Dear Tom and Ray:

For quite some time I've wondered about the support provided by the seats in today's automobiles. Specifically, I would like to know if there is an organization or individual who rates automobiles based on how "orthopedically correct" their seats are. -- Peter

Ray: Not that we could find, Peter. Here's what we DID find out.

Tom: We spoke to the International Chiropractic Association, and they recommend Geo Metros and Ford Aspires to everyone. Apparently, those little sardine cans really stir up the chiropractic business (just kidding, guys)!

Ray: The ICA actually says that people with back problems should look for seats with adjustable lumbar supports. No seat in particular stands out, they say, but it's important to find a seat that supports the normal curve of your back (to keep the discs in the back separated). Seats that allow you to slouch are the ones that create problems.

Tom: They also say that a softer, cushier ride is better than a hard, pounding ride for people with back trouble, although that doesn't mean a soft, cushy seat is better than a firm seat.

Ray: If your car does not have an adjustable lumbar support, the ICA recommends a product called Obus Forme, which is a movable cushion you place behind you. A cushion you already have around the house, or can buy locally, may do just as good a job.

Tom: I'll tell you what we'll do, Peter. Since a lot of people have back problems and nobody seems to collect this information, we'll try to collect it for you. So if any of you (our readers) have back problems and have found one car whose seat is particularly good or particularly bad for people with back problems, let us know about it.

Ray: Those of you with access to the World Wide Web, post a note on the bulletin board at our web site (http: //cartalk.com); the rest of you write to us in care of this paper. If we get any helpful information, we'll share it with you.

Tom and Ray lead you step by step through the process of finding and buying a reliable used car in their pamphlet How to Buy a Used Car: Things That Detroit and Tokyo Don't Want You to Know. To order, To order, send (check or money order) to Ruin, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. You can also order online.

© 1996 by Tom and Ray Magliozzi and Doug Berman Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

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