Anyone else find the 2010 MS3 seats uncomfortable for long hauls?

[Stavesacre21]

I've owned almost a dozen vehicles in the last 10 years, and I have to admit that i've yet to have one who's seats have been less uncomfortable for long distance trips. This includes and RX-8, MS6, Mustang Cobras, Probe, Pathfinder and a Vette. Honestly, i'm very surprised.

First off, i'm 28, about 6'1" and about 185lbs so i'm not one of those who's complaining about the bolsters being too tight. Over the 9K miles i've put on my Speed3, i've just found that after a good 150+ miles or so, my back (especially lower) starts be feel very uncomfortable. It's like there isn't a position that allows you to relax. no matter how you adjust the angle you sit up at.

Obviously, since they aren't power seats and the lower back doesn't adjust, I don't expect it to be a plush GT cruiser or anything. However, I find myself just struggling to stay comfortable after more then a few hours on the road. It results in lower back pain for days from the position.

Never had problems with around-town excursions, but the highway trips just seem like killers.

I'm actually all but ready to see if I can find any mazda3 willing to trade from power GT seats.

Anyone else noticed this or had thoughts on it?

 

[badfish2]

I too am uncomfortable. I had the same issue in my 07 speed3. My complaint is actually the left driver's leg bolster. The way I sit, it makes a charlie horse in my left thigh/butt (yeah, I know TMI).

It's annoying. To alleviate the pain, I often sit with my lower back/butt a little further to the front of the seat...that just makes my back hurt more.

I'm 6'0" and 210, stocky, but healthy build.

I'm curious to know how others who are my/our sizes get comfy.

There's a bit of adjustment in the seat riser/raiser thing, but not too much. I am constantly adjusting everything trying to get it right...


anyone have any tips on getting a good seat position in the MS3?

 

[coololddude]

Quit complaining. My back gets sore in a sauna!!

 

[icespeed]

Worst seat ever was the '02 Protege LX on road trips... I ended up buying a small pillow for lower lumbar support.

I know it sounds crazy, but move the seat closer to the steering wheel. Having your knees bent more will help with your lower back. I ended up reading the Owners Manual last night (yeah, I'm that guy) and it says that the airbags compensate for seat location.

I'm the same height as you and my shorter friends and family complain about my seat location. When you're on really long drives, move the seat foward/back every two hours. Don't forget to stop every four hours and stretch! Last thing you want is a bloodclot in your lungs. (no, I'm not a doctor... just ocd/manic/schizo/hypochondriac)

 

[Stavesacre21]

All good stuff i'm hearing guys. Some of the pointers sounds spot-on with what i've found...that being the use of small pillows/etc and sitting forward a little more.

just as badfish mentioned, there is some slight movement in the angle of the seat which can lower you down in the back of the seat or tilt you forward so that your sliding forward, but it doesn't accomplish all that much in terms of comfort IMO.

As far as what ice said...bending your knees does seem to help as well. Make perfect sense in terms of back alignment. At first I just thought that maybe I had my seat sitting too straight up, but lowering it back makes it tough to reach the wheel comfortably, even with the wheel telescoped all the way out. In the end, i've just ruled it out that this is obviously not meant to be someone's coast-to-coast driver anyway. The age group they apparently had in mind usually isn't going to care or is too young to care about seat comfort that much anyway.