Yeah, I was hesitant to buy a used seat, but I can't afford another TF or a new Britax, and I need the lockoffs to get a tight fit. The couple I bought it from were very nice, and said that it had never been in any sort of accident. The guy said he had no idea how much his wife had paid for the seat, and was a little annoyed to sell it to me for $45.
I took it completely apart last night, and there are no stress whitening marks on any of the plastic, the metal is not rusted, all parts fit tightly, the lockoffs look and work perfectly, the harness is in perfect shape, and the HUGS are still in place. The dial to raise and lower the headrest works great. Buckles click and lock. The only worries I had are that the headrest is a little wiggly, and the EPS foam is crumbly around the back of the seat bottom where the recline hinge is.
I wish that I could spend the $179 for another TF, I just can't.
I read
thisand figured that if these seats can withstand several major crashes with minimal damage, that this one would be fine. There are no signs of wear.
I'm cautious, but I really want to have a long-lasting, safe seat for my girl.
All that said, I'm still on the fence.