well, I totally disagree to the genuine covers being worn out in only 2 years. Its only possible if the car is used like a donkey cart or a taxi which travels more than 500kms a day. Otherwise, its flatly not possible provided one bought the car from his own money.
I have a city 04, 210k kms on the odo and the genuine seats are perfectly intact. yes there are some stains but they can go off by using a cheap 200 Rs upholstery cleaner, no big deal. Not a single inch is torn or weakened or whatever. Its been more than 8 years.
My dad used a UG vti oriel for three consecutive years, daily runner, and the only thing noticeable to the seats was a slight change in color. nothing else to my observation at least.
Therefore, seat covers just give u the feeling k abi to seats new hain. WTF are the seats meant for if u expose them at the time of selling the vehicle? Aamir bhai (@accord7362) had the all time famous red steermatic and man, u should've seen the interior of that car. It was like 6 years old!
Its all about what you do to the car, yes, you must put on seat covers if u know the car is gonna be abused.