When it comes to vehicle maintenance, buying OEM parts directly from the dealer is often considered the best route, especially for engine components. But what about seats? We've done a detailed breakdown comparing the costs of buying new seats versus used for a 2011 F-150.
Criteria for the Study
For this analysis, we chose a 2011 F-150 featuring Black Leather, heated seats with no cooling, and 10-way powered seats on both sides, without memory functions. This is a very modestly equipped vehicle, not a top-of-the-line model. It's important to note that a car seat contains over a hundred individual parts, but for the purpose of this case study, we have focused on the following 10 main components:
- Seat Track
- Seat Trim
- Seat Switch
- Seat Cushion (Lower)
- Seat Cushion Leather (Lower)
- Seat Frame (Upper)
- Seat Lumbar Unit
- Seat Cushion Pad (Upper)
- Seat Cushion Leather (Upper)
- Headrest & Cover Assembly
The Cost Breakdown
After crunching the numbers, the total cost for the 10 main seat components came out to a staggering $7,374.80—before even considering shipping costs. Add in the 50+ bolts, screws, nuts, sensors, computers, and wiring harnesses, and you'll easily exceed $8,000.
The assembly would additionally require 4+ hours even for an expert.
When compared to dealer prices you're saving loads of money. Our seats also arrive fully assembled and including all the minor components you'd forget at the dealership.
What About Just Buying Seat Covers?
If you're considering simply purchasing leather covers from the dealership to save costs, think again. The cost for just the leather seat covers would set you back $2,250.95—without any functional upgrades.
Conclusions
| Dealer Seat (Leather Covers ONLY) | $2,250.95 |
|---|---|
| OEM Seats Estimated Price | $1,540 |
| Dealer Price (Incomplete) | $7374.80 |
Detailed Price Breakdown
Prices sourced from FordParts.com:
| Item Description | Part # | Pack Qty | Price Per Item | Quantity | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Cushion Valance | <62186A | 1 | $61.03 | 1 | $61.03 |
| Seat Cushion Valance | <62186A | 1 | $58.08 | 1 | $58.08 |
| Seat Back Cushion Pad | <64810 | 1 | $273.33 | 1 | $273.33 |
| Seat Back Cushion Pad | <64810 | 1 | $187.87 | 1 | $187.87 |
| COVER ASY - SEAT CUSHION | <62900B | 1 | $403.43 | 1 | $403.43 |
| COVER ASY - SEAT CUSHION | <62900A | 1 | $403.55 | 1 | $403.55 |
| COVER ASY - SEAT BACK | <64416A | 1 | $553.03 | 1 | $553.03 |
| COVER ASY - SEAT BACK | <64416B | 1 | $556.18 | 1 | $556.18 |
| TRACK ASY - SEAT | <61710 | 1 | $1,293.23 | 1 | $1,293.23 |
| Seat Slider | <61710 | 1 | $967.75 | 1 | $967.75 |
| COVER - HEADREST - ROLL TYPE | <613D82 | 1 | $167.38 | 2 | $334.76 |
| Seat Cushion Pad | <632A22 | 1 | $164.40 | 1 | $164.40 |
| Seat Cushion Pad | <632A22 | 1 | $139.68 | 1 | $139.68 |
| Seat Switch | 14A701 | 1 | $415.88 | 2 | $831.76 |
| Seat Lumbar Support Cushion | <65500 | 1 | $138.88 | 2 | $277.76 |
| FRAME ASY | <61018 | 1 | $434.48 | 2 | $868.96 |
| Parts Subtotal: | $7,374.80 | ||||
| Total: | $7,374.80 | ||||
Ultimately, it's clear that buying used seats makes the most financial sense.