3-across in Jetta, Outback or Forester?

bairnns

New member
I am new-car hunting still and running out of options! So many of the smaller SUVs/wagons, especially in my mid-price range, have a rear center seat that's pretty useless, due to size, lack of headrest, hard plastic mechanisms near the seat belt anchors. Others have no way to restrain cargo, and I carry a large Stokke stroller.

I'd like something in which I can fit three carseats IN A PINCH. That is, it needs to fit correctly of course, but it doesn't need to be convenient as it will be only an occasional need. My own kids are well out of carseats, with the 'baby' age 17! But I do some part time child care and many of my 'alumni' are like family now and visit with me. We take them to the zoo, to Disneyland, etc.

The Mazda5 looked good for a time, but there are no cargo hooks (other than plastic ones) and I emailed Milford- no barrier available.

So now I'm looking at a new VW Jetta, and the Subaru Outback or Forester. Has anyone done successful center-seat installations in these? My exploring at Subaru today leads me to believe it's possible, but I'd love to hear from someone who did it. There is a Milford barrier available for both Subaru models; I haven't checked the Jetta but when I was looking at the Tiguan they had real cargo hooks and I'm hoping the Jetta will too. Subaru sells a 'dog barrier' for the Outback; not sure if this is effective for the stroller tho.

I currently have a 2005 Toyota Sienna (with 100,000 miles now). I'd like to stop dealing with the repairs and get a less pricey car with a warranty and better gas mileage. It seems a waste to use this big expensive van when it so rarely has more than 2 or 3 people in it, now that my own kids are grown. However, I won't buy a new large vehicle- if I have to keep the van to be able to really fit 5 people, then that's the option I'll take for a couple of years more.

My current carseats are a Marathon, a Radian 65, a Graco Turbo booster and a Chicco KeyFit30. I also own a SafeGuard Go that's 'out on loan'. This isn't really important tho as I'm willing to buy a couple of new carseats if that's what it takes. I know the Radian is good for tight spaces tho, so I have a start there.

Not looking for a sedan. I love garage saling, thrift shop hunting and Craig's list and like the ability to fold down the seats when I make a larger purchase! I can do this on days when I don't have other people's kids with me.

TIA!

Lori
 
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MomToEliEm

Moderator
You may want to look through the successful 3-across thread which shows a variety of vehicles with 3-across installs. Hopefully you can find some Jetta and Subaru pictures in there to give you an idea of how well they work in a 3-across situation.
http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=33226

What are the ages of the kids who will be utilizing these seats? Are you looking at only new vehicles or might it be a few years old? If you are getting a used vehicle, what model years are you looking at?
 

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