We test drove a 2004 Dodge Sprinter today. It seats 10 with headrests and lap/shoulder belts in every seat. Due to its age, we can possibly afford it. We are a family of nine currently driving two vehicles. I have been stalking Craigslist for YEARS to find a large vehicle with headrests and lap/shoulder belts in all seats that we can actually afford. I was pretty excited to find this one.
Problem #1: No tethers. I'm so bummed. My sole purpose in looking for an older Sprinter was for safety; I've had lots of chances to buy older Ford vans that have no headrests and/or plenty of lap-only belts. We've just stuck to driving two vehicles because everyone is in a proper seat/restraint. We cannot afford a Ford Transit or Nissan NV. I would love love love to have a Transit, but it is not to be.
Problem #2: One of the headrests is loose - you can lift it off with little effort. Is this a big problem? Is it fixable?
WWYD? My older kids are safer with this vehicle, but my youngers (esp those in forward-facing seats) are not. The babies (1 & 3) can rear face, but that won't last forever. The 5yo needs a tether for his Britax Frontier, and the 3yo will FF soon enough.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Problem #1: No tethers. I'm so bummed. My sole purpose in looking for an older Sprinter was for safety; I've had lots of chances to buy older Ford vans that have no headrests and/or plenty of lap-only belts. We've just stuck to driving two vehicles because everyone is in a proper seat/restraint. We cannot afford a Ford Transit or Nissan NV. I would love love love to have a Transit, but it is not to be.
Problem #2: One of the headrests is loose - you can lift it off with little effort. Is this a big problem? Is it fixable?
WWYD? My older kids are safer with this vehicle, but my youngers (esp those in forward-facing seats) are not. The babies (1 & 3) can rear face, but that won't last forever. The 5yo needs a tether for his Britax Frontier, and the 3yo will FF soon enough.
Thanks for your thoughts.