Matching Game! Put the car seat in the right car

[hipmummy]

Here are the vehicles
2007 VW Passat Wagon

2000 VW Passat Wagon

The Car-seats

Britax Frontier 80 ( own and presently use in 07 Passat)

Grace Nautilus ( was going to buy per past MDC refs)

Which fits better in which car and should I go for the Nautilus.
Fyii Ds is 4.7 37.5 pounds and is
low tone he will be in a five point for a while.

[KempsMama]

So your looking for a second seat for a second vehicle?  I would buy another frontier, if your child needs to be able to harness for a longer period of time.

[hipmummy]

Originally Posted by KempsMama 

So your looking for a second seat for a second vehicle?  I would buy another frontier, if your child needs to be able to harness for a longer period of time.

Yes, I was just trying to save some $$$ as the price difference is huge (we just had to buy a Marathon for Ds 2) and I had a hard time with install on the Froniter in the 2000. It fits but I think it could be better. Also I cut up my fingers in the process. I am willing to switch seats around if need be. The 2000 does not have Latch . Does the Nautilus have an easy belt install?

I get what you are saying about the longer harness time and the Frontier. I guess I could rationalize the price by looking at the 9 year exp date.

I hate making these decisions!

My first car cost less than a Frontier!

[DahliaRW]

The nautilus is a breeze to install with a belt.  Most kids will be mature enough for a booster by the time they outgrow it.  Only kids who are super tall or have developmental delays really need the harnessing time of the frontier over the nautilus.

[DahliaRW]

Ah sorry, just saw the low tone thing.  You'll have to decide how long you want to harness and compare the height.  The harnessed part of the nautilus (and hbb) is 6 years, the bottom as a backless booster is good for 9.  The other option if you know you need a harness for a super long time is to look at a booster + ezon harness.

[KempsMama]

Originally Posted by hipmummy 

Originally Posted by KempsMama 

So your looking for a second seat for a second vehicle?  I would buy another frontier, if your child needs to be able to harness for a longer period of time.

Yes, I was just trying to save some $$$ as the price difference is huge (we just had to buy a Marathon for Ds 2) and I had a hard time with install on the Froniter in the 2000. It fits but I think it could be better. Also I cut up my fingers in the process. I am willing to switch seats around if need be. The 2000 does not have Latch . Does the Nautilus have an easy belt install?

I get what you are saying about the longer harness time and the Frontier. I guess I could rationalize the price by looking at the 9 year exp date.

I hate making these decisions!

My first car cost less than a Frontier!
 

I understand the sticker shock for sure.  We have a Nautilus, but I wish I had bought the Frontier because the Nauti is not going to last as long as I'd hope for my huge three year old.  It has a super easy install, which I love, but I kick myself for not buying the seat that would harness him longer.  I'm saving up for a Frontier now though. 

[hipmummy]

So here is the big question? I can see from so any threads. Why s a belt install with the Fronter such a Pia!!!! The car seat itself with the tether fis beautifully in both cars. However, only one has latch. Even the latch can be a challenge as the the anchors are wider then then the vehicle anchor points. I am do torn if I get another frontier and we replace the 2000 with another car will the Frontier even fit the new car(s). Dh may be getting a mini Cooper in a year and I may get a chevy equinox in two years. Any suggestions?