Since I bought my car in Feb of 2008, my back has been in constant pain, and I have tried several things for lumbar support in the car, none of which have worked. Is there some type of insert, or anything else I should try before getting rid of the car all together?? I looked at the new 2010, but quite frankly, I HATE that shifter right in the middle, and since we are moving back to MN, I might just go for the Venza, as it will go better in the snow, I'm about to lose alot of money on a trade in, so any advise/suggestions would help.
I have a bad back (before Prius). But I hear you. The seat gives me a bit of discomfort. I wil follow theis thread in hopes to hear more. meanwhile- I wish i had power seats. Someting I would have expected on a pkg 6 loaded, but did'nt even know they wre NOT available Meanwhile I may toss a pillow in the seat. I seem to see a lot of Prius photos with pillows on the seats. OH- I'd keep the prius if i were you, but that's just good advice
This will be my 10th winter in MN driving a Prius. So naturally, I question your comment about in the snow. Go for a 2010 Prius if you're in the market for a new vehicle. .
I drive alot, so I'm in the car sometimes for 4-5 hours a day...I have always had an SUV up until the Prius, I notice it slips alot, and just doesn't grip as well..I have the anti-slip thingy, but maybe I need better tires?? I do notice mileage fluctuates quite a bit in temperate climates like MN, here in AZ I have not had that issue at all...my mom and sister love their Pruis's, but I'm just used to something with a bit more options for seating(lumbar, height adjustment,telescoping steering wheel) I'll look again at the 2010 when I get back, but that console in the middle just bothers me...I really like the Venza too, but the mileage would be a change for me.
2006 Prius is alot of things but it is NOT a touring car. Just returned from a 2500 mile trip to New Mexico. I knew halfway this was a mistake. Car was a struggle to control at higher speeds and running near a big rig I was taking my leie in my hands. After an hour or two I had leg pains in right leg, just couldn't find the right position for a confortable long ride. My bottom felt like it was asleep until finally became painful and had to get outside. The headsupport never bothered me until this day. Now I notice how forward they are. Wish they were adjustable. Worse of all was the poor visiability of the rear. I had to check numerous times before I felt safe to change lanes and even then I prayed no one would suddenly appear in one of the many blind spots. The two front posts blocked so much of my view it was difficult to drive relaxed. I thoughjt after all the complaints Toyota would correct these deficiancies in the 2010 midel but did not. Huge mistake I think. 2006 White 31,000 miles in show room condition FOR SALE
Backs are idiosyncratic. I don't think there's a bed, seat or supplemental support that works for everyone. I've found that this mesh back support works for me: [IMGLINK]http://priuschat.com/forums/attachments/gen-ii-prius-main-forum/8380d1207091681-great-back-support-your-seats-005.jpg[/IMGLINK]
I too have back issues and found that the Prius seat lacks lumbar support. I use a memory foam pillow with a built in battery operated vibrator. Walmart.
A wadded-up t-shirt does the trick for me. Stopping and walking a few minutes every two hours is extremely helpful, and also highly advised to prevent deep vein thrombosis (painful and sometimes fatal). Anyone who wears pants should try moving any objects from back pockets to the front.
Agreed that it's not a touring car. It's not a luxury car either. FWIW, as I posted at http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...t-all-my-respect-car-driver-3.html#post881146, I've long trips in my Prius and was fine in terms of leg comfort and "control at higher speeds". People here have stated that 2010 Prius seats are more comfortable. As for "all the complaints", well, per Best and worst in new car owner satisfaction: Car owner, auto shopping "For the fifth year in a row, the gas/electric Toyota Prius hybrid is the top car for owner satisfaction... Ninety-three percent of Prius owners who responded said they would definitely buy or lease one again." Clearly, the positives of the Prius outweighed the negatives enough for enough people to earn such a rating. Rear visibility is fine. As for rear blind spots, adjust your mirrors via Car Talk | How to Avoid the Blind Spot. It'll take some time to get used to it but it's a huge improvement over uselessly seeing the side of your car. I had to do this when I got my Z as it has MUCH worse rear blind spots.
