep goin out to the garage for another look. Even the dawning certainty that the dealer fibbed like a bad lad isn't wiping this grin off. The lie was about a kinda minor matter that I'd read about in a review of the car, that the leather was of the -ette kind and wasn't likely to develop any organic-type ailments ever ever ever. So I asked. Look, I wanted the guy to lie, so he did. But now it's mine, and I'm ready for the truth. Here's my question.<p>Has any of that leather bragged about in a thousand ads from dealers and pp's ever had anything to do with a cow? In any models?<p>Hey, I'm allowed one stupid question. Right, guys?<p>Guys?

Audi does have Leather and Leatherette on the A4. If you have the 1.8T then you cannot get Leather and will only have Leatherette as the "leather looking" option. If you have the 2.8 you may have either.<p>The quick way to tell is to look if there are perforations on the seating surface. If there are, then you have Leatherette. If there are not, then it is Leather.<p>Unlike most manufacturers, Audi Leather covers the entire seat and door panels. This does not mean just the "seating surfaces" with a imitation leather (i.e. leatherette) on the sides, seatbacks, door panels. This is a major quality difference from other car makers. The Leatherette is excellent, though, and it's very excellence makes it difficult to differentiate from "genuine" leather.<p>Enjoy your seating surface, whatever it may be,<p>Kirk

Kirk, thanks for casting light. I went out and looked. Perforations everywhere. Dang!<p>Oh well, I got a good deal anyway. I think. $22.2K for an August '96 2.8 q with 28,000 miles and real clean.<p>Maybe I'll get leather scented spray so the wife can remain fooled. For her own good, you know.<p>-- slattts

Don't be disappointed, thought leather is nice, the leatherette will out last the leather and your own expierence proves that to the untrained eye you can not tell. That's why on the '99 I ordered I saved the 1k+ and got the leatherette.

Just keep in mind, the quality of the Leatherette is excellent and you really have a hard time telling it is not leather.<p>Enjoy your new toy,<p>Kirk