OK..

What's the experience out there? My missus has a bad lower back (coccyx) so i'm thinking we need a car with a better ride.

Currently have the M3 (harsh), the S2 (harsh and only 2 seats) and a Golf GTD (composed but not comfort-optimised)

So, these crossover things are an option, cars like the Ford Kuga

or 4x4s although i hear mixed things and maybe too big for her med term

or an older luxo barge like an S class, Jag.. something with comfort high on the list.

Sports seats are a no no for this condition

The best riding car i've ever been in was one of those air suspension citroens years ago. what's the modern equiv?

 

Citroen C6

 

I have Piriformis Syndrome which makes sitting for any length of time uncomfortable. I currently drive a DS3 and have no issues with it. My husband had an A Class as he found the seating in that really comfortable compared to Audi A3 (avoid at all costs!) but he's just gone into Nissan Qashqai Tekna and the seats are so good plus spec level awesome.

I've had the Volvo XC60 on demo this weekend but have found the ride uncomfortable and in pain this morning.

 

Golf SE - can't complain with any of the VAG bouncy ride cars (like mine). Depends on how big she wants it tho.

I'm sure though most of the Chealsea tractors are cosseting rides

 

Seats are as important as the ride so I wouldn't rule out anything unless you've already driven it

If you are serious about a barge then you'll struggle to beat a Jag

Even when shagged they're more comfortable than most other cars

 

A Lexus LS600h L with rear relaxation pack would be at the top of my list...



The front seats are pretty good too apparently.

 

I've just bought my wife an XC60 to replace her Tiguan that she didn't like.

I find it really comfortable and like driving an armchair.

Volvo have the reputation of having very comfortable seats but you have two opposing opinions here

 

The Qasqai or Juke have featured in her thoughts already along with the Yeti (my suggestion). We've driven none of these but will try some in a couple of weeks when we're off work.

I prefer a 7 series/Jag/Lexus but i think our ideas have little overlap

The cheapest LS600 on autotrader appears to be £27k and doesnt have the first class rear seats

good to see a direct contradiction but people with bad backs are very sensitive to this so i'm going to suggest Lower you're more tolerant

i must admit all but the barges leave me cold. and spending £30k on a barge has the same effect. it's no mans land in terms of car buying imo

thanks specially to BoM

i pondered an old Mitsu Shogun but apparently the ride is bone shaking.. shame as that would be a nice low risk option, buy for £2k, any good buy a newer one.. this Golf cost £16k 2 months ago and is looking like it will have to go

 

Any time

Whenever I demo a vehicle one of the first things I consider is how easily I can adjust the seating to a position I am comfortable in. The Volvo V40 was straight away comfortable but driving back from Ferrybridge services on Saturday morning, the XC60 needed constant adjustment. It may well be for my height (5'2) that SUV's of that size don't suit the type of back problem I have but then I find the Qashqai extremely comfortable.

The Tiguan I also found uncomfortable and the Q3 I physically couldn't drive back from Whitby due to the pain I was in (which wasn't there when we set off 2hrs earlier). I've had 5 drivers ask to be taken out of the Audi A3 SE due to back problems and I've now taken them off the list so I would suggest avoiding the Germans!

Juke was a good drive but didn't fit fleet wise so not given it a second thought, which is basically the same for the Yeti but I believe they hold their value extremely well.

 

Citroen Picasso?

edit: Serious suggestion. The FIL has a bad back his works Sierras then a Mondeo were awful but this was comfy from the get go. High big and roomy for sprog and gear and getting in and out of.

But you would have to sneak in under cover of darkness with that on your drive Jason