[Brian in Tucson]

I am inherently cheap. I've had leather seats and I was not impressed. A lot of expense, no added comfort, and they were much more prone to damage. Your butt will stick to them in hot weather.

I reiterate that a good upholstery shop could make your damaged seat look as good as new and probably make it wear better than oem. I'd certainly take it to a quality upholstery shop first, rather than get some aftermarket skins. If you save $400 repairing, you could put that money towards new tires, or shiny wheels, or just put it in a 'moving violations' fund.