Keep in mind that the seat is now 2 years old...
Carseats expire after a set amount of time (5-8 years, depending on manufacturer). While losing 2 years of use isn't such a big deal if you're getting a real bargain on the seat, if you're spending a full $100 on it, that "lost" 2 years is something you may want to factor in.
Also keep in mind that Evenflo has a new seat called the Triumph, which also has EPS foam. It sells for $119, which isn't that much more than the FPSE on eBay, and if you can find a good coupon or sale, you may be able to spend even less than that. (
www.evenflo.com/ep/on_go/...h.phtml?nf ) It also has a unique harness adjustment system that uses knobs and a "memory harness". I’ve heard that the system can take a bit of getting used to, but once you do, it’s great! That avoids the problem many seats have with adjustability. The Comfort Touch version is well padded. It lacks the built in locking clips that the FPSE (and Britax Roundabout) has.
The other two seats I'd consider for under $100 are the Century Accel (which has just been re-released as the Graco ComfortSport) and the Cosco Touriva.
Century Accel/Graco ComfortSport. (
www.centuryproducts.com/S...ypeID=15
It is available in a DX (slightly more padding and the cover covers more of the seat) and a SE version (a little less expensive). The straps on this seat are less twisty than many others, though not quite as nice as the ones on the FPSE. The harness adjuster is also easier to use than many. The Graco ComfortSport is now available in some stores. It is almost identical to the Accel and has LATCH anchors. The Accel is now on clearance for $30 at TRU, which is a real steal, IMO.
Cosco Touriva. (
www.djgusa.com/coscocat/c...riva.html) This seat is much more difficult to use and has a lot less padding than any of the seats listed above. It also has a very difficult to install and adjust tether. However, it is significantly less expensive, and if you are diligent about making sure the straps don’t get twisted and in ensuring that the harness is tight enough each and every trip, it is not an "unsafe" seat.
The seats I listed above all have a rear facing weight limit of at least 30 lb (remember, toddlers *must* stay rear facing until they weigh at *least* 20 lb and are a minimum of 1 year old, and longer is safer). They are compatible with a wide variety of vehicles, though you should always make sure a seat fits in *your* vehicle before making a final decision. They all have reasonable harness slot heights (lowish bottom slots and tallish top slots). They all have a 5 point harness, which generally provides better protection in a crash than an overhead shield does.
If you can say, "Yes," to each of the following questions, the seat may be the right one for *you*.
1-Does it fit your child?
2-Does it fit your vehicle?
3-Does it fit your budget?
4-Will you use it properly each and every time you go somewhere?
