I've been considering new leather seat skins so I checked out our fav internet auction site and found two sellers selling both leatherette and real leather. Oddly enough in exactly the same city and zip code, different names.
So I contact both with a couple questions.
Leatherette was 399 as listed for pair 97-on. Of course when I contacted, MY year jumped to 499.00 2002.
So then I decided to go with the leather for 699, again 07-on, I noticed at bottom of listing that headrests added 49.99 so I asked price with no headrests (mine were replaced before i bought it so brand new) and he says 799. WTF?!?!?! Bait and switch. S I reported to auction site.
Finally I remembered topsonline.com did some Mazda seats for me, stock cheap but good quality. There were my XK8 seats, two complete sets, AND center armrest cover and extra leather for cup holder and he is even sending extra bits for the door handles!! All for 749.00 for top grain European leather.
Now to work on labor costs. (400.00 from first shop two others to check.) If I knew how to remove the head rests I'd do it myself!!

 

New seats are on my wish list as well. Many forum members have recommended TopsOnline as having quality goods and great service. good to know that's still true.

 

I'll be sure to post once they get here.
Now I'm trying to find out what a fair installation price should be. First quote is 400.00. Seems a bit high seeing how they slide on and clip in a track. No tools or special hardware needed.

 

This is mostly true, but it does take some experience to get them fitted so they do not wrinkle or pucker, especially after use. If the cushions need changing, that is another whole skill set. The seat bottoms and headrests are little trickier.

Since it's you Phil , know that a good upholsterer can reshape or contour the padding to somewhat customize the fit for you. A little extra bolster, less thigh for example.

 

+1 on topsonline - ordering replacements for mine this week.

 

My usual detailer quote 400 and is going to add some 1/2" foam to really tighten them up. I HATE mushy seats! I want these to look showroom new!!