Anyone having any problems with the leatherette cracking or discoloring?<p>Trying to decide between cloth and leatherette on a 1.8TQ and they both look gorgeous.<p>Thanks,

I was originally going to go with cloth, but ended up with leatherette (because that's what they could find in the color I wanted) and I am thrilled with it. I think it gives the car a little something extra over the cloth without having to pay for the leather. I'm happy as a pig in you know what, go for it!<p>99.5 1.8tqms

Drove cars with both Onyx Leatherette & Cloth. Although the Leathererette was impressive in appearance, it was cold & crisp when i drove. Come May/June Leatherette owners will be in angony.<p>The Black Onyx Cloth available in the '99.5 is most impressive. That's what i chose last month, and am happy for having them. and grateful that the dealer had the exact combo i wanted in stock.<p><p>trifona

Are your impressions that leatherette is hot based on experience or opinion? Just curious--I checked the archives extensively before purchasing leatherette, and the consensus was that it was not excessively hot. I hope not, because mine in onyx. I love it so far.<p>-Glenn<br>'99 1.8qms melange<br>

My 3 year, 60,000 mile leatherette looks very good, just short of excellent. I had an 80 Accord with cloth that looked terrible at 2 years, 40,000 miles. Old news? I don't know. I'm going to have to make a point of looking at older cloth seats to see how they are holding up.<p>Bill

In my family we have had at least six german cars with leatherette (VAG, BMW & Mercedes) so I'll be<br>controversial here - I think leatherette is superior to leather! It sure wears better, but it is not quite as supple as really high quality leather. Clearly it costs less. It seems to be easier to repair too, from what I hear. I had an older Audi with cloth and I have noted how cloth wears and I am not impressed. Actually, I have seen many velour-type seats fare better than "cloth" like Audi's old tweed fabric (ie. my Nissan truck). Cloth clearly grips your posterior better in hard cornering though. As for leather, I used to have a Coupe with black leather and I have spent a lot of time in my Mom's 300ZXTT (also with black leather) and its just as hot and just as cold as leatherette, depending on conditions. Finally, in many cars with "leather" interiors only the seating surfaces, the steering wheel and control boots are real - usually everything else is vinyl. This is especially true with Fords. (I don't think Audi does this.) I'll take Audi's leatherette over Ford's idea of "leather" any day!<p>Last thought, you'll notice only the german makers offer leatherette (I am NOT counting domestic commercial-duty pickups here). That's not supreme arrogance on their part - they are just the only ones who can do it tastefully. So, buy what your heart desires, but feel no shame for owning leatherette!

<br>I'd rather have a sweaty back than cloth seats in an A4! Just my .02.<p>BDW 99 1.8Tqms

Hi John,<p>Very well said. Having owned leather and leatherette in vehicles Deutches, leatherette (which I went back to when ordering the A4) definitely wears better and seems to me to be the better choice for those intending to keep their cars for a long period of time. (And, yes, I properly and religiously cared for the leather in my previous vehicle). With respect to the temperature issue, I can perceive no comfort difference between the leather and leatherette. In fact, I don't think the cloth is significantly more comfortable. However, it gets sufficiently hot and humid where I live that nothing is comfortable in the summer short of a dip in the pool and a cold beverage. Those in more temperate climes might (or might not) notice a difference. <p>MGY*CQD<br>98.5 2.8 QMS