Back problems in new MX5

You are a big chap for an MX5 especially if you are long bodied. Getting in and out could be your trigger here. I’ve had low slung cars for years and I’m not fit but worked out techniques for getting in and out to protect myself, not least in a tight garage, low car out of bucket seats.

I can get in and out with ease but I’ve had all sorts of shapes and sizes struggle, from the fittest to the not fit. I’ve always struggled with MX5’s being long bodied and a smidge over 6 foot. Seat never goes low enough and I found myself moving closer to the pedals so I could recline the seat more. Also if it’s new your body might need time to adjust to the new car.
 
adam cool dude said:
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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I think the fit could be better cos I have the seat the furthest back and the steering wheel the highest… the problem I have is the seat height compared to standing upright when get out of the car… The doctor mentioned because of the lowness of the car you are putting more pressure on your right leg getting in and getting out hence the pain… In a normal car you’d get out with two feet… I would only know this now after a few weeks…
 
Cliffhanger said:
I think the fit could be better cos I have the seat the furthest back and the steering wheel the highest… the problem I have is the seat height compared to standing upright when get out of the car… The doctor mentioned because of the lowness of the car you are putting more pressure on your right leg getting in and getting out hence the pain… In a normal car you’d get out with two feet… I would only know this now after a few weeks…
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Mine was caused by using a breaker bar for an extended period of time whilst trying to remove a rusty rear subframe from a MK2 MX5 and took a good 6 months to get over. The twisting notion of getting out of a low slung car only exacerbated it rather than caused it. Mine would be painful/stiff early in the morning and the commute to work but would get better throughout the day. Touch wood it hasn't returned for a good 8-10 months and I sit in a lorry during my working day now so if anything that would make it worse!

Like you said you have started a new exercise regime at the same time. Are you sure that hasn't caused it rather than sitting in a car.
 
I’m 6’3” tall, really like the latest MX5 so went to have a look with Mrs, whilst she loved it and looked great in it, it was just too small for me.
Walked away.
Z4 and Boxster fit me best, like both of them.
 
I said if I didn’t fit in an MX5 I wouldn’t have anything similar and just buy my wife a car instead…. After being out in it today with my youngest and driving it around the country roads … why would u want anything else… certainly no Z4 or Boxster could compete… I think I’m gonna look into getting a cushion thing or lumbar pad for the seat and perhaps do some yoga back stretching in the mornings… it would be better than selling my cool car… I’ll give it a few weeks and let you know…
 
Cliffhanger said:
I said if I didn’t fit in an MX5 I wouldn’t have anything similar and just buy my wife a car instead…. After being out in it today with my youngest and driving it around the country roads … why would u want anything else… certainly no Z4 or Boxster could compete… I think I’m gonna look into getting a cushion thing or lumbar pad for the seat and perhaps do some yoga back stretching in the mornings… it would be better than selling my cool car… I’ll give it a few weeks and let you know…
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Yes I know the shoes are only a size 3 sir, but they do look nice..

My ‘dream car’ was a Lotus Elise until I drove one.
Rapidly went off that idea.
 
Cliffhanger said:
I said if I didn’t fit in an MX5 I wouldn’t have anything similar and just buy my wife a car instead…. After being out in it today with my youngest and driving it around the country roads … why would u want anything else… certainly no Z4 or Boxster could compete… I think I’m gonna look into getting a cushion thing or lumbar pad for the seat and perhaps do some yoga back stretching in the mornings… it would be better than selling my cool car… I’ll give it a few weeks and let you know…
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For a start they allow tall geriatrics to sit comfy :p
 
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SkodaMart said:
Yes I know the shoes are only a size 3 sir, but they do look nice..

My ‘dream car’ was a Lotus Elise until I drove one.
Rapidly went off that idea.
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What did you get instead?
I suppose the dream is different from the practical reality. It can't always be perfect.
I don't think I'd sacrifice aches and pains for a car. I can tell however that I am looking for comforts and ease of driving ie auto as I get older.

I'd suggest get the dream car early in life so you can use it rather than waiting till retirement. As probably you'll get thrown around and injured just from a drive.
 
sja360 said:
What did you get instead?
I suppose the dream is different from the practical reality. It can't always be perfect.
I don't think I'd sacrifice aches and pains for a car. I can tell however that I am looking for comforts and ease of driving ie auto as I get older.

I'd suggest get the dream car early in life so you can use it rather than waiting till retirement. As probably you'll get thrown around and injured just from a drive.
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I had a Westfield SE wide body for a while, moved the pedal box forwards, but it was still way to small.
As I said a few posts back I’ve driven both the BMW Z4 and Boxster and liked both of them. I chose a Z4 because it was easier for DIY maintenance. Had it 4 years now, I’ve had a spinal fusion, lumbar 5 and I manage great in it.
 
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