for a friend- will a RN fit RFing in a 2001 VW Golf?

[oursonend]

My friend's sister is considering a Radian for her daughter. Her daughter is currently only 5 or so months old, so she would be RFing for quite some time.

I told her I would ask if a RN fits RFing in a 2001 VW Golf. Has anyone tried this? She is her only child, so it could be in any seating position, preferably middle but outboard is an option.

TIA!

[Defrost]

I have an '01 Golf and a Radian. Yay! :D

Does she have a 2-door or a 4-door? I'm not sure there's much difference, but it's worth asking.

Mine's a 2-door. The Radian is incompatible RF in the center. You cannot twist the buckle stalks in a VW (they're cable, not webbed) so there's just no way to get the latchplate out of the way.

It does install fine outboard, however (with LATCH - btw, her vehicle does have LATCH.) Trouble is, it doesn't leave much room for the front passenger. Now, it might be better with the new boot, I haven't tried that yet. I can borrow Gypsy's, though, and give it a shot sometime this week if she thinks she needs it. The amount of legroom that I was left with having a RF Radian behind the seat was enough for ME, but I'm short-legged.

[oursonend]

Thank you! Too bad about the middle seat and cables. I already told her that I got a Marathon for my car because the RN didn't fit RFing in it without smooshing the people in the front seat, so it might be that she will opt to do the same.

Hers is a 4-door. I'm not familiar with Golfs, but I'll let her know that it's possible that there's a difference, and ler her know about your experience with RFing in a 2-door.

Thanks again!

[Defrost]

The only reason I didn't just say "Tell her to skip the RN and get a MA instead" is because my DD rode RF in the Golf in a MA, and heat/air flow was an issue. We still managed, but the RN does tend to be cooler because of the low sides, so if she's shorter and doesn't need the leg room up front, I think the RN would still be worthwhile. (Not to mention lasting longer, of course.)

It's also entirely possible that she'd be able to get it more upright with the new boot than I was able to with the old one.