I am putting leather in my '06 Shadow Mica SE and have currently told the dealer to put black in it. I am curious if y'all think that will look right (instead of the dark charcoal). I'm wondering if I should go with a dark gray instead. I just figure that black goes with just about anything. Any ideas or advice?
Will Black Leather Look Good in an '06 Shadow Mica SE?
- Thread starter zeppelin
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sketch1
New member
Those will surely help, but you have remember black (darker colors) absorb heat rather than reflect them, so a dark car which is already pretty hot just from radiating heat is going to be more so when you sit on a scorching hot leather seat. However I don't know if you would actually be able to notice a difference temperature wise between sitting on a hot black seat or a hot gray seat.
Black leather does seem to make interiors hotter... at least that's my impression with my Maxima that has black leather. It also ages badly in the sun... showing every scratch and dry patch.
Personally I prefer stone-colored leather for the above reasons and because it's a more natural color for leather anyway IMO.
Personally I prefer stone-colored leather for the above reasons and because it's a more natural color for leather anyway IMO.
4RunnerSE2006
New member
zeppelin said:
If appearance is the only thing you are concerned with, GO BLACK!!! looks great and easier for clean in thee long run.
How much is it going to cost you?
Re: Re: Will Black Leather Look Good in an '06 Shadow Mica SE?
they are putting the leather in for $800....it is supposedly better than the limited leather....the salesman said it's the same leather they put into Lexuses....i don't know if that's true or not...
4RunnerSE2006 said:
they are putting the leather in for $800....it is supposedly better than the limited leather....the salesman said it's the same leather they put into Lexuses....i don't know if that's true or not...
I had black leather in my RX 330. Before I got it, I thought that it would be hotter than beige or gray. Once I had it, I didn't really notice a big difference. (Prior RX 300 was beige.) If you want the black for looks, then go with it. Granted, Chicago summers aren't as hot for as long as in southern states.
I don't think there's a "Lexus leather" versus a "Toyota leather". I've seen two kinds of leather on Toyota products - a solid leather like the 4Runner and the RX, and a perforated leather (little holes all over it), like the Highlander and the Lexus GS. You might have to have the perforated leather to get cooled seats (an option on the GS). I think the leather in the 4Runner is identical to the RX - I don't see any difference in thickness or overall quality.
I don't think there's a "Lexus leather" versus a "Toyota leather". I've seen two kinds of leather on Toyota products - a solid leather like the 4Runner and the RX, and a perforated leather (little holes all over it), like the Highlander and the Lexus GS. You might have to have the perforated leather to get cooled seats (an option on the GS). I think the leather in the 4Runner is identical to the RX - I don't see any difference in thickness or overall quality.
Thai
Elite Member
You can never go wrong with black leather. I have had black leather on two cars (old BMW M3 and my current G500). I live in Houston too...no problems with heat. Your car interior will be HOT anyway, regardless of the color of your leather.
I do believe that Lexus leather is definitely better than Toyota leather. It is softer and smoother. For anyone doubting this, go look at Lexus ES or GS. So, zep, if your dealer truly installs Lexus-like leather, then GO FOR IT.
I do believe that Lexus leather is definitely better than Toyota leather. It is softer and smoother. For anyone doubting this, go look at Lexus ES or GS. So, zep, if your dealer truly installs Lexus-like leather, then GO FOR IT.
I drove a 2006 GS as a loaner one time I had work done on the RX 330. I don't know that it's necessarily better leather, but I would agree that all the little holes do make it seem softer. Honestly, my first reaction was that it could be more fragile; I'm sure that's not true, though. That leather is not used across the board by Lexus. I still contend the leather seat in the 4Runner is identical to the RX 330 and probably the GX 470.Thai said:
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tkr128
New member
The leather in the Lexus is definately better. I have a set of GX470 headrests in my truck and I thought for the longest time that the Toyota leather was the same. I then sat in a 2005 4Runner Limited and the leather felt like the aftermarket kit I have installed, which is rougher than the GX leather. So there is definately a difference going from a Toyota to a Lexus.
I believe Mark86 has said the 2006 4Runners have better leather though, so that may be what you're experiencing.
I believe Mark86 has said the 2006 4Runners have better leather though, so that may be what you're experiencing.
