4 months of the most uncomfortable car that I've ever owned has come to an end, I traded today for a new dodge caravan, which is what I traded for the v, I tried all seating positions possible and a large assortment of pads and pillows. I will miss the mpgs, but, that is all I'll miss. So long and enjoy...bob
As a long-time back pain guy, I completely agree with your decisions. We're all different. My lower back went into contortions and spasms with a Caravan, and the new Prius V just fits me. I'm short, maybe that's the reason. But I completely agree with you, if your back hurts, dump it. Nothing loyal when it comes to backs.
6'4" 230 pounds, 53, degenerative disc disease and rheumatoid arthritis. However loved the car other than uncomfortable. 1st of over 50 cars that I found uncomfortable.
Good luck with the caravan. My Grand was on its 3rd engine and 2nd transmission when I got rid of it at 100k miles. But I did drive over 1100 miles in a day once in it in total comfort and it did gobble up cargo. I suspect the sitting up with your feet dangling down posture fits you better. You just can't get good drag numbers with a taller car and sitting position. You are smart going with what fits you. Only done 300 mile trips in the v. It does fine for this 6' 200lb guy but, even at 70, I have no joint issues.
We had two Chrysler MiniVans back to back a few years back for hauling our two kids, both lost transmissions before 100K, A/C replacements, water pumps, batteries and window motors. We threw in the white flag and switched to a 2007 Honda Odyssey and now a 2013 Toyota Prius V. We are going on six years without any defects in the Honda and from what I can tell the same quality is evident in Toyota Prius. If the seats are more comfortable in your new Chrysler MiniVan, make sure the service department has the same brand, free coffee and satellite TV.
I guess if you are defining the Prius v as being the most uncomfortable car you've ever owned what choice do you have? I'm surprised you weren't able to find a combination of pillows or supports that worked for you. But if you couldn't? You couldn't. Good luck with the Dodge Caravan.
This post certainly shows there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all. Having 4 kids, we have gone through a variety of mini-vans, among them a Dodge Grand Caravan, a Ford Windstar and a Mercury Villager. I find my Prius v seats (for my body) to be the closest match I've found to the all-time best road car I've ever owned - an older model Mercedes 300 SD. While the only US car that ever suited my back for an extended road trip was a '65 Buick Rivera (My back was much, much younger then too, and compared to the Mustang notchback we owned...).
Unfortunate you had to give up such a fine car because of the seats. Just so happens for me at 5'10 29 years old, no serious back issues the v fits me ok, i admit the seats could be better but i can tolerate them, even on long trips. I wanted a prius and the v had the best seats for me so that was my decision. I guess the manufacturer can't please everyone, and each vehicle's design priorities are different, compromises have to be made. Best of luck on the Caravan. I understand your decision, comfort factor carries alot of weight in my vehicle choice as well. If I couldn't tolerate the seats in the v i'd be in something else i'm sure.
I wonder what the financial transaction cost to switch from a v to the Caravan for a "better" driver's seat was? I'm thinking a big financial hit was chosen over back pain - I might have done the same thing. But I'm thinking it might have been much less costly to have a new seat installed? Is it even possible to do?
Good Luck, moving and changing posture as you drive can be helpful. Also back pains may have to to with posture etc. Had back pains for a while, took a 'a back management class' provided by my health provider. Back has since improved as I have stopped doing those things that cause the problem.
I'm very lucky. This V driver's seat, not power, is the only car seat I've not had to squirm around on a long trip since my back became an issue. The adjustable lumbar support is just enough to shake it up a bit. I would have preferred power seats, which are far easier to get back into your favorite position when someone else has adjusted them. But in this car, I find that I can use several positions that are agreeable, not just one. I will agree with many reviews on the Prius V driving position, the steering wheel does not have enough travel pulling it out. But the pedals are perfect for me.
