Blonde Leather - easy to keep clean?

[RussJ759]

Originally Posted by Director76

I’ve only ever towed utility trailers - people do tow caravans with T8 but whilst it’s very powerful heavy use of the petrol engine does hit the fuel consumption hard.

But as for noise - Petrol engine noise almost non-existent in most circumstances (especially when it’s off!)

Audible under strong acceleration, but not an unpleasant sound and quite smooth

Thanks for the feedback. I have a T8 test drive booked for tomorrow morning so it will be interesting to hear the difference petrol v diesel.
If I still don't like it I'll be getting a Q7...
Russ

[bornmiddleaged]

Originally Posted by Baxlin

OK, James77 and Bornmiddleaged. See my post #11.......

I’ve just bought 500ml of Dodo Juice Supernatural Leather cleaner online on your recommendation ........

Malcolm

Oh no, the pressure!

[RussJ759]

Had my test drive this morning and was blown away by the difference between the B5D and the T8. Quick, quiet and much more comfortable with the air suspension.
So I've cancelled my Q7 deposit and am now looking for a suitable T8 Inscription Pro...
Russ

[Moonlanders]

Originally Posted by RussJ759

Had my test drive this morning and was blown away by the difference between the B5D and the T8. Quick, quiet and much more comfortable with the air suspension.
So I've cancelled my Q7 deposit and am now looking for a suitable T8 Inscription Pro...
Russ

A good choice. I have not had one disappointment with mine (I don't tow though).

[Director76]

Originally Posted by RussJ759

Had my test drive this morning and was blown away by the difference between the B5D and the T8. Quick, quiet and much more comfortable with the air suspension.
So I've cancelled my Q7 deposit and am now looking for a suitable T8 Inscription Pro...
Russ

It is indeed chalk and cheese... I test drove what was then the D5 back in 2017, and I simply wouldn’t be in an xc90 now (with a new T8 on order) if that were the only option.

It’s not perfect, but T8 is the absolute stand-out drivetrain for these cars

(IMHO!...)

[RussJ759]

Originally Posted by Director76

It is indeed chalk and cheese... I test drove what was then the D5 back in 2017, and I simply wouldn’t be in an xc90 now (with a new T8 on order) if that were the only option.

It’s not perfect, but T8 is the absolute stand-out drivetrain for these cars

(IMHO!...)

Just jumped back into the Volvo fold...
2019 Inscription Pro, 4k miles, Silver/charcoal, B and W, Xenium, Family pack, Intellisafe and park assist. Retractable tow bar and Polestar to be added as part of the deal. Will be delivered next week - can't wait! Russ

[Baxlin]

Originally Posted by Baxlin

OK, James77 and Bornmiddleaged. See my post #11.......

I’ve just bought 500ml of Dodo Juice Supernatural Leather cleaner online on your recommendation ........

Malcolm

So, it arrived today, and I had the time, so I set about cleaning the driver’s seat. Firstly let me say that the bottle came with a microfibre cloth and a soft bristle scrubbing brush, which the instructions - when I finally managed to get to them - said should be used.

It’s relatively easy to use, spray a small amount on the leather, and work it in with the brush, letting it dwell for a short time, but taking care not to let it soak in, particularly along the stitching. This is fine on the horizontal surfaces, but for the seat back I found it better to spray product onto the brush, so it didn’t run off before I could start working it. The excess is then wiped off with a damp cloth.

A good wipe over with the microfibre comes next. A coat of leather conditioner is then recommended, and as I had some AG stuff ‘in stock’ I used that.

I also did the leather steering wheel, as this has had several years’ use.

[Baxlin]

Oh, silly me, I forgot to say whether it did the job!

Well, it certainly got a lot more dirt off than anything I’d tried before, just about all of it, tbh. So I’m glad I followed the recommendations!! Thank you both.

Just a couple of comments, though. By removing the dirt, it has shown up where the leather has worn, and the colour was missing, which was previously masked by the dirt!

The other thing is that I think it has altered the colour very slightly, but I’m not too bothered about that, as it’s certainly so much cleaner!

So yes, I would recommend it, it’s by far the best I’ve used.

[bornmiddleaged]

Phew, that's a relief. Although slightly worrying that it appears to have changed the colour - presumably you mean the newly cleaned bits are a different colour to the "original" uncleaned areas? I haven't noticed that but I'll be careful not to rub too hard.
I'm jealous you got a brush and cloth, I just got the cleaner. Did you buy direct from dodo juice?

[Baxlin]

Re the colour, the car is nine years old now, so it may just have taken it back to the original colour. I did as instructed, and tried on an inconspicuous area first (ie hidden from the sun?) and it didn’t seem to affect the colour, But as I said, it’s not enough to worry about.

I bought it via eBay, having sorted the listings to give me “lowest price including p&p” first. This supplier was about 4th on the list, and the item included a small microfibre cloth and the small brush. £13.95 delivered within a couple of days. I was happy at that.