Best car (seat) for a bad back, 6' 3"... 30k miles for £20K
Discussion
Here's hopefully a thread I can't find on here.
The most comfortable car, for the driver, 4 hour motorway drive, some enthusiastic driving potential, needs cruise, climate, probably diesel, would be helpful if it had a decent boot (a golf hatch isn't big enough). Above all the ergonomics of pedal offset, steering adjustment, lumber support and adjustability of the seat is paramount, as I'm beginning to think I'm stuck with sciatica, not blaming the Golf, but despite all the driver toys on it, it's got 160k on the clock, and I don't think the driver seat is as supportive as the passenger seat, can't swap them for knobs and airbags.
It's a sad state of affairs when driver comfort is higher than car performance I know, but it's a symptom of being over 40, I guess. And too much abuse.
Anyway it's got me thinking that the time spent in the car maybe contributing to the problem given,as I'm doing 20-30K a year, long stretches on the motorway, between bladder only stops.
Now I think its fair to say that most car seats are probably made by the same companies regardless of make, Recaro make an awful lot of them, but there does seem to be some variation on sitting in cars.
Some of the cars I've tried A6, A8, TT Mk1 & 2, BMW 5 series, also thought about 4 x 4, which are currently good value and the geometry of being sat more upright thought might help so X5, Toureg, Cayene, Range Rover, not so keen on soft roaders or MPVs for being a bit mumsy, Kuga, Tiguan etc, and even though a Boxster was rather comfortable, an Elise embarrassed myself, Z4, 350, S2000 all too small and lacking in essential steering and seating adjustability.
Okay and backs are a very personal thing but I'd be interested in suggestions new or second hand obviously, and experiences with seats and ergonomics, etc.
The most comfortable car, for the driver, 4 hour motorway drive, some enthusiastic driving potential, needs cruise, climate, probably diesel, would be helpful if it had a decent boot (a golf hatch isn't big enough). Above all the ergonomics of pedal offset, steering adjustment, lumber support and adjustability of the seat is paramount, as I'm beginning to think I'm stuck with sciatica, not blaming the Golf, but despite all the driver toys on it, it's got 160k on the clock, and I don't think the driver seat is as supportive as the passenger seat, can't swap them for knobs and airbags.
It's a sad state of affairs when driver comfort is higher than car performance I know, but it's a symptom of being over 40, I guess. And too much abuse.
Anyway it's got me thinking that the time spent in the car maybe contributing to the problem given,as I'm doing 20-30K a year, long stretches on the motorway, between bladder only stops.
Now I think its fair to say that most car seats are probably made by the same companies regardless of make, Recaro make an awful lot of them, but there does seem to be some variation on sitting in cars.
Some of the cars I've tried A6, A8, TT Mk1 & 2, BMW 5 series, also thought about 4 x 4, which are currently good value and the geometry of being sat more upright thought might help so X5, Toureg, Cayene, Range Rover, not so keen on soft roaders or MPVs for being a bit mumsy, Kuga, Tiguan etc, and even though a Boxster was rather comfortable, an Elise embarrassed myself, Z4, 350, S2000 all too small and lacking in essential steering and seating adjustability.
Okay and backs are a very personal thing but I'd be interested in suggestions new or second hand obviously, and experiences with seats and ergonomics, etc.
Edited by Northern Munkee on Monday 13th July 18:02
Volvo.
No contest.
Either a V70 or S60/80 dependent on your preference.
If you can find a late used "R" then it's a bit more fun on the twisty bits.
Seats are simply superb, make sure they are leather, and the car has "winter pack" (heated seats) and your back will never want to get out of the car...
No contest.
Either a V70 or S60/80 dependent on your preference.
If you can find a late used "R" then it's a bit more fun on the twisty bits.
Seats are simply superb, make sure they are leather, and the car has "winter pack" (heated seats) and your back will never want to get out of the car...
chris.mapey said:
Volvo.
No contest.
Either a V70 or S60/80 dependent on your preference.
If you can find a late used "R" then it's a bit more fun on the twisty bits.
Seats are simply superb, make sure they are leather, and the car has "winter pack" (heated seats) and your back will never want to get out of the car...
Yes Volvo I've heard about their seats.No contest.
Either a V70 or S60/80 dependent on your preference.
If you can find a late used "R" then it's a bit more fun on the twisty bits.
Seats are simply superb, make sure they are leather, and the car has "winter pack" (heated seats) and your back will never want to get out of the car...
Bit of a cliche, but any Saab or Volvo. I've had similar sciatica probs and am same height as you. Not really "sporty", although T5 Volvo or 9-5 Turbo might appeal, and you can get a lot of car for not a lot of money at the moment. I've driven both for extended periods, and seats are brilliant. If my experience is anything to go by avoid Mondeo (last one),and any Audi. Oh yes - get yourself a decent physio.
