The best car for people with LITTLE back pain

[avantra]

Me and my partner has a some back pain when using our Nissans (Almera and Primera 2001, we have tried all the instruction on how to position yourself when you drive (a web site recomended by Honest John) but still get a bad back after more than 2 hours drive. We have fully adjustable seats (up and down and all the moves) but can't get it to work for our backs.

We are thinking of getting a different set of cars for no more than £4000 each.

I know that a back is a very individual organ but I appreciate that their must be some cars that at list consider to be more comfy than others, we prefer not to go for a large saloon if possible.

[fatboyonadiet]

Just a suggestion but some people do say they prefer MPVs or 4X4s for the driving position. Might be worth doing some test drives in different cars.

Also a bit of a luxury but I know someone with heated seats, says he doesn't get as much back pain...

[philhuff]

Take a look at an old SAAB 9-3 or even 900 - they're no bigger than the Primera, but do have pretty much the best seats.

Of course, as you point out, these things are always very personal.

You can just scrape into a higher mileage new style 9-3 (http://www.parkers.co.uk/imagecache/file/630/archive/SAAB/9-3%20Saloon%20(02-)/SB_30.jpg) (post 2002) for about £6k. For £4k you'll need to be looking at around a 2000/2001 model (http://www.parkers.co.uk/imagecache/file/630/archive/SAAB/9-3%20Hatchback%20(98-02)/00H3-16D.jpg).

The bottom line is to go and drive some cars, but spend at least a couple of hours with each one. Dealers won't like it, but just ask them if they want your money or not...

[edda]

It may not work for you - but I use a cushion on the seat (and have been for the last 3 cars I've had).
Cheaper than changing cars, the cushion is to help people with back pain and can be sat on(!) or propped up behind you - depending on the type of seat.
I also take it with me when test driving cars - or if on a long trip in someone else's vehicle.

[tankard]

...we have tried all the instruction on how to position yourself when you drive (a web site recomended by Honest John) but still get a bad back after more than 2 hours drive. We have fully adjustable seats (up and down and all the moves) but can't get it to work for our backs.


Hello avantra,
I find that these special cushions are a great help to me :)
And they are much cheaper than a new jamjar.
I use them around the house, and the Mini Pad is esp good in cars.

http://www.postureproducts.com/productsbrief.htm

[inmypocketnottheirs]

Take a look at an old SAAB 9-3 or even 900 - they're no bigger than the Primera, but do have pretty much the best seats.

Of course, as you point out, these things are always very personal.

You can just scrape into a higher mileage new style 9-3 (http://www.parkers.co.uk/imagecache/file/630/archive/SAAB/9-3%20Saloon%20(02-)/SB_30.jpg) (post 2002) for about £6k. For £4k you'll need to be looking at around a 2000/2001 model (http://www.parkers.co.uk/imagecache/file/630/archive/SAAB/9-3%20Hatchback%20(98-02)/00H3-16D.jpg).

..

I fully recommend Saab's. I have suffered extrensively with very severe backache (including unable to get downstairs for a week) and I attribute this totally to the cr*p seats in A Peugeot 406 I had.

I drive around 40,000 miles p.a. now between a Saab 9-5 and a mercedes E Class. I frequently do round trips to Glasgow, 460+/- miles, and in the Saab, not so much as a twinge. In fact a chiropractor recommended Saab to to me as they have the best seat.

[plane_boy2000]

Try something German. German cars tend to have quite firm seats which in turn are more suportive to your back - I have had 3 Audis and have always found them to be really good seats. WHen I drive anything else I always find that I get some pain now.

[avantra]

[QUOTE=inmypocketnottheirs]I fully recommend Saab's.

SAAB? I never had one, The 9-3 nad 9-5 from 8 to 6 years ago are cheap as chips, I am reading in the honestjohn car by car breakdown that there are some expensive problems with these cars.

If I am going to get a good one will I buy into an expensive adventure?

[balsingh]

I have always found Saab & BMW seats to be excellent for most drivers. Merc seats tend to be comfy but a fit flat so can be unsupportive.

I got terrible back pain in Astras and Vectras and no matter how I set the seats, it wouldnt improve. Rover 400 and Fiat Brava seats were bad but a cushion helped - just telling you what to avoid

[paddytt]

If you wonder why you get back pain in a car, just measure the height of the seat off the floor of the car, then compare it to you kitchen or office chair, and the length of your leg. You will realise that you are actualy sitting no more than 9" off the floor, compared to probably double that normally.

I am currently trying at least ten different vehicles to find a high seating position, the new Mercedes ML is the best so far.

regards

TT

[Wee Bargain Hunter]

The seats in a scenic are quite high & comfy. Try an older model as they have height adjustable passenger & driver seats. The newer ones only have an adjustable drivers seat.
Also, don't get a leather seat - it's too slippy & your back will be constantly moving as you try to balance yourself. Much better to have the firm grip & support of cloth or suede.
HTH

[mrbadexample]

I've found Volvos to be very comfortable. Whatever you do, don't buy a Ford - you'd be as well off as sitting on a paving slab.

MBE
(Sciatica club member 01)

[nullogik]

I would have a look at Volvos, especially the new models. They've got very comfortable seats in the V70 estate model.

[03022242]

i also suffer from back pain in my almera! im only 23!!!!!!!!!

[mcfisco]

I think the trouble with asking for suggestions for a comfortable car is like asking what the best colour is - you'll get a 101 different answers who all think that there choice is right, which it is [for them]
As someone else suggested, try as many as you can.

[avantra]

OKYDOKY, after looking around and trying to fit in different cars here is what we found:

1. Higher sitting position is nice for some people but not for me.
2. Saabs and French metal under £2.5k (my budget) are too unreliable.
3. Lexus was very comfy but too big.

So we bought a ... 2002 Rover 45 !!
Fantastic comfy seats from the Rover 75, cheap to run (diesel) and have good reliability record. Only £2500 (got to stay within the budget am afraid but when I'll save enough I'll buy a Lexus)