I have to sell my FR-S! Anybody interested?
 

I have an Ultramarine FR-S MT with 415 miles on it. I just bought it 11 days ago. Unfortunately it is reaking havoc on my back. I have congenital lumbar spine defect that has been a problem since I was in 6th grade (35 years ago). I have struggled with chronic pain, been in and out of back braces, seen orthopedic surgeons (who recommend spinal fusion surgery), done PT, seen chiropractors and dealt with fitness experts. I was finally able to achieve a pain-free state just 1.5 years ago.

No car I have ever driven has been an issue before. I test drove the FR-S twice before purchase and got no hint of a problem. It wasn't until I commuted a half hour to work for a few days that the problem became apparent. I have tried all sorts of padding, supports, pillows, etc. Even after I correct the detrimental effects of the seat (forward angled head rest and lack of lumbar support) I still experience stabbing pain with EVERY little bump. For bump read seam in the road.

I have considered seeing an auto upholsterer to modify the seat, but I believe the ride of the car is ultimately to rough for me. I actually dread driving it and have to crawl out of it.

The stability of my back is the most important thing to me. I am devastated that I can't keep this car. Like most of you, I have been waiting for over a year for the car to be released and then 2 months for it to arrive after I ordered it. I simply never considered that the car could be a problem for my back.

Anyway, it is for sale. I live in Pgh, PA. Asking $24,400 OBO. It has the trunk mat and I added the Subaru trunk lid liner. PM me if you are interested.

Sorry, I can't figure out how to upload a picture from my iPad.

I am sorry to hear that and can feel your pain and I was just recently in a car wreck my self. I wish you best of luck in the sale.

Oh that is sad. Im sure you ll find a buyer quikly. My dad has been having back problems since i was 3 and i know its not easy. Good luck with the sale!

Is this another troll thread? Why don't you post this in the classifieds?:bonk:

Thanks. I didn't realize there was a classifieds section. I just put it there also.

Wow, that must be devastating. As passionate as we all are about this vehicle, I am glad that you ultimately, after 11 days, have chosen your health over the car. Best of luck to you. Hell, I might just have to buy it and keep a member's journal on here so you can see me destroying it with high rise spoilers, 22" chrome rims, and hydraulics! I'mma look into financing options so I'll hit you up with a PM if I can go for it!

I wonder if this is one of the reason I have been seeing a lot of used FRS???

Why not just buy a nice soft aftermarket leather seat? Or retrofit one from another luxury car that you feel comfortable in? You could also try custom softer spring rates/dampers.

Whateatsrabbits What makes you think it's a troll thread?

Vmdhall sorry to hear.

Back pain is fickle and different from person to person, sorry this didn't work out. I didn't feel the back pain during test drive. not until i drove more than twenty minutes did i notice pain. Since I've had my upholstery job done, i have had pain free rides.

This is a car that definitely requires someone that is almost 100% healthy and mobile to get into, drive and get out of, especially if you lower it.

What are you planning on getting instead?

Glws!

Back pain is almost inevitable, it sometimes come with age... Heck I'm 23 and I can already feel it!... :bellyroll:

Sorry to hear that the FR-S did not work out for you; I am sure someone will quickly pounce on this!
May I recommend maybe an Infiniti (that is if you still want a sporty car with extra comfort) or perhaps an SUV.

What ever it may be, I am sure it'll be a great vehicle as you were already on the right track with picking the FR-S.

Cheers!:happy0180:

brzranger because I just finished reading about some douche who has to sell his car to his mafia uncle, only to hear that he was lying the whole time. There was a poll about if you believed this fictional story.

I had lower back pain as well with the stock seats, switched to status ring gt-x and my problem was solved. The car lacks lumbar support.

Pics please. I looked up those seats they look really nice. I would love to have that set up, what did it end up running $$you?

I have back issues too (compressed L2 vertebrae) and agree this car does not have the lumbar support needed for long trips but I don't care I got a frs so the smile in my fave and the laughter is going to be the best medicine until I replace my seat haha

You could always buy more comfortable seats!

These seats aren't good for people with back problems. Hell I once had a back issue and sometimes it creeps up a little but I stick it out. I think my Nismo 370Z is what originally broke my back into the state it's in now, lol.

I don't think I'm a troll and I don't have a mafia uncle. What I have is sponylolithesis (a congenital lumbar spine defect).

