Prius seats / modifications

Hey all! Great forum! First time post

I'm the owner of a 2005 Prius that I've been driving for almost 4 years.

I have a serious Love / Hate relationship with this car. For many years was a proud owner! Fuel economy was probably the biggest single factor in my purchase, have used the storage for many epic hauls but looking back not sure I would have made the same decision. About 1-1.5 months after purchasing the Prius I started to have very serious back issues. These back issues have taken over my life. Years of pain, chiro, physio, accupuncture, standing desk, no more sports have been a major disruption to my life.

I'm convinced the Prius is either THE cause or at least a major contributing factor to this issues so I'm considering selling despite not being in the financial position to do so comfortably. It took me far too long to figure this out, but better late than never.

My question to anyone out there is have you had success with seat replacements or modifications to replace the horrible seats that come with this Prius.

In trying to find a solution to my problem I've come across the Lexus CT 200h. It looks to be a slightly smaller . Would these be a possible swap if i could somehow find some from a junk yard or something?

My local mechanic did not suggest changing seats. He thinks i should buy a new car, but trying to give the Prius one last ditch effort. I live in Toronto, Ontario any local people or places to talk to would also be appreciated.

Cheers, Matt

 

Thanks!

 

Yes, I think there is no doubt that the seat lacks proper support and adjustments typical in a modern car. I've tried some seat cushion / support addition type things and they tend to move / get squashed not really help. I will look into the lower lumbar virating pillow that could help but i imagine just marginally. I think beyond the lack of support the posture is just terrible since you cannot adjust the seat down or tilt the base of the seat to improve posture. I'm also a larger frame 6'4" 200+ pounds which is probably part of the equation although some smaller people probably also still have issues with these things they are so cheap.

 

Thanks Montgomery! I could not agree more. I think this is the general view of my mechanic as well in terms of why he recommends me just replacing the car. I know there are side air bags that deploy from the seat which is a central safety feature. Would the side air bags from another car seat like a Lexus CT 200h be able to be setup properly? No idea. Just trying to see if there is anyone else out there in the same situation and what they ended up doing. It is frustrating to even be thinking of replacing a car for this reason, but trying to navigate best that i can. We have recently put in about $1k into various improvements. Love the car otherwise. It seems like a shame, but might be the best call from a back / safety perspective.

 

Thanks Bisco! Appreciate the response and just looking at some interesting things as a result. However, a little hesitant to believe the leather seat covers are going to be enough change. Probably a nice little extra bit of padding for the average person but not sure it addresses the core posture / support issue that is causing my back issues in these chairs

 

Wow. Thanks @Justdidit and kudos @LamboGuy! That is incredible. I don't think i have the skills to pull off that DIY but that is incredible work. Interesting to see it done successfully.

What do you mean his seats are for sale?

 

O.k. will do. Thanks @Justdidit