Upgrading daily driver seats

[Lolvoguy]

Help me out on this problem guys.

I have an 07 Focus in the sig below. It has 87k miles on it and has been reasonably reliable. I've tinted the windows on it as well as added additional noise dampening to it which has really made it more comfortable year round.

Recently after paying off several thousands of dollars of debt I've considered buying a newer car with more comfortable seats. One of the main cars I was considering was a Volvo sedan. The problem with Volvo's is the only thing that really attracts me is the seats. I can't tolerate the price for repairs and maintenance on these cars. I've considered other cars, but most of them would be an additional 8-10k on top of the value of my Focus car. Plus I'd have to have additional insurance coverage on it.

So that brings me back to the Focus. I've been browsing the sites of Corbeau and Recaro and both seem to have very nice seats that are more comfortable than the Focus (one of the main common problems with this car).

Seats comparable to what I'm considering:
http://corbeau.com/gts-ii.html

I know that either seat will be an improvement over the stock setup which currently works ok, but leaves much to be desired in terms of comfort over a 45 minute drive.

Lets be honest, the Focus is NOT my dream car, but I cannot throw away a good car that does everything I need it to. There's no rust, the car's engine and transmission work as designed, fuel economy is decent and I live in a part of Canada that does NOT get salt on the roads as well as no long term temps below 0C or 32F. Cars out here last a long time.

My question to you folks is: Am I being penny wise and pound foolish?

 

[Andrew1972]

Have you had any real seat time in what you want? I only ask because they may look comfortable but like clothing and shoes need to be tried on for proper fit.

That 45 min makes or breaks for vehicles for me too. My wife's 2005 Legacy is punishment after 45 mins (fine to her). While my 07 Acura MDX 12 hour trips with bathroom breaks I am perfectly fine.

 

[razel]

I suppose only you can answer what exactly is wrong with how your current seat supports your body. Then you fix it. If you are lucky, you do not need to replace your seat and bolt on a new one. You can repad it and change the seat cover. As for seat adjustments, if it doesn't provide enough, that's where you'll probably want a new seat.

A few years ago, there was stench in my car that originated in the seats. Too much [censored] probably caused the foam inside the seat to just deteriorate. I ended up repadding the seat and washing the original fabric. Then I was introduced to sporty, sturdier seat covers that you put over the original. It was workout type fabric, that dries quicky and was silky. But it was too silky for driving. I ended up removing it. It's far more comfortable, however I am not that picky with seats.

 

[OneEyeJack]

Have you even talked to someone at an auto upholstery shop?

 

[EdwardC]

In my opinion, I think that's a great idea. Odds are, any car is going to have quirks that you'll find later on. If you like everything except the seats, why not get new seats.

Kind of the "devil you know" deal.

Obviously, madRiver has a good point, make sure the seats you do get are actually comfortable after sitting on it a while.

 

[UNC201]

Any decent upholstery shop worth is coin will cost more than a premade seat

Recaro's are not comfortable for a DD IMO.
I've had them in 2 of my ///M's.

 

[KrisZ]

Originally Posted By: madRiver
Have you had any real seat time in what you want? I only ask because they may look comfortable but like clothing and shoes need to be tried on for proper fit.


That's exactly what I though after I read the OP. The aftermarket seat may look comfortable, but I would make sure it actually is before spending my money.


Originally Posted By: Lolvoguy

My question to you folks is: Am I being penny wise and pound foolish?



IMO, but I don't think you are. If the car is mechanically sound and will serve you for many more years and the only thing that bothers you is the seat, then upgrading the seat (provided that the options available for your car would be an upgrade for you) instead of buying another vehicle totally makes sense.

Also, I would try calling some local upholsters to see if they can do anything for you. They may be able to add/remove padding to your exact liking.

 

[javacontour]

But less than a new car...


Originally Posted By: chefwong
Any decent upholstery shop worth is coin will cost more than a premade seat

Recaro's are not comfortable for a DD IMO.
I've had them in 2 of my ///M's.

 

[IndyIan]

Do 2008-11 Foci seats bolt right in? I put a gen2 neon driver seat into my 95 when I bent the seat rails on the original. It was a bit more comfortable.
I find the seat in my wagon is fine, except the lumbar support is going. Same thing happened to my Tracker and I just got a lumbar back rest which made its seat tolerable for long trips.
I guess you could always sell the fancy seats when your done with the car too, some one will need them for a project car.

 

[HerrStig]

So buy a Recaro aftermarket seat, or one of the copies.

 

[spavel6]

I'd look into the Focus ST seats from 2007. They will bolt right on (unlike aftermarket), and are still designed for daily comfort. I know there was an 07 ST at the local junk yard recently..

You could probably go onto the Focus forums and find yourself a set for much cheaper than getting new after-maket Recaro.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Originally Posted By: IndyIan
Do 2008-11 Foci seats bolt right in? I put a gen2 neon driver seat into my 95 when I bent the seat rails on the original. It was a bit more comfortable.
I find the seat in my wagon is fine, except the lumbar support is going. Same thing happened to my Tracker and I just got a lumbar back rest which made its seat tolerable for long trips.
I guess you could always sell the fancy seats when your done with the car too, some one will need them for a project car.