Look for something with cruise control. I find that the springs on throttle pedals in modern cars are not stiff enough to support my (big) right foot and as a result without cruise my leg is somehow always tense (up through my hamstring).
Seats on the X5 are decent and have decent range adjustment (lumbar support, independent height adjustment front and rear and a swab that slides out to provide more under thigh support if you have long legs.
You might also want to look at a seven series
Seats on the X5 are decent and have decent range adjustment (lumbar support, independent height adjustment front and rear and a swab that slides out to provide more under thigh support if you have long legs.
You might also want to look at a seven series
See if you can find a BMW 5 Series with the optional "comfort seats". They're utterly fantastic. They have more degrees of adjustment than you'd believe possible. Once you've found the perfect position, I'd be surprised if there's a more comfortable seat. The biggest improvement for me is that in addition to the usual abilities to adjust the length of the seat squab and bits, you can also adjust the bend in the seat about 2/3rds of the way up the back, and angle it towards or away from you to suit. Combined with adjusting the head rest, it means I can get a perfect fit (I have long legs but short arms).
And don't be misled by the "comfort" monicker either - it's perfectly at home as a sports seat too - the wings on the side of the seat can be adjusted in to clamp you as tightly in the seat as you like.
They're a very far cry from the rather flat standard seats, or the uncomfortable sports seats (that gave me serious back pain after driving for an hour).
And don't be misled by the "comfort" monicker either - it's perfectly at home as a sports seat too - the wings on the side of the seat can be adjusted in to clamp you as tightly in the seat as you like.
They're a very far cry from the rather flat standard seats, or the uncomfortable sports seats (that gave me serious back pain after driving for an hour).
You might want to consider getting a comfortable seat and then buying a car it'll fit in...
http://www.recaro.com/index.php?id=44®ion=1...
http://www.recaro.com/index.php?id=44®ion=1...
Munter said:
You might want to consider getting a comfortable seat and then buying a car it'll fit in...
http://www.recaro.com/index.php?id=44®ion=1...
I've toyed with that before when my P reg A3 came fitted with A4 seats (my brother had an A4 at the time), anyway the seats had a very flat seatbase, & the factory internal sunroof was playing havoc with my back, with either tilt head to avoid sunroof rail bulge but have leg support, or headroom but no thigh support, wrecked a perfectly good car, in the end sold the A3 for a Passat, which had the same sports seats from the mildly facelifted A3, same as my current Golf, that the dealers could/would not sell me. http://www.recaro.com/index.php?id=44®ion=1...
I couldn't find anything when a googled Recaro a few months ago thanks for that.
slightly concerned about comments on VAG seats, I like their cars, but warming to 5 series X5 and these comfort seats, guess I'll have to try the Volvo.
Edited by Northern Munkee on Monday 13th July 18:47
7 series beemer or a similarly big Merc wafter. Utter luxury, rediculously adjustable, there's even a massage option on some, mine included. Wouldn't be without it now, I've also got back trouble.
Jag XJs are another I considered.
I've been looking at newer big wafters of a more 4x4 ilk of late, and have been suitably impressed by the range rover. Can't find a Touareg in my area of the same spec I'm after so can't comment on them, but I've recently tried the Audi Q7, X5, Cayenne, Merc ML, and XC90's which fall at the wayside in the comfort stakes for me at least. I've still got a few left to tried but the rangie is looking to come up trumpts. The RRS less so, but it is still rather comfortable. I also run a Freelander 2, which although has a slightly firmer seat than others I've mentioned, works really nicely for me.
One you may wish to try which isn't on my list, but is remarkably comfortable is the Lexus RX, my folks had one and I found it hugely comfortable, perhaps more so than the range rover.
If you're after something more involving, you could do worse than looking at XKR's, they're rather good all rounders, not quite sports cars, but comfortable, cosseting and powerful, only downside is the lack of manual availability.
Jag XJs are another I considered.
I've been looking at newer big wafters of a more 4x4 ilk of late, and have been suitably impressed by the range rover. Can't find a Touareg in my area of the same spec I'm after so can't comment on them, but I've recently tried the Audi Q7, X5, Cayenne, Merc ML, and XC90's which fall at the wayside in the comfort stakes for me at least. I've still got a few left to tried but the rangie is looking to come up trumpts. The RRS less so, but it is still rather comfortable. I also run a Freelander 2, which although has a slightly firmer seat than others I've mentioned, works really nicely for me.
One you may wish to try which isn't on my list, but is remarkably comfortable is the Lexus RX, my folks had one and I found it hugely comfortable, perhaps more so than the range rover.
