How to find safety information on a 1997 Avalon?

[joyelyse]

My mother-in-law is giving me her 1997 Avalon. (Don't I have an amazing mother-in-law?) I had been planning on trying to buy a new car when I have a baby (still trying after 19 months), but we can't really afford it. However, I would not be comfortable putting a car seat in my old car. Can't afford to have a baby injured or killed either. :)

How do I find out if it has the latch system? What about other safety features? Anyone know if the 1997 Avalon will make a good car for transporting a baby?

I hope to move to a wagon or mini-van in a few years, but it would be a pretty big financial hardship to do so earlier. Still, we will if that's what it takes.

Thanks!

Joy Elyse

[Unregistered]

It probably doesn't have the LATCH system, that became common in 2002 models...but I am sure it is a very safe car, just have a certified person help install it...
Congrats on the new car & good luck!!

[CPSDarren]

Kids and babies are very safe when properly restrained in the back seat of any vehicle. Keep your child rear-facing as long as possible, and they will be extremely safe in your Avalon.

[papooses]

http://www.hwysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/95031.htm
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/NCAP/Cars/184.html

Nothing on side impact, but Britax makes some nice seats with enhanced side impact protection :)