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Uncomfortable in driver's seat

Discussion in 'Prius c Main Forum' started by chaddyo, Apr 14, 2012.

  1. chaddyo

    chaddyo New Member

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    I've had my C3 for 2 weeks now. Love everything about it except the driver's seat is killing my back. Kind of depressing and I'm starting to regret my purchase. I didn't notice any discomfort on my test drive. Noticed it the next day after driving it off the lot. Initially I thought I just needed a few days to get used to a new seat, but the pain is not going away. I am a big guy - 6'3" 250lbs so that may have something to do with it. I haven't even made my first payment on this thing and I'm already considering trading it in. Not wise financially, but I also can't take this discomfort much longer. Ugh.
     
  2. ProximalSuns

    ProximalSuns Senior Member

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    Same issue but not as extreme on my Prius3/3. See the "long trip - butt hurts" thread. Just sore butt.

    There are some good back support care seat products available. Look for a local "Relax the Back" store. They had a car seat on the floor with various back supports and cushions to try out and a money back guarantee policy.
     
  3. SquallLHeart

    SquallLHeart The Techie Guy

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    i assume you've fiddled around with trying to adjust the seat.. and it's not helping..?
     
  4. cwerdna

    cwerdna Senior Member

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  5. Mr Incredible

    Mr Incredible Chance favors the prepared mind.

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    I'm 6'2" and 240. Haven't had any trouble to speak of. Made a 2 hrtrip yesterday with no back problems. It sure isn't cushy, but the softex seats are ok for me. I lower it all the way, move it back all the way, and lean it back some.
     
  6. halcb56

    halcb56 HalCB

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    Sorry to hear of your dilemma, ChaddYo. That sucks. I wouldn't give up on your new Prius yet, but I can understand why you're considering it. I am still getting used to various seating configurations after 3 weeks now of driving my new "c". I'm 5'9" and 195 lbs. Longest trip has been 4 hours one way, and once I found a comfortable position (don't forget: the steering wheel tilts and telescopes, too!), I was fine. My biggest regret about my new car is the UGLY stock wheels and wheel cover... but sooner or later I will address that, I'm sure.
    Good luck, buddy!
     
  7. Mx5

    Mx5 Junior Member

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    Does getting the adjustable seats make the car more comfortable.
    Or, are all Prius seats a problem?
     
  8. ProximalSuns

    ProximalSuns Senior Member

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    It seems all the Prius seats are a problem with the caveat that the 8 way adjustable power seats are able to compensate.
     
  9. Kirkuleez

    Kirkuleez New Member

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    That stinks that you can't find a comfortable position. I Am fortunate and find the seats pretty comfortable.
     
    carolD likes this.
  10. dig4dirt

    dig4dirt MoonGlow

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    Have you adjusted the horizontal seat down?

    I noticed a difference after doing this.
    It is the bigger bar arm on the left...push it down while sitting,
    and it will drop your whole body.

    I am only 5'6''
    Hope you find a nice spot.
     
  11. Tek55

    Tek55 Junior Member

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    this may seem counter intuitive but I'm 6'3" and 295, I put my seat all the way UP (horizontal adjustment) and BACK (sliders) as my back (four slipped discs and spondylosis) cannot be close to the 90 degree angle of feet flat out and back straight up.

    By sitting more upright, im more comfortable after long trips than any of my previous trucks even, particularly my Tacoma. The tundra is almost even given more room to adjust.

    Id also look into either lumbar support devices for office chairs or aftermarket seat covers with built in support ie wet okole. I don't currently use any devices and can walk normally after 250-300 mile drives whereas I'd be limping with the Camry, Tacoma, and tundra.
     
    1 person likes this.
  12. chaddyo

    chaddyo New Member

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    UPDATE: Either the seat is breaking in or my body is adjusting, but I'm now feeling more comfortable in the driver's seat. Hope it continues to improve. Thanks all for your support and recommendations.
     
  13. rjdriver

    rjdriver Active Member

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    It's almost impossible to please everyone with a single seat, which is why the lack of a lumbar adjustment is so disappointing. Cost and weight are a very small factor for this, and I would have expected to see it at least in the 3 and 4 trim levels.

    I found a cheap one at Walgreens that works like a charm. It a little too big overall and moves the seating position out more than I like, taking away some thigh support, but for 2 bucks it will do until I find something more suitable. Walgreens in clearing them out. They were 8 bucks at full price. I had to visit two stores to find one, so they might be getting scarce.
     
  14. donny612

    donny612 "Captain Jack Sparrow"

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    I'm 6' and 265 lbs., and I find the seats pretty comfortable but I do hate the angled headrests however. I have to recline the seat a bit more than I like sometimes to not feel like somebody is pushing my head forward all the time. I don't want to simply remove it but the angle is all wrong for me...
     
    Tracy likes this.
  15. kkim

    kkim Active Member

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    Glad to hear. Hope you find it comfortable in the long run. :thumb:
     
  16. sph101

    sph101 Prius 4

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    I purchased a lumbar support cushion from wal mart and modified a sheepskin seat cover to allow for air bag deplyment, seems to be working well.
     
  17. dick_larimore

    dick_larimore Member

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    My local Toyota dealer has local outfitters that can add heated seats, back vibrators, and lumbar support (pneumatic adjustable) to any of the Toyota cars that they sell. These outside shops also convert your seats to leather if the car that you are buying does not have them.

    I did see some vehicles on the lot that were waiting for the owners to pick them up. I did not sit in them, but the heated seat controls looked professionally done. You might check with your dealer and find out if they have recommendations for retrofitting you seats.
     
  18. terry rusinow

    terry rusinow New Member

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    Yes, you're not alone. I purchased my Prius V 3 months ago and have been going to the chiropractor and massage therapist ever since, not quite putting it together that it was the car seat, though knew it was uncomfortable. The bottom seat is slanted way down which puts pressure on your spine. I used to own a Rav 4 and it had terrific seats. If you keep your car, go to the Relax Your Back store if there is one, or go on line. The woman knew exactly what to offer me when I told her I owned a Prius. I'm really surprised Toyota didn't get this right. Otherwise, I love the car, but how can you love your car if your in pain? Try Relax the Back....really, I'm already feeling better and just drove home with the new pillows.
     
  19. donny612

    donny612 "Captain Jack Sparrow"

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    I had some problems like yours in the beginning but after adjusting the seat and moving my wallet from my back pocket my "pain" has pretty much gone away...
     
  20. jtmessimer

    jtmessimer New Member

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    I have found that I can take the headrest out and turn them backwards...mine is an 06....as such I don't know if your model does the same...hope this helps...