If you're after something more involving, you could do worse than looking at XKR's, they're rather good all rounders, not quite sports cars, but comfortable, cosseting and powerful, only downside is the lack of manual availability.
Edited by Stu R on Monday 13th July 19:04
I'm 6'4" and in the past had two Golfs which really contributed to a bad back, and would rule out most VAG as a result now. The BMW with M Sport seats that I drive now is so comfortable by comparison. To illustrate the point, I used to require an external lumbar support when I had the Golfs, but with the Beemer I require nothing. There is such a huge range of movement and having a squab that tilts makes such a big difference. Mine is a 1 series - the boot would be too small for your requirements, but a couple of colleagues have 3 series which have the same chairs, so for 20K you should be able to find something like this
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1063994.htm
Space, poke, looks and most importantly for you, a great driving position.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1063994.htm
Space, poke, looks and most importantly for you, a great driving position.
TheBigUnit said:
I'm 6'4" and in the past had two Golfs which really contributed to a bad back, and would rule out most VAG as a result now. The BMW with M Sport seats that I drive now is so comfortable by comparison. To illustrate the point, I used to require an external lumbar support when I had the Golfs, but with the Beemer I require nothing. There is such a huge range of movement and having a squab that tilts makes such a big difference. Mine is a 1 series - the boot would be too small for your requirements, but a couple of colleagues have 3 series which have the same chairs, so for 20K you should be able to find something like this
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1063994.htm
Space, poke, looks and most importantly for you, a great driving position.
All this poo poo ing of VAG, is leaning me back toward an E60 5 series 530d Sport.http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1063994.htm
Space, poke, looks and most importantly for you, a great driving position.
Edited by Northern Munkee on Monday 13th July 20:30
Edited by Northern Munkee on Monday 13th July 20:31
Just found this thread, what did you go for in the end?
I've got a similar back problem, am only 5' 11" tho but will be looking for something with good comfy heated seats (massaging even?), good ride, possibly auto, reasonably decent performance (200bhp+), fully loaded.
Do I really have to considre a Volvo or Saab? :-(
I've got a similar back problem, am only 5' 11" tho but will be looking for something with good comfy heated seats (massaging even?), good ride, possibly auto, reasonably decent performance (200bhp+), fully loaded.
Do I really have to considre a Volvo or Saab? :-(
Nothing wrong with a volvo or saab, especially if you're suffering with your back. I'm 6"2 with a back injury and i've got a 200+bhp V70 R and the seats are some of the most comfortable and supportive i've ever sat in, even on the older p1 model!. They are also large seats so they really suit people who are over as well as under 6ft.
Best thing i can suggest is you try a few different models and see what you think.
Best thing i can suggest is you try a few different models and see what you think.
Steer clear of big wheels on cars like 18" wheels on the GTI, 18" on the A3, etc
A Volvo, BMW SE or Jaguar S/X type could be what you are looking for as they give comfort and good performance choice.
A painful back is really annoying, so make sure you don't get any sporty wheel/rough ride cars.
A Volvo, BMW SE or Jaguar S/X type could be what you are looking for as they give comfort and good performance choice.
A painful back is really annoying, so make sure you don't get any sporty wheel/rough ride cars.
I'm 6'5" with a 5 series touring that's 3 and 1/2 years old. Only Covered 60K in it and I've never had any back ache from it. The sport seats offer plenty of movement to support the lumber area but i do get a numb bum after about 1 hour of motorway driving! Really spoils the experience. Am i the only one?
MrTrilby said:
See if you can find a BMW 5 Series with the optional "comfort seats". They're utterly fantastic. They have more degrees of adjustment than you'd believe possible. Once you've found the perfect position, I'd be surprised if there's a more comfortable seat. The biggest improvement for me is that in addition to the usual abilities to adjust the length of the seat squab and bits, you can also adjust the bend in the seat about 2/3rds of the way up the back, and angle it towards or away from you to suit. Combined with adjusting the head rest, it means I can get a perfect fit (I have long legs but short arms).
And don't be misled by the "comfort" monicker either - it's perfectly at home as a sports seat too - the wings on the side of the seat can be adjusted in to clamp you as tightly in the seat as you like.
They're a very far cry from the rather flat standard seats, or the uncomfortable sports seats (that gave me serious back pain after driving for an hour).
Really? I was going to say that my E39 has the sports seats and I've done 4/5/11 hour days in it no problem. Though I am considerably shorter than you.And don't be misled by the "comfort" monicker either - it's perfectly at home as a sports seat too - the wings on the side of the seat can be adjusted in to clamp you as tightly in the seat as you like.
They're a very far cry from the rather flat standard seats, or the uncomfortable sports seats (that gave me serious back pain after driving for an hour).
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