I was in an accident on Monday and our car was totalled. I already ordered Radians to replace the seats that were in the accident, somewhat based on the premise that our mini van was going to be fixed. But it ended up being a total loss. So now we're in the market for another car. Our budget is tight- $4-6000. Any suggestions on finding the safest car possible that still has enough room? I really really like the new carseats, but we'd need to have enough space to keep them rear facing. I don't know if we'll be able to find anything spacious enough with such a tight budget. Specifically, does anyone know if a 2000 Suzuki Esteem Wagon has enough space for rear facing Radians, or if it has good safety ratings? I'm not too familiar with wagons. Thank you in advanced for your thoughts!
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Question A car that will fit 3 Radians across, on a budget?
- Thread starter Yellie417
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gsdguenter
Well-known member
bumping for you, and I'm curious too
BookMama
Senior Community Member
What combination of FF/RF do you need? I have a 2003 Ford Focus (wagon) and currently have a RF Radian behind the driver, a FF Radian behind the passenger, and definitely have enough room for another Radian in the middle. (Might not work if you need two RF and have a tall driver AND passenger, though.)
Patriot201
Car-Seat.org Ambassador
I have a 2006 Civic and can easily fit three Radians, in any combination, across the back. In fact, I currently have a FF Nautilus, a FF Radian, and a RF Radian (in that order) across the back.
skiersnowboarder3
Senior Community Member
I'm pretty sure any car could fit 3 radians across width wise.
gsdguenter
Well-known member
How do you have enough room in a civic for 3 kids and all the stuff that goes with them? Does it really work for you? Hmmmm . . . I thought with 3 kids you'd have to have a minivan or big suv or maybe wagon.
Patriot201
Car-Seat.org Ambassador
I keep my trunk very empty and only have a single stroller in the trunk. That leaves TONS of room for other "stuff."
A few weeks ago, I had a Pack n Play, a stroller, a medium-size suitcase (the biggest that an airline will allow), a backpack packed full of toys, and several other small things all in my trunk. It fit well!
gsdguenter
Well-known member
that's awesome! opens up more cars for people on a tighter budget and who are looking for better mpg.
Lea_Ontario
Well-known member
If it won't fit 3 Radians, it won't fit 3 carseats at all.
3plus2isme
New member
I have a 2007 civic and we just drove across 2 provinces with a FF marathon, FF radian and a PP SIP (bought it while on vacation.) Along with all the kids toys to entertain them on the drive. The trunk had 2 big suitcases, a BOB revolution, 3 pillows, a blanket, a maclaren volo and a bunch of other "cr@p" LOL
I love my civic to much to give it up now that #3 is on the way... Although we do have a fullsize truck for when we want/need more room.
Definitely not. I had a Hyundai Santa Fe that simply wouldn't have worked in. I've also tried three Radians across in a Nissan Altima, which has a huge back seat. I could make it LOOK very pretty, but once you pulled out the center seat, the outboard seats simply weren't independently installed.
Depends on how it puzzles. If they are rear facing and forward facing, that's another thing.
For example, I can put a rear facing Radian, a forward facing Radian, and a FPSV booster across in a Dodge Stratus. Definitely can't put 3 FF Radians across though. You can't even get the FPSV booster next to the Radian without having the booster on a thirty degree angle.
elle7715
Member
Mine can't if they're all facing the same direction, at least not so all are independently secure. It's a 2008 Chevy Cobalt.
I agree. I can fit three Radians in our car IF the middle seat is RF. Technically I could also have the two outboard seats RF and the middle seat FF but the driver would be eating the steering wheel. I can also do the combo you mentioned with a FF Radian, RF Radian, and then a FPSVB. We'll definitely be needing a new car when the new baby can't RF anymore. Luckily with the Radian's new 40 lb RF limit that will give us at least a couple years.
skiersnowboarder3
Senior Community Member
That's true I forgot how much wider the radian is at the shoulders than at the hips.
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