New Seat for 03 Matrix/00 CRV

Kimberly · Oct 19, 2010

We own a 2003 Toyota Matrix and a 2000 CRV. Our daughter is is currently RFing in an Evenflo Triumph Advance. I love the seat for how it adjusts, with the knob on the side. But, she is now 2.5 yrs old, 34" tall, and about 26lbs. I am finding it harder to lift her up over the side of the seat, without wacking her head, poor kid!

We only have one seat, which is a pain when my husband drops her off, then I pick her up from the sitter. So, we are looking for a second seat.

I have read a lot of posts about the radian, including the successful install thread. I have come across a few posts that say it was hard to install in a Matrix rear-facing. Just wondering if anyone has an recent experience with this?

We live 90 minutes from the nearest place we can test out seats, but there is a Toys r Us in that city. I was thinking Britax or the Radian but any helpful hints would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Kim

chay · Oct 19, 2010

Toys R Us won't have the Radian, you'll have to find a specialty baby store for that (hopefully someone out that way can say where).

Here's the list of techs and there are a few in Nova Scotia. If you're really lucky one might be close by, own a Radian and want to have a car seat play date....
http://www.car-seat.org/showthread.php?t=67767

I did put one in a 99 CRV once. The passenger seat had to be moved up a bit but it wasn't too bad IIRC.

amyd · Oct 19, 2010

If you'll be headed to HRM, you can try out a Radian at the Royal Diaperer on Sackville Dr in Lower Sackville. Sears is carrying the Radian XT now too, but only the XT & in only 1 colour, I believe, at least in store.

cbf123 · Oct 20, 2010

We moved from an EFTA to a rear-facing RadianXT in an 05 Matrix, which should be similar to yours.

The Radian is really easy to install if you don't care about the front passenger leg room.

I used the "push down at the bight" trick to get as upright an install as possible using LATCH, and then we put the front passenger seat one notch more upright than it was previously. Together this gives enough leg room for a passenger, though with not much to spare.

It will also install in the center using the seatbelt and will be more upright. In our case we wanted the middle space as a buffer so the toddler doesn't poke the baby's eyes. "Daddy...Ian eyes!" "Yes, those used to be Ian's eyes...."

LittlePeanut · Oct 20, 2010

I have an '06 Vibe which should be similar. I have an older MA, an XT and a Scenera I can try out in it for you. I'm in the HRM if you'd like to meet up and try them in your vehicle too. Where are you located?

Kimberly · Oct 21, 2010

Thanks! Those tips are great! It is good to know that it did fit ok in an 05, which should be similar. I am in Stellarton, and would love to try those seats if it works out the next time I am in the city! That would be wonderful!

New Seat for 03 Matrix/00 CRV

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