Used Car Seat

most carseats expire in 5 or 7 years, i wouldn't take this one, but i wouldn't take any used carseat. that is one item it's just not worth it to take a chance. you also have to worry if it's ever been in an accident, ANY accident... has it been stored in a hot attic? there are lots of things that can contribute to a carseat becoming unsafe even before it "expires".

Look at the Mfr date which should be on the model # sticker and if it is older than 6 years you need to buy a new one as it is expired.

better to buy a new seat. Car seats have expiration dates.

Yes, check the underside of the car seat to see what the expiration date it.

It mostly has to do with the plastics that will be compromised over time due to head/cold, etc.
Plus, there could have been recalls on the product your friend is unaware of.

We chose not to accept car seats and preferred to purchase new with both of our kids. We'll need to replace an infant carrier if we have another child because ours expires in 2011.

Car seats DO expire people! Not hollering at you A., but some posters! Most car seats are 6yrs from date of manufacture, and some 3-in-1 seats that rear/forward/booster, the booster portion is good for 8yrs. However this seat is 5yrs old, maybe 8 according to your post... check the expiration date. If its expired, don't use it, remove the cover, cut the harness and break the shell with a sledgehammer and trash it.

The plastic goes through a process called photodegeneration... same thing that happens to plastic toys left in the yard. They fade adn become really brittle. Car seat plastic is obviously much higher grade, but its still only plastic and does need to be replaced after 6yrs.

Look at the date of manfuacture, if its more than 6yrs old, trash it and buy a new one. You can get a Cosco Scenera at Wal Mart for $39, rear face to 35lbs and forward to 40lbs, fits most kids to age 4 in the harness. Its not worth wondering if your child is safe in an old used seat.

I've never heard of expiration dates on car seats. If the seat is in good condition I don't see why it wouldn't be fine to use. I bought several at consignment sales over the years. And since you know this person you can see for yourself if she takes care of her things. Would she be letting her kids ride around in an unsafe seat? Likely not.

best is to get a new one - not only are there expiration dates but if the seat was ever in an accident (even a minor fender bender) it should be replaced as there could be damage to the seat where it can't be seen.

Check for the expiration date. It should be stamped onto the carseat underside somewhere.
And I don't trust used car seats, if they've been in an accident they have to be replaced.

If it is more than 7 years old, I would not use it. Most car seats have an "expiration date" on them, so look for that on the tag. I live in TX and it gets rediculously hot here in the summer, so the recommendation is actually only 5 years here since the plastic can become very brittle in the excessive heat. If you're just using it periodically in a second car, then it is probably okay unless it's expired, in which case I wouldn't use it. Just be mindful of the expiration date and weight limits (some go to a higher weight than others) and don't use it past those points. Also be sure to check to see if the seat has been recalled for any reason. Hope this helps!

I would do a quick check and make sure it hasn't been recalled. If it has not been in an accident and you like the look of it, no real issues in using it. I have a 6 yo car seat that I bought for my oldest and my youngest is using no problems at all. As a second car seat, you could place it in the vehicle used less if it makes you feel more comfortable.

From www.carseat.org -

"Expiration date - In the last few years, CR manufacturers have been putting "expiration dates" on their products. This was begun in response to infant deaths from air bags. The companies realized that they had millions of products in use that said nothing about the danger to a rear-facing child. The concern became one that "best practice" and regulations change over time, so that a child restraint becomes "obsolete" and less effective than a new product, much the same way that medicines may change or become less effective after some time has passed. A current example would be with tethers--older CRs do not have them, and this is potentially a situation where a newer product will be more effective than an older one.

Taken at face value, the expiration interval (ranging from 5 to 8 years, depending on the manufacturer) is from the date of manufacture, which is what governs the labeling, certification, and other rules that apply. Whether to continue to use an "expired" CR is a judgment call, depending on the alternatives. It will work as well as before, but it is important to know what regulations and warnings may have changed and the risks involved. It is also important to take the expiration date into account when purchasing a CR that may have been manufactured several months or even a year or more before."

Hmmm, sounds like the main "upgrade" in newer car seats are stickers warning about air bags. I would check for any recalls, check the condition of the seat, and use it if you are satisfied.

there should be a tag with an expiration date (I belive they are generally 8-10 years). Ask her if it's ever been in an accident (even a little fender bender). Also check to see if it's been recalled. If not, chances are it will be safe, but that would be your choice.

If you know it has been looked after , not been in any accidents and everything it in good working order then it is fine. You just need to make sure it has a 5 point harness (not sure if seat that old had them) , if not then you may need to look into whether it is legal now without a 5 point harness.

I would not go out and buy a used car seat, but I would use one received from a friend I trust that is in good condition. I have my self bought a car seat for our secondary car that was close to it's "expiration date" (brand new, on clearance at a store).
As someone else mentioned, these expiration dates don't mean that the seats are not safe to use, it's simply to cover the butt of the manufacturer against lawsuits.
Older seats may not have some features currently considered most safe LATCH straps and anchors are only an issue if you actually use them. We have older cars without LATCH, so we don't care about that. I would insist on a seat with a five point harness (with chest clip) and I would never use a seat that uses an overhead shield.
When you get an older seat take of the cover and give it a thorough examination for any damage (this includes discolorations which may indicate damage to plastic parts).
Good luck!

Check the label for the expiration date. If it's not expired, do a search for recalls. If it's not expired or recalled, you're fine to use it.

I wouldn't do it at all. If it's five years you might have an extra year to use it. I think most seats go up to 6 (I always say 5 just to be on the safe side), but since it's 8. NO! Seats do have an expiration date on the label where it has the model number. Car seats get revamped every year and new saftey standards get changed just as often.
And double check if it's recalled.