Z:
Thanks for the feedback. I've had some back problems over the years (two surgeries) and used to have regular sciatic pain when in the car - until I bought my first Explorer. I had five more Explorers, and those seats are super. Never any more sciatic pain. But it was time to get better mileage (which I sure do with the Murano - averaging 23.0). The first week I had the MO I drove about 700 miles with no problems. Second week - another 700 in two days. A little sore. Then the third week about 800 all in one day. Halfway thru the drive it felt like I had been sitting on bleachers all morning. Sciatica really flared up. That was April 8th. Still really sore when I sit on about anything. I'm trying different types of cushions and pillows, but it's a pain (literally). Hopefully an upcoming week out of the car will help. It's odd because I test-drove the Murano a number of times. When first sitting the seat is comfortable. But within a few minutes for me, it's trouble. I was able to get some longer bolts for the seats and raise the front of the driver's seat with some spacers. But I think it's just the seat design - wide, flat, and hard, with little thigh support. My wife can't stand to drive it more than a few minutes - says it feels like sitting on a piece of plywood (I would agree). Pretty disappointing in an otherwise fairly nice package (I'm still trying to find a comfortable driving position, in spite of the back pain. I've had over fifty different cars, and have never had such a problem getting used to one like this one. Combo of the vague, wandering steering (the power steering is ENGINE-speed sensitive - that means at low RPMs - like at 40 MPH - there's lots of boost - too much boost!), touchy gas pedal, CVT torque-converter locking and unlocking, low seating position, etc.). I guess it will just take time.
gibby26