[jakesmama]

So, I know that I want to get a Radian XTSL for dd (3 at the end of May) as it will probably allow her to rf to 4 or 5 (maybe even 6...but we'll see how she feels about that!) so my question is, what small suv/crossover works well with the Radian? I've heard bad things about the Subaru Forester and the Ford Escape which were at the top of my list.<br><br>
I'm hoping to buy a new car in August and dd is fine rfing in her Marathon and Scenera right now so no rush to purchase anything atm. Just planning ahead! Thanks!

 

[DahliaRW]

The first thing I would do is find out which cars/suvs allow the installed car seat to touch the front seat. Because with a radian in any vehicle that isn't a mini van that is going to be an issue most likely. Newer cars with smart airbags sometimes do not allow this.<br><br>
I don't think the forester and radians get along, but haven't tried it myself!

 

[justKate]

Since you mentioned Fords, I just wanted to say DO NOT get a Ford Edge if you want a seat in the center. The rear seat is really roomy, but with a 60/40 split, it is really difficult to keep a RF convertible installed properly in the center position. I'd be happy to post pics if you can't visualize it.<br><br>
The Edge DOES, however, leave lots of room if you have seats RFing outboard--plenty of room for DD's Boulevard and TrueFit to RF behind either seat, even when pushed all of the way back for Huz (6'0'') to drive.

 

[lunarlady]

If you like Subaru, take a look at the new outbacks. They have a much longer wheel base than the Forester, which translates to more backseat space. I know it is not "small" but the Acura MDX handles like a much smaller car and has quite a bit of space in the rear seat. The Mazda CX7 had decent backseat space, but if you go with the CX9 the backseats actually are on rails and can be slid back more. (But CX9 drove like a big SUV, which it is) I would just take the seat to the dealership when you do your test drives. We did that with DD, and nobody batted an eye that I was lugging my Britax around and strapping it (and then DD) into everything I drove. I even got to check the location of all the anchor points, which was nice, as I installed the seats.

 

[jakesmama]

Good idea to bring the seat along! We don't actually have the Radian yet...maybe I'll purchase that first, then the car. Dp will <i>love</i> that. lol.<br><br>
She will definitely be outboard so I think that helps a little. I've heard Subarus are hard because of some weird seat bump in the middle. What about the Toyota Rav4? My mom has one and dd's MA installs well..but then it installs well in pretty much anything it seems!<br><br>
Thanks so much for the advice! I will be sure to ask about the airbags and seats touching the seatbacks.

 

[lunarlady]

They just totally redesigned the Subarus for the 2010 model year, so some of the older issues may have been solved. We didn't drive the Rav4. I ended up in an Acura RDX, which is basically just like the CRV, but a little better engine and handling. I do wish it had more rear seat space, which is why I wish I could have affroded the MDX. Car shopping is fun. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="smile"><br><br>
DP might laugh at you for lugging the new seat along, but trust me, the car dealerships won't bat an eyelash.

 

[jakesmama]

I think we're going to be looking at the 2008/2009 model years. I wish we could afford a brand new car but I don't think that's going to happen. I looked at my mom's Rav today and the back seats are on sliders which gives it a ton of room.<br><br>
I think that dp would have an issue with me purchasing a third carseat for dd when we only have two cars! Not sure which should come first, the car or the seat.<br><br>
I do like shopping for cars...this is fun!