Has anyone noticed any appreciable difference in the quality of leather on the seats in the Platinum vs. the Lariat?

I was sideswiped by a FedEx truck two months after I picked up my brand new Platinum, and with all the damage to the passenger doors, mirror, and window a significant amount of water leaked inside the door (and maybe cabin) from the torrential rains we had in September. The repairs have been completed, but there is a musty/moldy smell inside the cabin that will just not go away.

So, I am looking at trading for a '10 Platinum or Lariat -- I actually like the look of the Lariat better, but the automatically deploying running boards on the Platinum are sweet. I can't see many other significant differences between the two, other than exterior appearance and maybe the leather.

Thanks for any insights ...

 

The Lariat seats have leather inserts, they are not 100% leather. Also the leather is plasticized (coating) for both. From the owner's manual:

LEATHER SEATS
(IF EQUIPPED, EXCEPT FOR THE KING RANCH SUPERCREW)
Your leather seating surfaces have a clear, protective coating over the leather.

• For routine cleaning, wipe the surface with a soft, damp cloth. For more thorough cleaning, wipe the surface with a mild soap and water solution. In Canada, use Motorcraft Vinyl Cleaner (CXC-93). Dry the area with a soft cloth.
• If the leather cannot be completely cleaned using a mild soap and water solution, the leather may be cleaned using a commercially available cleaning product designed for automotive interiors.
• Do not use household cleaning products, alcohol solutions, solvents or cleaners intended for rubber, vinyl and plastics, or oil/petroleum-based leather conditioners. These products may cause premature wearing of the clear, protective coating.
Note: In some instances, color or dye transfer can occur when wet clothing comes in contact with leather upholstery. If this occurs, the leather should be cleaned immediately to avoid permanent staining.

 

Treat the leather as if it were vinyl. I good quality vinyl protectant with UV blockers. 303 or a Mequiars product.

You are treating the coating, not the actual leather.

 

The platinums have several little things like the amibient light, running boards, etc. But I agree with you, not even close to the roughly 10K price difference I see around here. Most lariats around me are 39-42 range while the Platinums are 50K+.

But heck with them both, buy a raptor.