I have had the PIP base for slightly more than 2 months and have put 5200 miles on it (120 mile RT commute 3 to 4 days a week). In the last few weeks, I have developed severe lower back and right hip pain. I have had a long commute for nearly 3 years now and nothing re my health has changed, so in part I am blaming the driver seat for my problems. It has one of the most basic seats of all the cars I have owned. Would upgrading to the Advanced model help (lumbar support and then I am assuming the power seat is more adjustable). Are there aftermarket changes I can make to improve the comfort. I love the mileage, car pool lane access, the tax rebates etc but am worried about my back. If nothing can be done, I might consider selling the car shortly.
I think the "power" part of the Advanced seat won't make much difference. The lumbar support definitely will. One thing – you do know that the height of the seat is adjustable? That might be something to look into.
You're right, the drivers seat is awful in my base version. I came from a Camry with leather and there's no comparison in the comfort level. Don't know if the leather PIP seats are any better though.
i'm ok with the driver seat comfort in the advanced but not high end for sure. i think the front passenger should have at least 4 way auto adjust instead of manual bar adjust considering the msrp
Before you look into selling the car, at least try an aftermarket lumbar support such as these on Amazon: Amazon.com: drivers seat lumbar support
The Advanced does indeed have a pretty good seat. It is an eight-way adjustable leather seat. When I drove it straight home, a fourteen hour drive, I judged the seat to be above average in quality, supportive and comfortable for my very large frame. I have had my share back problems and the seat in the Advanced was what sealed the deal for me. I did not feel the basic seat would work for me and spend a deal of time testing the two. I judge the difference significant. It is one of the less-known reasons for the 7K price difference. As jsfabb said, changing seats or getting after market fix would be much cheaper if money is an issue (which is probably why you went with he base). Best wishes, back issues are not fun.
Would I be able to replace the base seat with an advanced seat? Has anyone does this, how much would it cost?
I found increased leg pain after moving from a 2005 to the base PIP. I solved the issue by putting a cusion under my but. I had to experiment with a couple of different cusions to find one that works. It means no seat warmers but at least the pain has gone
I tried the mesh back lumbar support for a few weeks but that didnt help. If there are specific products that worked for you, pls let me know.
this product works for me. Amazon.com: Bucky Baxter Lumbar Support Pillow,Black: Clothing You can take it to tailor to make it better fit for you (i.e. take some filling out) If you want to test it out before buying, roll a tower into a pillow type and put it against your back. If it helps it should help you. You might be able to make a customized back support thru a tailor. Doesn't hurt to consult them, and it can be perfect fit for you
