My wife is pregnant. Her parents are going to come overseas and stay with us for 6 months or so, around the time she delivers.

Don't own a car as I just passed my driving test last week. So we're looking to buy our first car. I've been looking at cars and the Fit seems to be a great machine. Reliable and fuel efficient, with lots of cargo space.

While the car will be great when it is only the 3 of us. When her parents are here, I expect that we will travel a little as they've never visited the country.

Therefore, I ask will we be able to manage to fit a rear facing baby seat and 2 adults in the back along with 2 in the front? Will it be a tight squeeze?

Thinking, if we need to go for a Corolla or Civic instead.

Thanks,

Gus

 

Yes, you can do it. But a couple of things are critical. A) choice of carseat and B) size of adults.

I have done this loadup in my 2008 Fit, and things were fine for a four hour trip - but my brother in law is only about 160 pounds. We cheated the carseat install a little bit by taking the center seat lap belt point on the right side out from its spot through the seat cushion bite and running it up between the two seat sections instead - which allowed the carseat to sit more centered, leaving about two more inches for the passenger's hips on that side.

My sister is a Child Passenger Safety Technician (Certified to verify correctness of carseat installs) and has therfore been in a lot of back seats. I know she has made comments about it being easier to get multiple seats in my Fit's rear than in her 02 Civic's, due to hip width, but I will get a hold of her and find out her advice for you.

Personally, I would discount the in-laws' presence when making a car decision. They won't be around all that much of the car's life. If you want to go on a serious road trip with them, everyone would be more comfortable in a rental minivan for the weekend - which is cheaper than spending more to buy a different car than you otherwise would.

 

My sister's advice: point them to Car Seat.Org - Carseat, Vehicle & Child Passenger Safety Forums, there is an International forum where they can get specific seat recommendations. There's a handful of Aussies.

 

I've done it in my ge... Actually five full size adults... Just take out the base of the car seat and use the car seat portion and you will be fine and comfy

 

Things will be a bit snug, but it can be done. A carseat takes up a ton of room once it's in. The rear facing infant carrier we had forced the passenger seat to be scooted pretty far forward. Luckily my wife is short, so it wasn't a huge bother. My baby turns 1 on Saturday ( ) and is already large enough for a forward facing seat. The new seat we have is a convertible, but trying to get that huge bastard in there backwards is impossible with our 08 Fit.