Used car seat from a friend?

Question

Mamas, I need your advice!!

My good friend is selling her car seat and asked if I was interested.
It's a Maxi-Cosi Prezi infant car seat (
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0083BQ0EI?pc_redir=T1) and it expires in 2019.

I know nothing about car seats, but she said this one is top of the line, and is rated very well for safety.

It goes for $249 on Amazon, plus she has 3 bases ($80 each), and will sell it all to me for $200.

My questions are:
1) is it really worth it? Or should I just get a new one (different brand) for cheaper? I'd likely register for one

2) will I really need 3 bases? How hard is it to switch a base from car to car?

3) I know buying used car seats is frowned upon, but if it's from a close friend, and I know it hasn't been in an accident, is it ok?

Thanks for your opinions, mamas!!

Answer

Too much in my opinion. Let her try to sell it privately, and then when it doesn't sell maybe work out a deal with her. Maybe $150??? In my opinion, if you're going to spend that my much money, you're better off buying brand new.

Answer

It's best to have your bases professionally installed by someone that is certified. 9 out of 10 car seats are installed incorrectly. I don't suggest swapping bases in and out all the time.

Answer

Ok everyone saying having more than one base is excessive. Bases are actually not as safe as using just the car seat itself. The reason they have bases is because parents get in a hurry and are more likely to not install the car seat correctly. With bases that are already installed and done correctly the rushed parent just snaps it in and goes. Constantly moving car to car you are risking not doing it right

Answer

It's ok to buy used as long as it's not expired or been in an accident.

Answer

Right so buying a used car seat from someone is frowned upon only because you don't know it's history. But since it's your good friend, and you trust her, totally fine as long as it's not expired. Which it sounds like it's not.

It seems pricey in general however. You can buy a brand new car seat of a different brand and three bases (I would keep one in each car) for less money...or the same price but not used and a longer use (since expiration will be way later).

It's up to you though. I don't see what's so great about this car seat personally, but we have the chicco keyfit 30 which is less than $200 and a fantastic car seat.

Answer

I would try to talk the price down to at least half of what she paid.

Answer

I wouldn't. But I also wouldn't use an infant seat either. Babies grow out of them very quickly, within 4-8 months on average. Most babies will outgrow the length well before they outgrow the weight. This seat has a 29" limit. My 8 month old is 30" but only about 20 lbs. Just something to think about. Convertible car seats can be used from birth, but no matter what you decide you're going to be buying one within a few months anyway. She's asking way too much too.

Answer

I wouldn't spend $200 on a used car seat and 3 bases seems excess. We only have one for our main car and it takes 2 minutes to switch it if we need to.

Answer

It's really up to you its almost what I spent for a travel system which is a car seat base and stroller and they grow out of it so quick and life would be easier if we had two bases but they are not that hard to take out and put back

Answer

For a extra $50 you can get it brand new I myself love maxi cosi I have two of their seats for my kids if she lowers the price I say go for it

Used car seat from a friend?

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