Retrofit Lower Anchors in 2001 A4?

[hayleycrabtree]

Thanks!

[Jeanum]

Some instructions ideally would have been included with the retrofit parts but I take it that isn't the case, bummer. Hmm, the LATCH manual doesn't have anything more specific than the part numbers for retrofitting the outboard rear seating positions with lower LATCH anchors in your car. You probably need to lay hands on an Audi service technician manual from the dealership or from another Audi part source online perhaps, or maybe there are instructions in your vehicle's owner's manual. :twocents:

[MustangMama]

This is something that I would pay to have put in just to make SURE our kids are safe :twocents:

[BookMama]

This is something that I would pay to have put in just to make SURE our kids are safe :twocents:

Don't worry if you don't have LATCH or don't have three separate sets of lower anchors - a correct seatbelt installation is perfectly fine. Three of my four car seats are currently installed with a seatbelt instead of LATCH, and it doesn't worry me one bit. :) LATCH is just easier to use - in theory, at least. :rolleyes:

[hayleycrabtree]

True, but since we already bought the kits...we'd like to install them correctly!

[Maggie]

Don't worry if you don't have LATCH or don't have three separate sets of lower anchors - a correct seatbelt installation is perfectly fine. Three of my four car seats are currently installed with a seatbelt instead of LATCH, and it doesn't worry me one bit. :) LATCH is just easier to use - in theory, at least. :rolleyes:

I think what she might have meant is that she wouldn't mess around with trying to install something as vital as lower anchors. She would want to have professionals do it to make sure it's in right. Especially when your child's life depends on it.

And I totally agree. With no manual (even with one) I'd swallow the $200 and get them installed by people who know what they're doing. If you can't afford that, I'd send the anchors back and use the seatbelt. Lower anchors are no safer than seatbelts. And they are even less safe if they aren't installed correctly.

I just wouldn't feel comfortable doing something that important to keeping my children safe.

[BookMama]

I think what she might have meant is that she wouldn't mess around with trying to install something as vital as lower anchors. She would want to have professionals do it to make sure it's in right. Especially when your child's life depends on it.

And I totally agree. With no manual (even with one) I'd swallow the $200 and get them installed by people who know what they're doing. If you can't afford that, I'd send the anchors back and use the seatbelt. Lower anchors are no safer than seatbelts. And they are even less safe if they aren't installed correctly.

I just wouldn't feel comfortable doing something that important to keeping my children safe.

Um, guess I misunderstood :shrug-shoulders:- since everyone kept saying lower anchors (which canNOT be retrofitted), I thought she meant "Boy, I'd even be willing to pay for lower anchors if they were available" thinking that LATCH is safer than seatbelts.

[unityco]

...since everyone kept saying lower anchors (which canNOT be retrofitted)

I believe this is one of the few models that can have lower anchors retrofitted. There is a very limited range of Audis and VWs that can have LATCH anchors added. :thumbsup:

[Jeanum]

Good points, all, on LATCH vs. seatbelt and the importance of doing the lower LATCH anchor retrofitting correctly in the OP's Audi. Definitely not something to just "wing it" without the actual instructions. ETA: For those who are wondering, the LATCH manual does indicate the OP's Audi can be retrofitted with lower LATCH anchors and lists the respective part numbers. The A4 is one of several VW and Audi models that can be retrofitted with lower LATCH anchors. The LATCH manual also indicates there used to be a free retrofit program for VW/Audi owners, but the free aspect has been discontinued and now the owners have to pay to have it done.

[hayleycrabtree]

I think it's best to have the dealership do it I guess.

[Pixels]

I'd rather pay $200 or $300 for the dealer to install them correctly, then to install them myself andif something bad were to happen, to have that added guilt. I'd much rather know that I did all that I could to keep my LO safe, than to beat myself up about it later. :twocents: