Car seats/bad back/what car

[tim0409]

Hi

I have suffered from a sore back for the last 5 years which ultimate relates to a childhood hip condition (Perthes disease, just in case anybody has heard of it). Over the last few years I have been driving a BMW 1 Series with sports seats which, although I didn't think about it too much at the time, helped reduce the amount of pain especially after a long drive. This appears to result from a combination of the adjustable lumber support and ability to tilt the angle of the base. I sold the last 118d and since then have been using the OH's Mini or a Fiat Panda, both of which make my back much worse.

I am now looking for another car (budget circa. £10k) and almost feel compelled to get another 1 series for fear of risking further pain (the problem with my back is not proving easy to fix). I have considered a Z4, or even an older 6 series, both of which have (depending on spec.) the same seats as the 1 series. I would also love a Boxster 3.2, but again I would be in uncharted territory with the seats - any feedback from owners re lumber support would be appreciated.

Thanks

Tim

[Deerfoot]

You need a Volvo of some kind I'd have thought.

[cptsideways]

Volvo or a Saab are always the best by a long way. I'd also suggest a car with comfy suspension, something that is quite rare these days. I'm amazed you lived with a 1 Series for so long!

[kambites]

The Swedes seem to be by far the best at making car seats for people with bad backs. Not sure why.

[zcacogp]

I had a friend who had a bad back, although can't remember the details. He bought a (very, very nice) umpteen-way adjustable electric Recaro seat and had it fitted to his car, and changed it whenever he changed the car. He said it was well worth the money (some way into four figures, and this was 10 years back) for the comfort it afforded him.

I am also reliably informed that seat positioning and setup is almost as important as the seat itself. It may be worth looking into/playing around with/talking to an expert/osteopath about seat positions. You may find there are some easy and cheap benefits to be had.


Oli.

[cptsideways]

Another thing you may not have noticed is your steering wheel in the center? Many are not especially euro cars, pre crashed is the industry term used


Some are appalling if you take a closer look, like this

[ecsrobin]

zcacogp said:

I had a friend who had a bad back, although can't remember the details. He bought a (very, very nice) umpteen-way adjustable electric Recaro seat and had it fitted to his car, and changed it whenever he changed the car. He said it was well worth the money (some way into four figures, and this was 10 years back) for the comfort it afforded him.

I am also reliably informed that seat positioning and setup is almost as important as the seat itself. It may be worth looking into/playing around with/talking to an expert/osteopath about seat positions. You may find there are some easy and cheap benefits to be had.


Oli.

This, I'm sure everyone's back issues are different but being a taller chap the only time I get back pain is on long car journeys ive found that a deep bucket seat with a near vertical back gives me no pain at all.