Beemer convert

I'm with JAB on this one. I'm 6'4", 33" inside leg. I've covered 14,000 miles in 13 months. I've found as comfortable position as I can, but my lower back starts to hurt after 45 minutes driving, also my right thigh. It's not always practical to stop after 45 minutes for a walk and stretch. Matters came to a head in April, when I had to drive 2.5 hours non-stop. Next thing I knew, I was diagnosed with a slipped disc, and was in absolute agony for 5 days. My Chiropractor has dealt with this. He recommended a 4x4, but I couldn't find that fitted me. The only two cars that worked for my particular body shape were a Mercedes S Class, and a Volvo S80. Finances don't stretch to an S Class, so I've ordered a Volvo - the one with massaging front seats, which helped when I took it out for a 1 day test drive whilst still partially suffering with the slipped disc. I covered 145 miles in the Volvo without any problem. And, there's even more leg room with the drivers seat pushed right back, than in the Skoda. Driving afterwards in the Skoda, I could feel my back aching again during a 15 mile drive. A terrible shame, as in every other way (bar paint quality and susceptibilty to chip easliy) I've been very pleased with the Superb. For me, the Volvo seats provide much more comfort and support for my body shape. Farewell soon, dear friend.

Having a similar problem with my car, albeit the front passenger seat does not fully recline. Rather, it seems to recline slightly overnight, and needs to be adjusted every 2/3 days. Took it in to the dealer, who couldn't find a fault. They said they'd need to keep it in for a few days to monitor the seat each day. They also advised that something similar happens with the owner's drivers seat, but because it has the memory function, it could be reset at will. They have logged it as an unresolved problem.

It was time to part with my much loved, 9 year old BMW330i. Would have loved to buy the new 5 Series, but at £41K including some extra's, decided I just couldn't justify the cost. My brother is on his second Octavia, and my sister-in-law has a Fabia, so it seemed sensible to look at Skoda. I was originally proposing to buy an Octavia L&K, but after sitting in a Superb, and driving it twice, decided this was the one for me. Ended up paying just over half the cost of an equivalent 5 Series. Have owned it for just over 2 weeks now, and covered 1100 miles already, achieving 36mpg. It drives very well, and the standard spec is superb, although I'm glad I ordered front parking sensors as an extra - it's a BIG car! Pleasingly, it doesn't attract the same attention on the road as a BMW, which seems to act like a red rag to a bull to many motorists. Very pleased indeed with my choice. This Forum is great by the way - I've already picked up several tips along the way, thank you.

Time to trade in my 9 year old BMW 330i. My brother is on his second Octavia, and my sister-in-law on her first Fabia, and they suggested I look at a Skoda. Went to Allams in Epsom, my nearest Skoda dealer, and met James Rothwell, who couldn't have been more helpful. Originally planned to buy an Octavia L&K petrol, but after sitting in a Superb, and then driving one twice, decided that this was the one for me. Have recently bought an Elegance 1.8TSi DSG in Rosso Brunello. After 2 weeks, and with 1100 miles on the clock, I'm delighted. Would have loved the new BMW 5 series, but at c.£41K including extras, decided I couldn't justify paying this much. Ended up paying just over half this amount for the Superb, which I must say is superbly specced. Achieving 36 mpg. James is very knowledgeable, and clearly loves his cars. I originally thought the Superb was too big, but James advised that it is the same length as the old 5 Series, and shorter than the new one. He answered all my questions with consummate ease, both pre and post order, and kept me well informed until delivery. Got a fair p/x on the BMW as well. I needed the car on a certain day, which happened to be James' day off, but he happily came in specially, and gave a very comprehensive demonstration of many of the cars features. Well done, James, and well done, Allams!