I have thought of buying different seats or softening the suspension, but there is no guarantee either of these would be successful and either would be a considerable investment. Also, I have no idea what changing the suspension will do to the handling characteristics of the car. After such mods I might still not be able to drive the car, be out several more thousand dollars and have made the car much less desirable for resale. I think it is best to admit defeat, take my financial lumps and move on.

In terms of what I will get instead, I am planning to just go back to my old car. Thank God I didn't trade it in. It's a little elderly which is why I got a new car, but it is actually in great condition. 2001 Acura Integra 5MT with 194,000 miles.

I would really love an Infinity G37, but had a $25K budget. The next option could be the Mazda 3 Speed3.

Thanks for all the support. My kingdom for a do-over.

oh man sorry to hear i hope your back feels better one day....glws

Admitting defeat is the easy way out, you waited your ass off and spent hours or days (in actual accumulated time) involved anticipating this car. Do you just want to throw all of that time spent getting warm with the car? Try some new seats, please, I'd really hate to see someone give up their car that they spent a long time getting ready for. What's the worst that can happen? You buy some seats and sell them for 80% of the price you bought them for if the situation still doesn't work out?

But if it's a different car you want because you also don't like the car minus the back situation, then go ahead and go for it.

What? You don't have a mafia uncle? Not every story that is "out there" or "never heard of that before" on the internet is a lie.

integra..
 

your 2001 integra is more comfortable?... I don't think the suspension of the integra is that much softer and the seats that much more. Maybe swapping a seat would solve your problem. Maybe try getting some cheap brackets made to try your integra seat in the FR-S just for a little while to see if it feels better. It won't cost you much at all but it will look funny!

I am simply unwilling to risk my back for this or any other car, no matter how much I waited or anticipated its arrival. It's not worth it.

I once rode a horse for about 15 min at the walk and a little trotting. I felt a little twing in back and got off of her. By the time I got home I literally could not stand up. I crawled up the stairs and into the shower with my clothes on. I couldn't ride again for 6 months and then only in a back brace. I was in pain every day for 7 YEARS after that 15 minute ride!!!!!!

Pain free and able to ride my horse are the most important things to me. I will weep for a little while over the loss of this car, but I'll get over it. I simply can't/won't take the risk.

I do appreciate all the encouragement to fight for the car. Thats what my heart wants to do, but my brain is saying 'don't be stupid'.

The Integra feels like a Cadillac compared to the FR-S! I always thought it had a harsh ride. My friends certainly bitch about it enough. When got back in it and drove the same roads, I was amazed at how much less punishing the ride was. in the FR-S I was getting stabbing pains up into my back with every little seam in the road. In the Integra it doesn't hurt at all. I think the FR-S is just not the right car for me and my rickety old bones! A humbling admission.

Tilt the seat back one or two clicks and move it forward one click. That should shift the angle the forces are acting on your back off vertical. I helps my back, not sure if it will help yours, but it's worth a try.

I also have spinal injuries and I believe you are making the correct choice. While this car does not bother my injuries certain other things do and I have to avoid them. It really is weird what does and does not cause issues/pain. Its sad you have to let the car go but screwing up your back is not worth it. Good luck in the future!

I'll give you about tree fitty...

i see. Well then more power to you. Health should always be #1 and im glad you are doing whats better for you. I'm sure anything else you get will be a lot better for your back haha.

If you were interested, I'm tossing around the idea of getting a different car. Mine is 2008 Mazda3 2.3L 5MT, hatchback with about 77,000miles. It is lightly modified, but in the process of going back to stock. It has been a great commuter car, and I have long term averaged 32mpg since buying it new in April 2008. The FR-S might be a touch out of my budget, but you never know.

Xcuze my crappy iphone pic

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b3...z/75f61e4b.jpg
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b3...z/1b672b77.jpg

Thanks, but I haven't decided what I am going to do yet. I'm still exploring my options to mitigate my financial losses as much as possible. If I do get another car, it will be new or a very low mileage used car.

Those seats are $950 a piece. I don't think they have adjustable lumbar support and I'ld lose an airbag. Even if I get a great seat I still think the ride of the car is simply to harsh for me and I am not willing to start messing around with the suspension.

They dont have lumbar support but they are much better than the stockers no back pain since installing it.

You find the stock suspension stiff?? Really i felt it too soft for my taste i switched to coilovers because of the amount of roll i would feel on the corners.