I have to sell my 2010 Prius II! How much is it worth?

Did you try a Prius seat with Lumbar support? I understand these seats are only standard on the more expensive models in the US, here in the Netherlands they are standard on all models. So if such a seat works for you, you could get it installed. Another solution is to find a company that makes special seats for disabled persons. they should be able to help you, and with some luck you can use the same seat in a future new car.

 

How about wearing something like this while driving?

Bio Skin BackJack Spinal Bracing System Components

An orthopedist recommended this for my teenager who was suffering from severe back pain, and she had great success.

I have had many of your posts, and based on your Prius passion I don't think you should give up too quickly.

 

Sorry to hear, Steve. If you lived in Louisiana I'd give you $22K for it TODAY.

 

Dang I am so sorry to hear that! I would put an ad in the papers or something. I am switching back to the gen3 Prius in part due to my back. The seat comfort isn't a huge improvement over my BMW, but the BMW is a sport model, and really low to the ground. I look like an idiot getting in and out of the thing.

 

An alternative suggestion. Instead of selling your new Prius for cash, post it on the many auto trading groups to see if you can TRADE it for another car that is more comfortable to you. With the gas prices climbing every week, I'm sure there are some luxury car owner that is willing to trade their slightly older car for yours with the better gas efficiency. Maybe you can break even and still get a good car that feels right for your body.

 

Likely very difficult as there would most likely not be any brackets or mounting kits for an aftermarket seat in a 2010 Prius, yet.

The big problems for any seat that is not specifically designed for a certain car are these -

Other seats will not bolt into the floorboard

other seats will not plug into the electrical connectors under the seat.

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These cars seats are designed for the specific model. The manufacturers really do not want people switching and swapping other seats into the car if they can help it as car seats are a major safety item.

 

deleted. dupe post.

 

If you did buy an expensive Recaro or Sparco seat, have a shop install it ... that seat might also cause problems for your back. Playing devils advocate, but it's possible.

 

Steve,

I do not have back problems, but I do have some ideas.

Foam shops or foam factories if you will, make custom foam pads to whatever shape you request. I've used a local shop several times.

Foam shops are very inexpensive too.

I had this custom cushion made up in 15 minutes for $10 (I sewed cover at home, it's a pillowcase. As you can see, I put comfort over beauty any day ... Do not sit on bare foam ... it's lousy to sit on. Pillowcase is nice though.



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Not to brag, but each mod pic'd above has a purpose for me -
* 1/4" foam, back part of cushion brings me up a bit to relieve pressure of side bolsters. Seat bottom is very narrow in Gen2 seat
* 5" at front is a wedge to provide thigh support
* seat remounted back to provide much needed legroom (separate issue)
* cutoff cover protects seatback
This is all personal preference and it works for me
Make your seat your own
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I do not sit on the bare Prius seat in my car. I hate sitting on it. But, I do like sitting on the blue seat cushion shown above.

I urge you to use a foam factory. They will make things that you could never find in any back store, or online. They are easy to deal with, low cost, sometimes free and will make things while you wait in a few minutes.

You will need to use some creativity. Take a piece of cardboard, cut out a template of the shape you think you'd like. Be ready to tell them what you want, and they will make suggestions too.

You may need to try several different shapes. I went through at least 6 or 7 different shapes before arriving at the blue one above.

You can do it!

I would not recommend memory foam. The foam factory did not recommend it. Memory foam is expensive and it does not have any '
body' to it. I believe mine is a medium density foam.

I don't mean to harp, but I'm going to ....

Experiment with some custom cushions from a foam factory

Do not sell that beautiful 2010 Prius! There is plenty of 'real estate' (room) to work with on that seat. You can create a cushion that helps greatly.

 

Selling a car is a big drag. I would hate to sell my car.

I think it is much easier to 'work' with the car you have. Can do some amazing things with a stock seat and transform the feel of it.

Don't mean to spoil your topic of selling this car, but I do have a experience is seat modifications.

 

I think there are ways to install the power seat with lumber support from a IV or V. Must likely it will need additional power connectors for the motors. All the air bag and sensors connectors should be the same.

What you need is to contact a specialty shop that intalls after market seats.

But the cost of the driver seat from Toyota will cost $1K-$2K and may take months to arrive since it is a new model.

 

Steve,

You are having problems with what you are sitting on in your car - the seat bottom and seatback or part of it. I think it wise to focus on sitting on a custom cushion before an expensive addition of power lumbar.

Any feedback for me from post #36?

 

What about talking to someone at toyota that works with the ecu programming to see if theres anyway they can disable the airbag or link it to the passenger side airbag? I seems crazy but i just feel bad because i know i would hate to be forced to sell my brand new car because of something i have no control over..good luck.. hope someone can help you figure this out..