Mid sized comfort

duploelabs

Hey Folks,

Looking to get a A3/Golf/C4/focus type sized motor but my good lady has a really bad back and was wondering your opinions on the best ride quality for that range of cars?

I've currently an RX8 and she wont even come near it for any journey longer than an hour in it.

Biro

Depends. Some people have a bad back and like a firm seat. Others like a soft seat. What kind of seat does she prefer?
Is it a car to replace the RX8? Or for her? She should try a few brands. To be fair, Peugeot often have good seats on their bigger cars, the opposite on the likes of the 106!

Anan1

Off the top of my head, i'd have a look at a Volvo C30.

duploelabs

Biro wrote: »

Depends. Some people have a bad back and like a firm seat. Others like a soft seat. What kind of seat does she prefer?

Either Just the non bucket type.

Biro wrote: »

Is it a car to replace the RX8? Or for her?

To replace the Rx8.
Something without the hard sports suspension

EPM

How much do you want to spend and all that? C4/5 would have a very smooth ride, VAG (VW/Audi/Skoda/Seat) cars tend to be on the firm side of comfortable, the Focus is similar to them but most should be ok once you stick to smaller standard wheels with decent profile tyres


PS - the thought of a C4 to replace the RX-8 must be gutting for ya:eek:

Stevie Dakota

While ride quality is important seat comfort will do far more for a dodgy back, lumber support is a must and you need an overnighter test drive as well to get a really good feel for it.

A Volvo S40 has great seats and good ride. Focus ride can be firm (avoid Zetec) as can Audi, what about a second hand Citroen C5, 1.6HDI has a conventional suspension but is very comfy, also with great seats. The bigger the car the better the ride (mostly).

bazz26

Stevie Dakota wrote: »

While ride quality is important seat comfort will do far more for a dodgy back, lumber support is a must and you need an overnighter test drive as well to get a really good feel for it.

A Volvo S40 has great seats and good ride. Focus ride can be firm (avoid Zetec) as can Audi, what about a second hand Citroen C5, 1.6HDI has a conventional suspension but is very comfy, also with great seats. The bigger the car the better the ride (mostly).

+ 1 on the S40, I traded my Focus for a S40 a few weeks ago, the seats are definately more comfortable in the S40. All bar the basic S40 model come with comfy leather seats as standard.

Luke Crowley

For comfort, I reckon there's just no beating a French full-size (C6/607/Vel Satis). Used ones cost about as much as a bag of crisps, and if you go for a diesel the running costs shouldn't be too horrendous either. Just my €0.02.

CharlieCroker

I'd be seriously looking at the S40 as well, don't discount the Mazda3/6 as well. Comfy out, slightly firm seats and you know the brand

duploelabs

EPM wrote: »

PS - the thought of a C4 to replace the RX-8 must be gutting for ya:eek:

you

have

no

idea

Biro

duploelabs wrote: »

you

have

no

idea

A Mazda 6 MPS will ease your pain significantly. You know you want to!

tfitzgerald

i have a bad back as a result of an accident and i found the audi /vw very uncomfortable i went to dublin in a c5 and could not belive how good it was i also found renault very easy on my back but very un reliable

bazz26

French cars are well known to have some of the most comfortable seats around.

pred racer

bazz26 wrote: »

French cars are well known to have some of the most comfortable seats around.

True. my c5 is like driving your couch around... but if its lower back problems any car with lumbar adjustment should fit the bill.

OldmanMondeo

As much as I hate them, the French cars are more comfortable than most. Tend to make up on comfort above the electrial problems etc.

spank_inferno

I also would vouch about the comfort of the Citroen c5.

If your looking for something a bit smaller, the Octavia is also quite comfy and nice ride quality.

Dan_B

I'd rather have the back pain than the C5.

greglo23

Why not try a replacement seat. It has to be cheaper than changing the especially if you really do'nt want to change. If herself likes the seat you can move it on to the next car when your fed up with the RX8

http://www.recaro.com/index.php?id=184&region=0&L=2

RECARO Orthopaed


NEW: New, easy-to-operate switch pack: now with fully electrical backrest side bolster adjustment.

Standard: the unique RECARO climate package. Integrated heating in seat cushion and backrest relaxes the muscles on cold days. The RECARO Vent® system guarantees pleasantly dry sitting conditions even in hot weather (Series)

Seat back adjustment: ensures correct positioning

Fully upholstered headrest, adjustable for height and tilt providing optimised crash protection

Shoulder support, which can be individually upholstered, relieves stress on your spine

Backrest tilt-forward release on both sides for easier operation

NEW: Electrically adjustable backrest side bolsters: improved lateral support for muscle relaxation

Lumbar support provided by the RECARO Airmatic® system: separate air chamber settings, individual (electric) backrest adjustment

Seat cushion extension: better thigh support relieves muscle tension

mik_da_man

Now that's a good idea