JCW Excessive seat bolster and steering wheel wear

[Garb]

Can anyone shed any light on whether or not the driver's seat bolster is prone to excessive wear, even at low miles? I test drove a one owner 18 month old JCW with 17k miles on the clock (with Dinamica/leather sports seats) and several of the stitches had been pulled. Along with this the steering wheel looked like it had done 117k, not 17k! I drive a 2012 Cooper SD with 57k on the clock and zero signs of wear on either the seat or wheel!

[undred orse]

My JCW is 16 months old and has done about 16,000 miles on almost exclusively non motorway or DC roads and is showing no signs of wear on the seat or wheel. I'm on the "powerfully built " side as well.

[Garb]

Thanks mate. As I thought, the example I drove has either not been prep'd properly or just not looked after by the previous owner. The dealer gave me the classic 'well it is a used car and this type of wear is usual for its age' rubbish. Think I'll carry on searching!

[undred orse]

Good move. Follow your instinct on these things “if there’s any doubt then there’s no doubt “.

Plenty more out there and when you find one it’ll be ace. I’m thinking of selling mine for space reasons but reluctant to as it is such a great car. White silver red roof and every extra bar the adaptive suspension and all worth having especially the head up and the sunroof.

Good luck with the search.

[Garb]

Thanks mate... although if you are considering selling do let me know as you've pretty much just described the colour scheme and spec I'm looking for!

[Trustmeimadoctor]

Seat bolster yes had it changed at about 10k now at 17 and its not done it again yet. Wheel is fine tho

[Garb]

Trustmeimadoctor said:

Seat bolster yes had it changed at about 10k now at 17 and its not done it again yet. Wheel is fine tho

Was this done under warranty or did you have to sort it yourself?

[Trustmeimadoctor]

Warranty bud

[dgswk]

'16 plate JCW, 38k - fabric seats though, same issues with stitching but no premature bolster wear.

Quite a few stitches have come out and the velco strap that holds the covers on underneath the seat has torn. I'm slightly built and the kids are banned, so not really fair wear and tear. Already had handbrake cover replaced (peeling plastic) and gear knob leather has worn away either side of the chrome bit. Steering wheel OK though! Waiting until just before warranty expiry in April and will have it all done then....