Back problems in new MX5

Cliffhanger

Cliffhanger

Cliffhanger

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Joined
4 Sep 2018
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81
Location
Black Country
I've finally bought the car that I have always wanted. I've had it for three weeks now. (Mazda MX5 RF)

I'm 6ft4" and although its not the best fit in the world I haven't got any adjustment to make it anymore roomier.

The seat is the furthest back, at the lowest position and the steering wheel is at its highest.

I don't fit in most cars but this is one I have always wanted so I compromised on the comfort.

I only use it for commuting so I am in it only for 45mins at the most in town traffic.

About a week ago I started have back problems on lower right side, backside and upper leg.

I explained this to the doctor and he mentioned it may be Sciatica which may be caused by either the exercise regime (which I started this week) or the car; I guess being low-slung and getting in/out.

Any thoughts on my position or will I have to bite the bullet and by something more my fit.

I bought the car cash so I can change it if need be,,,
 
In my old Mk1 it was more comfortable to have the seat a little closer to the wheel so I could tilt it further back. I'm only about 5'11" though.

Sounds like you need to sat a bit higher, but the RF eats into the head room. Try a cushion and see if that makes a difference.
 
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Trouble is the higher I move the seat the more my knees get pushed into the steering wheel… my brother had a similar problem and he was told that his backside should be higher than his knees… once he did this the problem went away… I can’t do this in this car and there is no room left if I move it….
 
As you've found out, the height-adjust lifts under the knees so you need to raise the rear (cushion etc) but then headroom is an issue especially at 6'4.
Alternative is to install seat lowering brackets (typically lowers the back of the seat) or runners (entire seat lowers), can get both for the ND i believe but i don't know of a UK company doing them unlike other marks of MX-5 so it'll be a USA import, and then seeing about levelling your bum with the knees or, replacing with a third-party seats but it's all a bit of a faff.

To be honest, even at 6ft i've found ND's to be a little snug and my NC is more-so, so it's just one of those things you have to deal with unfortunately unless you swap into something a little less snug like a Z4, Boxster etc.
As lame as it is, back stretches and exercises massively helps especially before/after doing longish journeys.

seat2.gif
 
A guy i worked with had an NC for a couple of years and had to sell it after he kept getting leg pain, once he chopped it in for a focus he was fine.

I love MX5's but if you're above average height they can just not work for some people unfortunately
 
Giant person buys tiny car and is confused that they struggle to get comfortable in it?
 
I'd wager the back problems/sciatica has been caused more from your new exercise regime than 45mins a day in a cramped car. Make sure you work your core muscles to prevent any further back problems.
 
In 3 series I needed a lumber cushion (tempur brand) before the seat and car was comfortable(ish) to drive in following l4/5 disc rupture.

but yes , at 6'4 trying to fit into an mx5 does sound a bit like the Arnie getting into the alfa romeo scene from Commando.
 
If you can, you should stop your exercise regime temporarily, because then you will be able to ascertain whether it's that or the car that is causing the problem.

After that, the expensive option is to see if a car customiser would be able to make modifications for you to give you more room. I have seen Kindig Design (TV programme) do this, but they are in America, so you'd have to find the UK equivalent.

That said, an MX5 is a bit small for a tall man, and you would probably be better off switching to a roomier dream car, there are plenty of alternatives out there.
 
dLockers said:
This is the weirdest crossover my brain has conjured up played out in front of me.
Click to expand...
you probably need to open a poll thread in gd - big man gets into small sports car - name the film ? american culture is pervasive, did jaws have a similar scene in Bond ?
it's like the discussion in GD johnny dep thread about burning the witch being a reference to monty python ... wokeflix and its derivative material has a lot to answer for in filling younger brains.

I had failed to read teenwolfs comment which was already a direct reference to the film
 
radderfire said:
If you can, you should stop your exercise regime temporarily, because then you will be able to ascertain whether it's that or the car that is causing the problem.

After that, the expensive option is to see if a car customiser would be able to make modifications for you to give you more room. I have seen Kindig Design (TV programme) do this, but they are in America, so you'd have to find the UK equivalent.

That said, an MX5 is a bit small for a tall man, and you would probably be better off switching to a roomier dream car, there are plenty of alternatives out there.
Click to expand...
Like what?
 
The Mrs Suzuki Ignis always gives me leg pain in the left leg as I can't get the seat far back enough. Luckily I only use it for short journeys and do not drive it very much. I am 6ft3' myself so know your pain although I would have thought a MK4 MX5 would have been fine. I managed to fit in a friends MK2.5 no problem although it did have modified seat bases.

I have had a similar lower right back pain as you speak of and that was from driving a big comfy Saab to work. It comes and goes but I do not think the car is at fault. I think a lot of it is to do with the ergonomics of things being made for vertically challenged people in the workplace :p. Exercise does help and I do a lot more cycling now in my spare time and haven't had it for a year at least.
 
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