Question 3 across in a 2003 Civic?

[Unregistered]

We recently found out we are expecting our third child. I have a 2003 Honda Civic (4 door) and I would like to see if I can fit 3 car seats in there for a year or so until I can get a new car. When the baby is due we will have a 5.5 year old (DS) and a 2.5 year old (DD). I am kind of all over the place right now in trying to find the right combination of seats. Right now I have the following seats:
Britax Frontier
Chicco Keyfit (old style)
Britax Marathon (old style)

I would like to use the Keyfit for the first few months just for convenience but I am not tied to it (it expires about 6 months after the baby is due and if I end up having to install it with no base I lose the convenience anyway). I am thinking the Frontier and the Marathon may be too big so I am okay with using them in DH’s car and buying new car seats for the Civic.

The reviews I have read say the Radian is slimmer than others. I could get two Radians (if the Frontier and/or Marathon won’t work) to use with the Keyfit (if it will fit) for now, but I am open to other ideas. My DD can be RF or FF at that point if that helps with puzzling the seats. Anyone have any experience with 3 across in a Civic?
Also:
Is it easier to fit three across if I use the seatbelts instead of the latch?
If I go with 2 new Radian seats should I get the RXT or the R100?

 

[mylittlet]

I would get a radian and try. Oldest in the ff radian, #2 rf in the MA and the keyfit you have. Try them in every order. Try installing all with seatbelts because it will give you more install space.

I would look at the R100 or R120 for the radians, because the wings of the RXT have gotten in the way sometimes when doing 3 across.

 

[twobugmommee]

Thank you. I will order one Radian and try it with the Keyfit and the Marathon in different combinations. If the Marathon is too wide I will get a second Radian. If the Keyfit is too wide I will try two Radian seats and the Marathon. I am hoping it will work in the short term.

 

[bnsnyde]

Nothing seems to fit in our 2005 Civic except 2 of any carseat. So we'll be getting a new car in the next few years.

Good luck with finding what works!