Looking at a car online, has relatively low miles. The Carfax would indicate it was likely used as a demo/loaner at first then a 1-owner personal use vehicle. Other comps are usually pretty lightly used so it's weird to see seats look like this. The dealer said it's new to them and their detailer is out and hasn't gotten to it - but is this an indication its been smoked in? Other than zero maintenance/detailing of the seats, anything that would cause this? I know I've seen this in other cars over the years, but I have a 15 year old F150 with the same tan leather color and don't take particular care of them, and they have never looked like this.

Looks like a classic case of onion crotch.

Looks like some serious sweat stains. Previous owner in an outside trade ?

I wouldn't think so, it's a Porsche Cayenne

My leather seats in a previous vehicle got blue tinged since I wear jeans all the time. It cleaned off with Bick 4 leather cleaner.

East Dallas Ag said:

---

I wouldn't think so, it's a Porsche Cayenne

---

Looks like denim transfer and moisture on the bolsters. The Cayenne seats will spot if water is left on them for a long time due to the leather finish. I would check all the perforations on all of the seats. My Cayenne's passenger seat ripped at a weak perforation area. A new lower cover is $3-4k if you want original from Porsche.

If you're "average" size, I think the 18 way seats are more comfortable if you can find one optioned with them and you enjoy spirited driving. If you're bigger, the power bolsters can be uncomfortable and the 14 way is better.

I can't tell if that's a 958 or a 9Y0 from the seats - I think it's a 958. I expect you've run across this in your research, but something to keep in mind is the transfer cases on the gas versions are an issue. Porsche extended the warranty but nearly all are out of coverage now. Replacement t-case is several thousands in just parts cost. If you get a PPI, with a good scan tool, a mechanic can see the fluid change date and wear adaptations.

If it's a V8, they have some very common cooling system issues that need to be addressed even in a low mileage car.

My Turbo S has been pretty problem free over 40,000 miles.

Thanks all good to know. Its a 958.2, S, and I've certainly read about the t-case issues. This one was changed at 38k, probably just inside the warranty, now at 46k. I know that they can continue to be an issue even after the change. I've read a lot about extended warranties as well and will likely go that direction. I'm 6'4" and haven't actually gotten to sit in one yet, but should be Turo'ing one soon for a weekend to see how they fit. It wouldn't be a true daily driver, but still want to be comfortable. It has good dealer maintenance history in the Carfax, but the condition of the seats, and I think it's missing the rear carpet mats give me pause that it just hasn't been well taken care of. It was in California its whole life so maybe getting in with a wet swimsuit led to the seat stains.

East Dallas Ag said:

---

Thanks all good to know. Its a 958.2, S, and I've certainly read about the t-case issues. This one was changed at 38k, probably just inside the warranty, now at 46k. I know that they can continue to be an issue even after the change. I've read a lot about extended warranties as well and will likely go that direction. I'm 6'4" and haven't actually gotten to sit in one yet, but should be Turo'ing one soon for a weekend to see how they fit. It wouldn't be a true daily driver, but still want to be comfortable. It has good dealer maintenance history in the Carfax, but the condition of the seats, and I think it's missing the rear carpet mats give me pause that it just hasn't been well taken care of. It was in California its whole life so maybe getting in with a wet swimsuit led to the seat stains.

---

I'm 6'6 and have plenty of room to move back further even with 6'5 people behind me.

I've seen other 958 seats with similar water staining even on black. I think the denim stains will come out but if that is water staining, you'd probably be stuck with it unless you replaced or tried a re-dye.

If you aren't in a rush to buy, you might try to find one with PASM and PDCC. More frequently optioned in a GTS if you want to stay with the V6, but those options make a huge difference in handling. My CTTS can take corners 10-15mph faster than my M6. AWD is part of that, but the PDCC makes a big difference. It just feels planted. I had to raise the air suspension and lock the center diff in the ice last week to get back up my driveway.

If you go here and put in the vin, you should be able to see all the options of cars you're shopping for

https://vinanalytics.com/

It's hard to see what seats, pdcc, etc are optioned in most dealer pics.

Sticky-butt-syndrome

I would take that to a pro (not the dealer's guy) and see if they can actually clean those. I think there's a real good chance they can, but it won't be by methods typically used by consumers ("leather" cleaners, etc.). The perforations require some delicacy but before commenting further and making a recommendation, I'd need to see it up close and examine it.

Most leather can be well cleaned by a product like Meguiars AP cleaner. Mothers makes the same and while off the shelve AP cleaners CAN work, I'd stick to the ones made by the car care companies. The "leather" products are consumer grade and often get poor results. Use a good but softer brush -- not for scratch purposes but so it can really get into the seat and agitate it. For what that looks like, I'd also use a steamer. Wipe well with a damp microfiber. This is the process I'm going to use here soon for my recently purchased used car's leather: Porter Cable polisher with brush attachment, Megs AP (10:1), steamer. Clean city!

Again, with those perforations, I wouldn't recommend DIY.

I'd sit my butt in it and drive

Most non luxury cars are coated with a plastic clearcoat. Why?
Most people don't ever condition, and most
Non luxury brands have drivers that use their vehicles more severely than going to yoga and the country club.

Higher end cars are aniline or semi. Which means not coated. As others have said, transferring denim and sometimes dry cleaned clothes will transfer the clothing dyes into the seats.