You might check with the car rental companies. More and more of them have hybrids available and a couple of days of rental could answer the question.

Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
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Bob's advice is good. However, even before you spend money on the rental, try pushing your seat in your present ride all the way back. That will at least get you started towards a solution. Mine doesn't cost you anything.

As I've stated in earlier postings on this matter I found getting my seat all the way back worked. In fact, it's a good thing the car has cruise control as I can just about reach the gas pedal (though easily hit the brake). Six hours driving that way and I was still able to get out of the Prius and go for a walk.

I purchased a 2008 with package # 6 on April 24th the next day at work I touched base with the other 6 Prius owners and the all said the same thing that their backs hurt after a 2 to 3 hour drive. On the 25th I started my vacation to Myrtle Beach from Maryland and after the 6 hour drive my wife and I were just about crippled . We are both 64 years old. I traded a 2007 Camry Se v6 which you can ride in all day long with no problems.Average mileage 22mpg overall.. But I still love my Prius and the 48 to 53 MPG it gave us on the round trip. Now we stop at the states visitors centers and walk around to get the kinks out. Can't wait for the 09's there may be a second one in our future. Sgt Tip

Exactly my experience when I drove from my home into the Mid-West last summer. I couldn't walk after 5 hrs. Even walking around every couple of hours didn't help much. This year with my seat all the way back, I was covering 400+ miles (easily 6 hours). I was able to get out of the Prius and go for a walk.

Oh, if you can, use your arms to help you get up.

Yep. I've even contemplated surgery.

I test drove the Prius prior to buying my Camry Hybrid. The seats were a major factor in the decision.

--My hybrid came home!--
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Randy