Iso Fix Child seats

[woofy]

Yeah just a warning about overseas seats. They are illegal and no matter how safe they are, you can end up in serious trouble if something goes wrong. Maxi cosi get a massive rep for safety in the UK, but a lot of the same models had to have big mods to even pass our standards here. Oz have pretty much the toughest safety stds and testing in the world for these things.

[sharpmarble]

Check www.Recall.Gov.Au category kids--> kids equipment. It has taken too long for the Australian authorities to permit isofix but the rules as implemented (including top tether) here have been determined to be much safer by both European and Australian authorities. In Europe they found it too hard to get approval for the safest option so they dropped the top tether. Isofix seats bought from overseas not meeting au design rules are illegal,as they are simply not as safe.

[woofy]

By the way Recaro seats are coming in Oct to here.

[Dutch77]

By the way Recaro seats are coming in Oct to here.

About time. Junior might need an upgrade.

Unless the seat is stamped locally then it's not legal which is a world of hurt - not worth the easy fine from the cops either. That was the SA situation anyway, it might be legal elsewhere as long as it meets the regs but shop around, easiest to stick local.

[sharpmarble]

A site that might be of interest, they actually crash test the seats/capsules. Pity they are bit behind in their testing schedule.
Home | Child Car Seats - Make the safest choice

[GTR27]

Incorrectly fitted seats are far worse than ISOFIX without top tether. Its very easy to incorrectly fit car seats without ISOFIX. You cannot incorrectly fit an ISOFIX seat, it's either in or its not (i.e. you would have to just sit it on the seat, unrestrained). ISOFIX performs better in side impact, and slightly worse in front impact (as more force is transmitted through the seat). I did lots of reading/research on it before purchase. Top tether makes a marginal difference (<10% in most cases) but correct fitment makes a VERY large difference to crash results. (and I have read that ~88% of car seats installed in australia are INCORRECTLY installed) We take our seats in and out all the time, which is a pain in the arse with normal seats, but a breeze with ISOFIX.

I understand and accept you can get a fine for incorrect seats (few points and few hundred $$$) - but honestly I dont care. I know that the seats I bought are better than any of the seats in the same price range I could have gotten in australia. Not to mention I think they would pick my tint before kid seats. It's an inconspicuous family wagon and I dont drive like a flog. The chances of the police checking the seats is so miniscule that its not worth worrying about. I even asked 2 mates who are coppers, and the only time they check seats is if the driver is being an ********. So if you dont have an attitude talking to the cops, you'll be fine.


Obviously this is a choice that each person has to weigh up, but search and read about the facts on both sides before making an informed decision.

[Dutch77]

I never argued against ISOFIX, but it's worth letting people know the risks of buying overseas on the legals - I've known plenty of people with seats checked, not to mention a post accident investigation.

In Victoria the seat fitment needs to be certified so I don't really have a choice either. In SA it was still free choice whether to fit yourself or use a registered fitter.

As for pricing, at the time of shopping when the dollar was overvalued I still wouldn't have made a big enough saving on any I looked at to warrant the problems with an overseas purchase. I did consider the Recaro option as the local importer obviously can't legally sell them. Where pricing is close I always buy local bricks n mortar - this country is stuffed enough for my kid today let alone when they are out in the real world down the track.

Wasn't having a go at your choices, just making sure people know the most critical facts on what is an important choice.

[woofy]

First I have heard seats need to be done by a fitter in Vic, it was always an option. It's up to anyone what they do, the police aren't the concern. If your kids are in an overseas seat and something bad happens, some serious charges get laid. I wouldn't want to find out what insurers will try and get out of either.

[GTR27]

So these 'serious legal issues' from an imported seat. Surely you could provide a link to someone charged with something relating to an imported seat?

I have not ever heard of anyone being charged, even in an accident. I've even heard of insurers replacing ISOFIX seats that were imported. All they can realistically charge you with is whatever the fine is for incorrect seats (few points and a few hundred dollars). They would have to prove you were negligent in choosing that seat (which you can prove is safe in other countries, along with the statistics for incorrect seat fitment) to charge you with anything else.

Understand there are some consequences, but gee, making it like you'll have done horrible 'legal' consequences is a bit if a stretch (aside from the few point plus fine)

[Flea]

Sounds like you're more worried about the police than the safety of your children. ADR and Australian Quality Standards are there for a reason. Just go and buy a seat that is approved and stop compromising the safety of your children.