Nautilis or Monterey as a second seat for my DH Passat?

[SDMama]

I have decided to go with either a Frontier or a Nautilus for my 2005 Honda Pilot for my DD, 5.5 years old who weighs 53 lbs. She's close to height straps on her Marathon.

Point of this posting: I need to get a second seat for my husbands 2007 Volkswagen Passat (he will be taking her to school in the mornings) that can easily be popped out and stored in the trunk since he often has work passengers in the back seat. This seat would also serve as the seat if she's going in other peoples cars (carpool or my parents). I'm trying to decide between the Nautilus or the Sunshine Kids Monterey.

Pro for the Nautilus is that my 3 year old would also be able to fit in it. Usually only one child is in his car at a time.

Pro for Sunshine Kits Monterey is that it folds up nicely and would fit in the trunk. Belt positioning booster so it's not difficult for other people to do.

So, which do you think I should get, a Nautilis or Monterey as a second seat for my DH Passat? My requirements: safe, easy to install, easily stores in a Passat trunk when not in use.:D

[amy919]

Hmm, tough one. I think I would go with the Nautilus since you have two kids who could use it. Plus, I think you will get more for your money. On the other hand, redoing to harness might get old quickly, plus you'll need more trunk space. I think I'd have to get one of each :p. In terms of installation, I have no experience with the Frontier, but the GN installs like a dream. In terms of safety, I don't think you're comparing apples to apples, KWIM? Obviously in harness mode, the GN is going to provide added safety. I guess for me, it would depend on whether or not you could use it in harness mode for the 5 year old. If you can, that would be my deciding factor.

Probably not much help, huh?

[2 blueberry eye girls]

I have installed the Nautilus in the middle seat of my husbands 04 Passat and get a good install in the middle. I have not put it in the trunk, but it will fit in there. I use the seatbelt to install it. I have not tried out the Frontier. The graco belt path is super easy to pull the seat belt through. I am able to get the nautilus in there in no time. If your are able to try them out in your cars and the trunk I would do that.

[MissKatie]

If the Frontier fits I would get it, just because the Nautilus would only give your dd 12 lbs of growing room and kids like to shoot up without warning. M went up about that much in the last couple months! Growth spurt! The Frontier also goes crazy high as a booster and I think that's awesome.