Will a Radian work in a 2005 Malibu? 3 across? and other used car Qs

[elle7715]

We're looking at used cars and while I haven't decided on one, we're narrowing down the options. Right now a 2005 Chevy Malibu LS is in the running and I was wondering if anyone knew if it was compatible with a RF Radian and RF Marathon. I looked at CarSeatData.com but it only had an entry for a FF seat in a different year. I could always go to the dealership and try it myself but it's freezing outside and I'd rather not uninstall our Radian because of the blood/sweat/tears it took to get it in nice and tight in our car. I'm assuming it just has LATCH in the outboard seats? I would have the Radian RF outboard drivers side and the MA RF center. I'm actually considering getting another Radian (long story) so if a MA won't fit in the center I'd most likely get a Radian for DS (assuming it's compatible).
I can't go searching near and far for a specific model, but are there any other cars you would recommend that are Radian-friendly, can fit 3 across, safe, have good gas mileage, and will hopefully run for a long long time? Starting January I will be driving a LOT, mostly on the freeway but a lot of city driving as well.
Thank you for any and all help! Unfortunately I'm clueless about anything car related (except carseats ;))

[BudgieStew]

For what its worth although its not the same year I can tell I that I was able to install a FF Radian outboard Passenger side with a seat belt/top tether in a 97 Malibu.
It did take me three separate attempts to get it perfect....but once it was in it was in and its never coming out.

With a Latch I honestly can not see having any problem at all.

[daniele_ut]

We actually just bought a 2005 Malibu a few weeks ago and we love it! I've had no problems installing my MA both rear facing and forward facing with LATCH and seatbelt. Right now my MA is FF in the center with LATCH (Yes, it does have 3 sets of anchors). I don't have a Radian to try out, unfortunately.

I've also recently installed a Graco Safeseat and a Chicco Keyfit 30 and they both worked really well.

If you can find the model with side airbags, it rates as one of the top 5% of safe cars on www.informedforlife.org

We also considered a Honda Accord and Toyota Camry, but an '05 one of those with comparable miles would have cost us quite a bit more.

[SusanMae]

I have the 05 Malibu MAXX. I can get a RF MA in no problem...I have pics if you'd like to see.

I've also had my KeyFit22 installed in the center with the belt. I have LATCH in the center, but I went with the belt because LATCH location isn't centered to the hump and it made the seat lean to the side...not unsafe, but I didn't like it.

Susan

[elle7715]

Thank you everyone! Wow, I didn't expect latch for all 3 seating positions, that's great! It'll make it easier if I get another Radian. This car would turn into our 'main' car and our '95 LHS would be for whoever is home with the kids during the week. I'm practically drooling over the prospect of having LATCH...how sad is that? LOL

[crunchierthanthou]

It does have LATCH in all 3 positions, but you can't use the center and driver's side outboard at the same time. The anchors are staggered like this P___PC__DC__D.

We have had Malibus as rentals several times and never had any problems. I've never tried a radian, but it should be fine as long as the buckle stalks aren't too long.

[AJWolverine]

The short answer is I think so, but I'm not positive. I'm looking at putting my twins in Radians with ODS in the booster in the middle.

I have an '04 mailbu Maxx. Currently I have an Evenflo booster in the middle, a Britax roundabout on the driver's side and a Graco Snugride on the passenger side. It's an extremely tight fit. Probably too tight because the outside seats are leaning in towards the middle rather than sitting up straight. The middle seat pushes the outside ones towards the outside edge of the seat which is elevated. I hope that makes sense. Basically with two outside seats properly positioned there isn't quite enough room for the center seat. I'm hoping the Radians are narrow enough to fix this.

[elle7715]

It does have LATCH in all 3 positions, but you can't use the center and driver's side outboard at the same time. The anchors are staggered like this P___PC__DC__D.

That should be OK, since I was planning on using seats in the center and passenger's side. *One day* I'll want to have 3 car seats back there but right now I just need room for an adult. Thank you for mentioning that, when I go to try out the carseats I won't look like such a fanatic as I obsess over the manual :p

[Jeanum]

Using LATCH in the center in the 2004 through 2007 Malibu models also prevents use of the rear driver's side seatbelt as well as driver's side LATCH due to positioning of the lower anchors and driver's side seatbelt buckle stalk, unfortunately. If you want to use the rear driver's side seating position at all, for an adult or another child restraint, a seatbelt installation for the child restraint in the center would be the only way. I think this also would be the case with the LATCH in the redesigned 2008 Malibu, although I'm not 100% certain if center LATCH usage also prevents usage of the rear driver's side seatbelt, or if it only precludes using driver's side LATCH.

[elle7715]

If you want to use the rear driver's side seating position at all, for an adult or another child restraint, a seatbelt installation for the child restraint in the center would be the only way.

Ah, why must they do this to me? I was all excited about using my nice LATCH connectors on the Marathon. That's OK though, I should just be glad I can get DDs Radian installed a little easier. I can't decide what's worse...installing carseats in the hot humid summer or in the winter with wind and snow blowing up the back of my coat...
Thank you for the warning, I'll be sure to check the center seatbelt install. I'm hoping I can get DH to go with me tomorrow to help carry carseats :whistle: . The kids will be with my mom so we don't scare away the salespeople (too much).

[Jeanum]

You're welcome. :) I also can relate to the temperature/weather extremes for car shopping and carseat installations. Our weather is all over the map, sometimes within the same day/hour. :eek: Good luck with the car shopping and carseat installation try outs! :)

[elle7715]

Aren't you in Michigan too? We're in southeast MI. DH was thrilled when we woke up to snow on Thanksgiving, I wanted to cry! I'm not a fan of winter.

[Jeanum]

Yup, near A2. I didn't realize you were in Michigan, too. :) I'm not ready for snow yet, either. DH mowed the lawn/leaves today after the frost melted off, lol.

[AJWolverine]

I'm in SE MI too (northern 'burbs). Do you guys know of any local stores that carry the Radian seats so I can try them out in my car?

[Jeanum]

I don't know of a sure thing for area stores with the Radian, sorry. I had to order our Radians online (from Target.com for ease of returning to a Target store if need be, and a second Radian from Amazon on sale last summer). I've heard a new Right Start store (http://www.rightstart.com/global/locator/) will open in January in a newish mall in Clinton Township, and it might be a brick and mortar source for Radians if you can hang on another month or so. I'd call first to be sure it's open and carries the Radian, though, unless it's super local to you. :)

[AJWolverine]

Thanks anyway. I've called around and no one seems to carry them. The Sunshine website still lists the closed Right Start store in Troy as the nearest retailer. They also list a Murray's Auto Parts dowriver that I'm sure does not carry them either. :scratcheshead:

[Jeanum]

I think the Sunshine Kids locator links to stores selling any of their products, be it carseats, or their aftermarket carseat accessories. My hunch is that Murray's probably sells their after market products/accessories, but not the Radian. That's why I always try to suggest calling the stores first to see if they sell the Radian because the locator might send you on a wild goose chase (speaking from personal experience with store locators for carseats, lol).