Marathon installation in a Volvo

[catchthewind]

I just realized I posted this in the Canadian forum and since it's not Canadian specific I assume this is a better place for it. Sorry about that.

My husband and I are looking at buying a 1994 Volvo GL sedan. Is there anything we should know about installing a Britax Marathon in it? We may not be able to bring the car seat with us when we look, as we'll have to bus and walk quite a ways (we have no car atm and the car isn't insured so they can't drive it to us). Our other option is joining a car co-op which was our first choice but this Volvo is a steal so we are at least considering it.

[crunchierthanthou]

There's a chance it has switchable locking latchplates- which means there's a switch on the back of the latchplate for carseat mode. All you do is flip it, buckle, and tighten. Although with the year, I'm not sure it will even have those yet (locking seatbelts weren't required until 1996). As long as it has lap/shoulder belts in the outboard positions, you should be able to install the MA using the built in lock-offs. Some other things to take a look at are the contour of the seats and angle of the rear headrests. The MA is pretty straightforward and installs well in most vehicles, but deeply contoured seats and headrests that push it forward and (in ff mode) can make it tricky.

Also, check for tether anchors if you'll be installing ff as they're required in Canada.

[LISmama810]

All you do is flip it, buckle, and tighten.

Just to clarify, when she says "flip it," she means flip the switch, not the latchplate. :) But like she said, they might not have that.

[Jenifer]

It very well may have switchabel latchplates. Volvo has been way ahead in safety! They are Swedish :D