Is getting a used car seat a good idea? It has never been in an accident.?

Question

it has only been used once and it the car it has been in has NOT been in an accident.

we got it from friends we know (not from someone who can lie to us like from ebay or anything).

we'd like to keep it to save some cash but safety is of up-most importance and are willing to purchase a new one if a used one is not a good idea.

thanks guys!

Answer 1

yes it will be fine as long as everything like all the belts are there and don't have any snags, rips, or is stretched beyond its limits, and all of the latches work smoothly and lock properly. a great way to have it tested for legality is to take it to your local police department and have them look at it and inspect it, that way you know for sure if it is good or not. good luck

Answer 2

if you buy a new car seat, how long before it becomes a 'used' car seat?

my wife had an uncle who was a multimillionaire and he liked to let his VP's drive the new cars . he always drove a one year old car. he explained to me that they get all the bugs and squeaks and rattles out and when he takes over it's in perfect shape. makes sense?

you know even a new seat could be defective!

Answer 3

no. is not safe cause a used seat would have lost most of its ability. any a new seat is a lot cheaper than your safety.

Answer 4

Only because you trust the people you're getting it from would I even say you should consider it.  The fact that it's not been in an accident is the first thing you need to know.  The second thing is to make sure it's not been recalled.  You can check the maker's website as well as the consumer safety website to make sure it's not been recalled.  If both of those check out, then I'd say it's probably okay.

Lastly, make sure you get it installed properly.  If you have any questions about installation check with your county sheriff or AAA office.

Answer 5

I think it is a good idea to buy it used. Im all about saving money as im sure so is everyone else. just make sure it is properly placed, meaning dont do it yourself. Hope all works out

Answer 6

While a used car seat might be save dollars, it could also compromise safety.

Steer clear of used car seats unless you can verify the age and crash history of the seat, and can use the model number to verify that the seat is not under recall.

It's also tricky to determine whether used car seats still have all of the original parts needed for safety.

Answer 7

Its actually unsafe to get a used car seat unless it is coming from a trusted friend or relative and you are 100% positive:

1)it has never been in any wreck

2)it has all the original pieces, including manual

3)it has never been dropped, which means never been checked as luggage at the airport, either, since this frequently happens when checked or gate checked .

4)it is less than 6 years old

5)the straps have never been completely submerged or washed with anything other than mild soap(it messes up the flame retardent treatment)



If you wouldn't trust the seller with your child's life, don't buy a car seat from them. For $40 you can get a Cosco Scenera from Walmart. It rear faces to a whopping 35lbs, which is important b/c kids should stay rear facing as long as possible, the American Academy of Pediatrics says keep them rear facing preferably for their first 2 years of life. Then it goes to 40lbs front facing. It won't last child as long forward facing as some others, but for $40, its a great deal. Or, call your local police station and ask about car seats. Most have programs in place to give free/inexpensive car seat to families that need them, if that's the situation.