Leather vs. Vinyl Seats: How to tell the difference?

[bixgomez]

Hello XC'ers!

I am looking to buy a 2008+ XC70.

Most ads I see say the seating is leather, or doesn't mention it at all. I have a hunch these descriptions are not always accurate.

So... Are there any visual clues as to whether the seats are leather or vinyl?

Here is an image (from the dealer) of the front seats of a 2008 I might go to see.

What does it look like to you? Just a reflection, or evidence that this is vinyl whose clear coat is peeling?



Thanks for any and all help!

Richard

[pbierre]

Spray some clear water on a surface patch. Come back in about 5 minutes.

NO CHANGE
Vinyl does not absorb water, it repels it. Therefore, there is no change to patch from just after spraying it.

LEATHER ABSORBS WATER
Real leather is absorbant. There will be no droplets left, rather moisture is all soaked in.

SMALL CHANGE
Leatherette is slightly absorbant, not at all like real leather. A small amount will have soaked in.


A leather cleaner will sink into leatherette and leather, but not into vinyl.