Hello folks.

I'm looking out for a nice car at the moment (a manual, I tried both and didn't like the automatic - the manual was more reminiscent  of the Honda S2000s I had some years ago).

A common issue seems to be wear on the driver's seat bolsters, where the seatback meets the cushion, obviously from entering and exiting the car.  I've seen some bad ones with only 7,000 miles on them. Dealers tend to avoid showing this area in photos if it's worn so I ask them to send close-ups, which has saved me a few journeys to view cars. 

Which bits of the seat are actually leather? I've even had one dealer tell me that the seats are all vinyl. And their definition of "minor wear" is very different to mine!

The S2000s seats suffered from wear if you weren't careful, but that was more creasing of the cushion bolster than the surface being worn off, especially the last couple of years of production when they moved to a lesser quality (thinner) leather.

Thanks for any info.

Thanks, Tony.

I had what was supposedly an immaculate grey manual one lined up for viewing this week in Norwich (6 hours away). Turns out it's actually an auto. Maybe I should try another auto one.

Thanks, Tony.

I had what was supposedly an immaculate grey manual one lined up for viewing this week in Norwich (6 hours away). Turns out it's actually an auto. Maybe I should try another auto one.

Hi Buzz,

I would hold out for a manual if that’s what you really want. Many are coming onto the market at the end of the lease period.

I have just purchased mine at the end of my two year lease. They had some amazing leasing deals but many ended this year.

I've decided to stick with looking for a manual.

I've contacted one seat restorer, sent a photo of one I've looked at (worn seat cushion side and lesser wear on the seat back, but some fraying of the stiching - I'd say overall towards the botom of the wear scale compared with some) and it was estimated at £200 to £250, so I now have a good idea I think of the cost.

Some people probably wouldn't even blink at this typical wear but this is my retirement toy so I'm fussy!

No harm in being fussy - I'm a perfectionist regarding my cars too. As a previous poster said, lots coming to market now as they come to the end of their 2 year contracts. Well worth contacting your local dealer with your wish list - they will know what cars are coming back into the system, not just ones they have sold but from the Fiat group in general. Over the last few years I have owned much more expensive, and much faster cars, but already love the Abarth 124. The wait for the right one will be worth it.

Hi

Which brand of polish do you use?

Cheers

A