The only 08-11 Seats that are any good are the SES / SEL leather. I have been trying to find a set (with airbags) for my 2011 for a few years now.

I have done a few things to the car that I have wanted - rear swaybar, trailer hitch ... but it needs better seats.

 

[JOD]

I have an '06 FF wagon, same issue. This is actually pretty close to my dream car! Great fuel economy, tons of space, and it has a manual transmission--what's not to love?

I installed a set of full leather Recaros from a 2004 Focus SVT EAP. These seats are incredible--way nicer than the seats in my A3, which is a bit annoying! Physically, they bolt right in. You need to move over the passenger seat pressure sensor, and if you have side seat air bags you need to either move the bags over (a massive pain) or use the seat disable sensors (do at your own risk and all that). That said, you'll run into that with any seat swap in the Focus.

I spent quite a while looking for these, but if you can score a set it's the way to go. If you go to The Google and type in Focus SVT EAP seats you'll find photos of them quickly. They're less "racy" than aftermarket Recaros, and work great as supportive DD seats. Between the seats and full sound deadening install, this is actually a pretty nice car!

 

[HerrStig]

Originally Posted By: spavel6
I'd look into the Focus ST seats from 2007. They will bolt right on (unlike aftermarket), and are still designed for daily comfort. I know there was an 07 ST at the local junk yard recently..

You could probably go onto the Focus forums and find yourself a set for much cheaper than getting new after-maket Recaro.
Do you want a cheap seat or a comfortable one? Recaro sells adapter kits for almost anything which takes a car seat.
Sheel does as well. Both companies will sell you a different kit if you want to move the seat to another car.

 

[HTSS_TR]

The OEM Recaro seats in my S2000 is very good, it has only 2 manual adjustments: seat back recline and fore-and-aft adjustment. But it has good side bolster to keep driver in the seat with high G, it also has good cushion to support the thigh. I can drive S2000 for 2-3 hours without hurting my body.

Recaro is not inexpensive but the extra cost is well worth it, IMO.

 

[Lolvoguy]

Thank you everyone for the responses! you've offered so many other options I never even considered. Please keep the suggestions coming. This is why I love this site so much

Originally Posted By: JOD
I have an '06 FF wagon, same issue. This is actually pretty close to my dream car! Great fuel economy, tons of space, and it has a manual transmission--what's not to love?

I installed a set of full leather Recaros from a 2004 Focus SVT EAP. These seats are incredible--way nicer than the seats in my A3, which is a bit annoying! Physically, they bolt right in. You need to move over the passenger seat pressure sensor, and if you have side seat air bags you need to either move the bags over (a massive pain) or use the seat disable sensors (do at your own risk and all that). That said, you'll run into that with any seat swap in the Focus.

I spent quite a while looking for these, but if you can score a set it's the way to go. If you go to The Google and type in Focus SVT EAP seats you'll find photos of them quickly. They're less "racy" than aftermarket Recaros, and work great as supportive DD seats. Between the seats and full sound deadening install, this is actually a pretty nice car!


Oh my, you've answered my prayers!! Now to find a decent set.
Luckily I dont' have the seat airbags so getting a set in there should not be a problem

Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
The OEM Recaro seats in my S2000 is very good, it has only 2 manual adjustments: seat back recline and fore-and-aft adjustment. But it has good side bolster to keep driver in the seat with high G, it also has good cushion to support the thigh. I can drive S2000 for 2-3 hours without hurting my body.

Recaro is not inexpensive but the extra cost is well worth it, IMO.


Are these the stock seats for the s2000? My only concern would be regarding getting them to fit

 

[Greasymechtech]

Seats can be adapted to various vehicles.

Visit the salvage yard and find out what is comfortable or supportive for you. Brackets and be made to adapt across vehicle brands.

SVT seats seem like a no-brainer if you fit them.

 

[ecotourist]

Agree about Volvo seats. My 740 Turbo had the most comfortable seats I've ever sat in. And I spent many 10 hour days in that Volvo. My current BMW's sport seats can't hold candle to them. Volvo dealers even sold chairs just like them at one point.

Would seats from some Volvo fit? I'm not sure the "most comfortable" comment applies to all Volvo seats but I woudn't bet against it either. I'd do a few measurements before giving up on that idea. A well used BMW 2002 Ti (not a very big car) that I once test drove had transplanted Volvo seats.

 

[sparky123]

I really like the "SVT" seat option. But I bet salvage yard prices are not exactly $. Another option, open up the back of the seat and put in some good carpet padding. I just did this w/the wife's 05' Focus. Made the seat much more comfortable. I personally would not spend $700+ per seat. (recaro/etc...) These are really good little cars EXCEPT for seat comfort.

 

[HerrStig]

I have been told by a number of folks over time that they really like a particular vehicle but don't like the seats. I mention Recaro or Sheel and get the deer in the headlight look. Yes, you can buy a really aftermarket good seat of that's your only objection to a vehicle. What's more important, a vinyl roof, pinstripes and phony dual exhaust, or a really good seat? Often, the answer is in doubt.