removing leather from a steering wheel?
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I have to buy a car and am being comfronted with leather being standard with steering wheels and shift knobs. I want to buy a mini cooper but leather is standard on those two parts. Does anybody know or heard of anyone having leather removed from those parts. I live in new jersey, usa and dealers and aftermarket people don't seem to be able to do it. I'm vegan and will buy a car i really don't want that doesn't have leather standard. BUT, I really want to get a car i like, that i can afford, and gets very good gas mileage and right now it seems leather is becoming more common in cars then when i last purchased a car in 2004. Any advice, people/companies that may be able to help me would be totally appreciated. I have contacted actually manufacturers and they can't assist me. Thanks!
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My guess is the most efficient option is to purchase custom replacement parts. Have a garage install & replace them. You then have two options: 1) IF you can afford it, package up the wheel & knob & send them to the manufacturer, explaining why you are returning them. or 2) You may also want to hold onto them come resale time. As an aside: a friend of mine also had a Cooper for a few years. They are incredibly FUN rides.
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It is a big problem for veggies/vegans. I got a Smart Car last year (made by Mercedes). Leather steering wheel and gear-stick knob come as standard on those (sadly, leather is still considered a luxury). I requested non-leather covering for steering wheel and gear-stick knob and paid extra for this. Then when the car was delivered, I was told they could not actually change the covering on the gear-stick knob as it would mean I could only drive the car in full automatic. So, I am stuck with it. All I could do was inform the makers that I would never consider another Smart Car until they had non-leather as an option. (I am still wondering if there is a way of dealing with this- there probably is, but I am sure it would be expensive!).
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femaleanimal:
. (I am still wondering if there is a way of dealing with this- there probably is, but I am sure it would be expensive!).
Sure there is. Being vocal. How's this for an idea: Time permitting, visit EVERY Smart Car dealer in your area. Express interest in the vehicle, then, make it clear why you won't purchase another car. Call the manufacturer. Post the numbers/contact info of the manufacturers. I would take the time to call them and complain as well. Anyone else up for it?
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The best bit of it was they bragged about the leather like it was something special, and were rather perplexed when they found out it was actually a deal-breaker. Then they gave me false information so they could sell the car.
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It is still a major issue getting dealers to understand that leather actually isn't wanted by some people. What is surprising is the lack of aftermarket companies that can accommodate vegans/animal people. I'm afraid I'll purchase a car and be told the leather can be removed and then told otherwise, as well. Money is a major issue, so gotta make the right choices.