Leather is just like sunroofs, people either love them or hate them, doesn't seem to be much middle ground. Personally I wouldn't buy a car or truck without either.

I did add leather to a Mazda 626 years ago, and the buyer definitely paid more for it, but I also didn't recoup my cost either.

 

I really surprised how many people don't like leather. I plan on adding it to my XLT. I have a friend that went went Katskinz on the same truck, and I was shocked how nice it came out. They even did the back of the center console of his bench seat.

 

Not for book, but maybe a private sale

 

my biggest complaint with leather seats is that they absorb a lot of heat in the summer and it takes awhile to cool down the interior

 

Even if I was looking for an XLT with leather, I'd try to use it against you as a negotiation tactic by saying I prefer cloth and am worried about the condition of the upholstery under the leather that you covered up. I've noticed in selling other car/trucks that most people over 30-35 will hold aftermarket parts against you, while teenagers and 20-something's might pay a tad more for those same aftermarket parts. But that's assuming their dad doesn't come with them to look at the vehicle and get involved with negotiations. That's why any bolt-ons I add to my vehicles is with the mindset that it won't help resale, as a lot of buyers prefer a completely unmolested vehicle.

 

and when you do the butt-slide out of the seat every day they get destroyed lol

 

I have always heard and subscribed to the theory that upgrades are money losers.....

However, I have a car dealer buddy, 30 dealerships all over the southern half of the USA. He has a lot that specifically sells high end, low mileage, used trucks and SUVs. Every one of them is lifted, tires, even roof racks, etc. They sell faster and at a higher profit margin than stock. I'll guarantee that he's making MORE money due to the upgrades and turning his inventory quicker. He doesn't do unprofitable things.....

Also, you stick well conditioned King Ranch leather in your truck and it'll sell faster and for considerably more than if it's cloth. Now, could you recoup the cost of upgrading to king ranch seats??? Only if you bought em below market value and reconditioned em yourself.....both of which I've done. My fronts were toast in spite of my best efforts.

 

Katzkin leather doesn't cover the exsisting upholstery, it is a completely new covering over the OEM foam, no different that the leather found in the Lariat trim level.

 

Makes my backside hot and sweaty. I find cloth more comfortable.

 

I know that, and you know that, but I'm willing to take a bet that the average person who probably let the dealership or a shop install the leather isn't going to know that.