Cleaning Leather

[littlebrooklyn]

We noticed a stain on the rear seat of our car before we bought it and the Dealership tried with no success to get it out. It's not a really bad stain, looks like someone has maybe spilt some coffee or something, certainly looks like some liquid of some sort was spilled.

I thought I would be able to get the stain out myself and did try a mixture of lemon juice and cream of tartar but that made no difference at all. I guess because the leather is beige it shows marks more.

If anyone knows of anything I could use that might work it would be much appreciated

 

[Blobcat]

I would take it back and ask the dealer to fix it.

 

[Silver Arrow]

If the stain is darker than the leather, then perhaps a solution of Oxalic acid might work, (Careful!! it is a poison). Some proprietary cleaners include this. If it is lighter, then it has probably bleached the leather finish. However, I tend to agree with Blobcat as you have just got it, get them to fix it.

 

[littlebrooklyn]

Well the dealer did try to fix it, but he said they couldn't get the stain out. It's a darker stain so that's why I was using the lemon juice on it.

 

[Blobcat]

IMHO they need to try a bit harder then.
Did you note the stain before you bought and have the price adjusted accordingly? If not then I would be firm but fair with the dealer and ensure they fit it. Even if it means them finding a new rear seat squab.

 

[littlebrooklyn]

IMHO they need to try a bit harder then.
Did you note the stain before you bought and have the price adjusted accordingly? If not then I would be firm but fair with the dealer and ensure they fit it. Even if it means them finding a new rear seat squab.

My trouble is that I hate complaining. We've already had to phone them as we only have one key and obviously need two, then one of the tyres is below the legal limit and we are insisting they replace that. We do have a 30 day no quibble return thing as we bought it from a main dealer, but I bet there are catches with that

 

[Blobcat]

My trouble is that I hate complaining. We've already had to phone them as we only have one key and obviously need two, then one of the tyres is below the legal limit and we are insisting they replace that. We do have a 30 day no quibble return thing as we bought it from a main dealer, but I bet there are catches with that

Pls don't take this the wrong way but

I hate complaining.

is the exactly what is wrong. Dealers know this and exploit perfectly reasonable people. When all you expect is a fair deal and the dealer to be fair with you.
I would honestly go over the car with a fine tooth comb and detail any issues you are not happy with (I find hand washing the car the best way to spot issues on the exterior). Then take the car back to the dealer and leave it with them with a list of the issues and what you expect to be fixed. Ensure they give you a courtesy vehicle and give them a time limit to fix the problems.
Unless you ask you are never going to get anything (or thats what I keep telling my son)

 

[gchild]

I agree. also if you are within the 30days, you will be suprised what they will be willing to do to prevent you bringing the car back...after the 30days, they won't do a thing unless your warranty covers it!!!

 

[littlebrooklyn]

Yeah I am sure you are both right. I will ask my partner to have a word with them on Monday when he goes to get the tyres done. My problem is that he doesn't think the stain warrants bothering with, I guess it's me being fussy. However I feel a car of less than 3yrs old should still be pretty immaculate inside. This one didn't even have any mats and we had to fork out more money for those too

 

[jberks]

You sound like a dream customer!
Mats are just 'in the deal' - I refuse to negotiate on such things with the dealer. They cost him bugger all but I'd have to pay a packet.
The tyre is a serious ommission - it should have been picked up by whetever 100 point check they do so I'd make it very clear that you're not impressed with their checks. Admittedly my first C class had bald tyres when delivered.

Did you not see the stain before you bought it? I would have made it a condition of sale.

The problem with all these things is that you really need to include them in the deal. The conversation I normally have is that I love the car but want something installing or replaced and they go on about there not being enough in it. The problem is that they see only the cost as they would have to pay for the part.
I then remind them that they already have the part, it's just that it's on another car and suggest they swap the offending items over. They usually have something suitable lying around, either there or at a sister dealership. When they realise that I am not asking for hundreds of pounds of new kit, they usualy become quite helpful.

 

[television]

It would be normal to expect the tyres to be at least 5mm to give something like 10k.

Malcolm

 

[television]

Unless you ask you are never going to get anything (or thats what I keep telling my son)

Poor kid


Malcolm

 

[littlebrooklyn]

Okay here is a pic of the offending back seat, maybe someone might have an idea what it is. As it's the back it isn't as bad as a front seat, but I still think there must be some way of getting rid of it.

Remember this is a Golf not a lovely Mercedes, maybe the Golf Dealerships have lower standards

 

[Blobcat]

Remember this is a Golf not a lovely Mercedes, maybe the Golf Dealerships have lower standards

Lower expectations from their customers maybe :roll:. I can see a stain going all the way across the seat squab (do like that word, squab, squab, squab). Looks to me as though something has been sat on the seat and leaked onto it. It's why I always use the curry hooks in the boot of my car
I stand by my prevuious suggestions, however you could try and work on the worst bit by the seat belt clip as that is almost out of site with a variety of cleaners.

 

[angus falconer]

My trouble is that I hate complaining. We've already had to phone them as we only have one key and obviously need two, then one of the tyres is below the legal limit and we are insisting they replace that. We do have a 30 day no quibble return thing as we bought it from a main dealer, but I bet there are catches with that

Hi there - you are 100% in the right to complain and they know they are leagallly obliged to fix all the faults.

Tell them you'll write to Honest John in the Sunday Telegraph (or is it Sunday Times? Or Telegrap on Sturday can't remember) - that sotr of exposure soon get them off their arses

That stain on the back seat is utterly ridiculous. They need to replace the seat or fix that one. Leagally they have to get you a tryre - I wouls ask for two as you don't want a mismatch side to side. And make sure it's a good brand, same as the others. the key might be expensive so make sure they sort it. And they owe you mats for all the s**t service they've been giving you.

 

[davidsl500]

If all else fails on the seat then you could get some leather paint. Cant remember who does it now but you can send a small sample and they will paint match

Might be worth suggesting that if the dealer cant get it out then they should reimburse you for a the cost of a proper leather refurbisher.

Back seat stains ? Well. lets not go there shall we?

 

[littlebrooklyn]

Back seat stains ? Well. lets not go there shall we?

omg ewwwww