Isofix Car Seat in 2012 Golf GTD?

[Hillbilly]

Again, I recommend doing your own research in this regard. Check your insurance policy PDS for such clauses - I know that my insurer does not list any such exclusions.

Also consider whether your belief in the improved safety of an overseas spec seat is worth more than the monetary value of your insurance policy. Personally I'd chose the safest option for my kids as the only concern, rather than picking a less safe option because I might be less out of pocket in case of an accident.

Anyway, to gfish - if you're using an Aussie seat with ISOFIX clips on the end of a seatbelt strap then the middle seat should be OK, as the straps are connected and then tightened as per the top tether. If you're using a rigid ISOFIX connector then it'd be a fluke that the inner connectors were the standard ISOFIX distance apart, as the spacing will depend on the width of the car itself.

Why do people continually try to circumvent the ADR rules to save a few dollars

Are you and your childrens lives worth it.

Maybe the rules seem to be restrictive but never the less they are the rules and for whatever reason they should be adhered to.

Maybe the seats overseas look the same Maybe they are, maybe they are not. To the Op's credit he said he is going to buy an Aus approved one so why are others suggesting he should look at alternatives.

Always some one who has a "better" way.

i believe that Aus insists on a top tether strap, which to me can only be sensible rather than leave it loose.

[jamesatfish]

Read your insurance policy again. If there are non ADR approved modifications to the vehicle, you're excluded.

Thanks - I have checked.

Our policies are specific that non 'legal' modifications are not themselves insured but should they be present on a vehicle that does not preclude insurance cover for that vehicle.

This is the advice given to us by our insurance broker's lawyers for vehicles on our company policies and may or may not be the same for anyone else's policy - hence the recommendation for everyone to do their own research into their own policies.

[jamesatfish]

Why do people continually try to circumvent the ADR rules to save a few dollars

Are you and your childrens lives worth it.

Maybe the rules seem to be restrictive but never the less they are the rules and for whatever reason they should be adhered to.

I've had my eldest daughter in an ISOFIX seat since she grew out of her forward-facing toddler seat, a decision made purely on safety despite the fact that it actually cost more to source a suitable quality ISOFIX seat from overseas than buy a seat locally.

I chose not to blindly adhere to the rules just because they are the rules.

I did my own research, read the relevant standards, considered the insurance aspect and concluded that a rigid-connector ISOFIX booster-style seat was safer than a locally sourced booster-style seat that uses the seatbelt to secure both seat base and child at the same time.

Note: That decision was made prior to there being a local ISOFIX implementation. My own personal decision stands however others should consider what's available on the local market at this point in time in making their own choice.

[2muchcoffeeman]

Why do people continually try to circumvent the ADR rules to save a few dollars

I also read the relevant standards and made a decision based in 2010 on safety, overseas standards and grey matter. I spent more to do it and have no regrets.

If it was today, I'd purchase Isofix and do so locally.

[gfish]

I applaud people who do their own research and agree that the standards here in Aus have been lacking, particularly in regards to rear-facing car seats and Isofix tether. Initially, I was going to import an EU seat, however, there are now a few extended rear-facing, Isofix tether seats here in Australia. I am not completely sure that they are as good/better than some EU seats, however, they have the advantage of complying with Au standards (which are still quite high) and you can both Isofix and top tether, whilst not being 'illegal' and potentially voiding insurance.

I'm looking at the Britax Platinum SICT Isofix and the Infa-Secure Kompressor 2, in case anyone else is also searching. My research has indicated that the Britax might be a better choice (potentially can have your kid in rear-facing for longer than in the Kompressor 2).

Also, there are occasionally recalls on seats and it would be much harder to keep informed of any recalls (let alone utilise warranty) if a seat is purchased from overseas.

This is just my opinion based on a bunch of research. I am not saying that the AU seats are now better/as good than EU seats (I have a strong suspicion that they are not, but are getting close).

Its just a shame that the VW's don't have Isofix points for the centre seat. I am going to do some more reading about whether I can use side ISOFX points as well as seatbelt/top tether for the middle. Could change the world as we know it!

EDIT: Looks like it is not recommended to use both ISOFIX and seatbelt together as the seats have never been tested this way and *may* compromise safety.