Decisions decisions for a spare.... Help?

[P1ally]

Ok here's our set up:

DS- 31lbs, 37", 30 months

2004 Malibu- Safeguard (my car)
1993 Ford ranger- TBD- (DH's truck, no top tether yet)
2003 Saturn Vue- Nautilus (grandma's car)

So after a recent breakdown (while DH was at home with ds and no carseat Walking home in the rain is no fun), we decided we need a spare seat. My budget is around 200 (we just bought the safegaurd ) and I was considering my options. Another GN is out, because frankly, I hate that seat SO much. I was considering a truefit or radian65, but am open to any other ideas. DS almost never rides in DH's truck just fyi. We need a top tether put in. I still want the seat in case the SG is being washed, or I'm just being picky hehehe. It could move to any of the 3 cars. EPS is a must. Any ideas?



*secretly celebrates because she gets to buy another seat*[/SIZE]

 

[mylittlet]

Personally, I would skip convertibles unless you are planning on having more kids. But that limits options and most are more then 200. I would suggest the regent and frontier.

 

[Melizerd]

I would probably look at the Nautilus it's under $200 and it fits your requirements I think.

I agree that unless you're going to pass the convertible down it's probably not worth it, you'll get more use out of the Nautilus.

The Regent and the Frontier are both great options but over the $200 mark.

 

[flipper68]

Isn't the Ranger the smaller Ford pick up?

If it has the 2nd row seat, I'd be very concerned that the base of most seats won't fit on the bench (75-80% of the base must be on vehicle seat).

 

[AtTheSouthDam]

I'd go with a radian just because it takes up less closet space. It would still last your child plenty of time. It is also great as a back up in case you are picked up by some one with and older car, then you won't have to worry about the top tether.

BTW, I have also learned the hard way about leaving my children at home without a car seat. Hence the need for spares when we only have one car.

 

[P1ally]

Personally, I would skip convertibles unless you are planning on having more kids. But that limits options and most are more then 200. I would suggest the regent and frontier.

I'm not terribly concerned with value over time.. If I get 2-3 years out of it, I'll be happy.. Maybe then I can get the new and improved version of the frontier

Isn't the Ranger the smaller Ford pick up?

If it has the 2nd row seat, I'd be very concerned that the base of most seats won't fit on the bench (75-80% of the base must be on vehicle seat).

Yes it is the smaller pick up, but the back has jump seats, so DS has to sit in the front (no airbag). Again, he rides in the truck very rarely.

I just saw how low the top slot for the TF is, which stinks. I was kind of set on it. The nautilus is a no go- total PITA, and uncomfortable for my kiddo. Lol anyone want to buy a nautilus? Jk. I did find a regent at usa baby for 209... Hmmm

 

[Gypsy]

I'd get a True Fit and rear face him for 4 more pounds - you won't need to worry about a tether until you forward face him.

If you are definitely going to forward face, because there is no tether, I'd get a Radian.