is it dodgy to buy a second hand car seat?

[Nancy54]

Well what it says in the subject!

Am expecting twins so trying to save money. Was gonna buy a second hand car seat (already got one from my sis) but was talking to a friend yesterday who advised not to as it could have been involved in an accident. But if this was the case, i would assume you'd be able to see any damage? Or maybe not?

Any one got any experience of this?

My son's current carseat is secondhand. Was given to us by a family friend, so have no worries about it being in an accident as they would have said. Do you know anyone who could give you their old one?

Don't do it. Unless it's family or a very good friend - even then, think twice.

Car seats are expensive - so people with less that wonderful morals will sell a car seat that has been in an accident. Also, some people don't genuinely understand that a 'shunt' is an accident and a seat should be replaced. The vast majority of the time you will not see any evidence at all.

I understand that having twins is expensive, but car seats are not where you need to economise.

I would only get one from a friend, so that I could know that it had not been in an accident.

I think you also have to consider how old the car seat is. I have a vague memory of reading that they should not be used for more than about 10 years because the plastic they are made from gradually weakens.

I agree with Chipping it is not worth the risk, it's really not.

Besides the accident issue, car seats have a 'use by' date. The plastic does deteriorate after a time, becoming brittle.

It's not just accidents. If the car seat has been dropped (being thrown around the loft, or even just falling on the ground), the car seat could have a small, hairline crack, which would be a weak point in an accident.

i would only take one from a good friend who could assure me that it hasn't been overly bashed about.

Second hand car seat, no. There could be invisible damage from an accident that's weakened the seat. There are lots of things you can economise on but car safety is definitely not one of them.

Too much of a risk imo. You can usually get a good deal on a car seat if you shop around.

Car seats do have a use by date as well, it is either printed on the underside of the cat seat, or 5 years from date of purchase.

I agree, this is not where you need to save money by getting second hand. However, nothing wrong with buying a cheaper seat rather than an expensive one with a well known brand name. Even the one for £30 from Argos has to comply with the same safety standards as maxi cosi.

I agree I'd only buy one from a friend or family where I knew the history of the seat as even if your car has only had a minor accident you are supposed to replace the car seat.

Having said that I am currently selling all my twins old car seats as they are now just using boosters and am amazed at how easy it's been to sell them. Not one person has asked if they've been in accidents or anything. The most anyone has done is check they aren't dirty.

I wouldn't compromise on your baby's safety. Good luck with your twins

Can I add they haven't been in accidents. Would never do that to someone but not everyone is as nice or honest

We wanted to buy a Maxi Cosi Carbriofix car seat when we thought we were having one baby. When we discovered it was twins, we couldn't justify spending 300 quid on car seats alone. Everything escalated in price so we had to be sensible. We went for 2 Mothercare own car seats. We got them in the sale for 60 pounds in total instead of 60 pounds each! They are not as fancy looking as the Maxi Cosi but they are new and have passed safety standards so we went for them.

I personally wouldn't buy a second hand car seat.

I used a second hand seat from someone I know and trust but I woudn't buy one

there are good cheap alternatives to the big name branded ones on kiddicare

thanks everyone. Think i'll buy a new one then!