2007 4runner comes with dry leather ?

[delikid]

We just bought my wife a new 2007 4runner limited. New as in only 78 miles on it.

This is my first experience with a new Toyota vehicle. Is all their new leather as dry as cardboard?

I first noticed the dryness going straight out of a sharp turn... you know how you let the steering wheel slide under you hand? It sounded and literally felt like cardboard! I was horrified - this is a brand new vehicle!!!

I've put a couple of coats of Meg's Leather Cleaner & Conditioner and the condition of the leather has improved greatly.

I've searched for info on this. But, I didn't find anything about it. Is this Toyota's standard new leather?

Thanks,

Ian

 

[gizmopt2002]

hmmmmm....I would bring it back because that is def. not normal.

 

[duketogo]

I just bought a 2006 with leather in October and noticed the same thing. I didn't think much of it because I've never owned a car with a leather interior, but now that you mention it, yes, the leather steering wheel does have that "cardboard" feel to it. The shift knob isn't so bad. The seats aren't that bad either, but not quite like other leather seats I've seen.

Maybe I'll put some leather conditioner on it.

 

[delikid]

Someone on another detailing forum said that's just how new toyota leather is. Toyota doesnt use a real glossy heavy clear coat... it is a more matte finish. Not that real plasticy glossy stuff. That said, almost all new leather an use a little detailing...
Just to keep some conditioner on and let it break in. So, I'm already doing that...
:

 

[pickerdd]

My leather seats were the same way when I bought my 4Runner back in March. I've used Lexol cleaner and conditioner on the seats a few times and they are softening up and look great.