New comer - couple of queries.. (Britax Evola 123 & Maxi Cosi Cabrio Fix)

[marksy]

Hello all,

My wife is looking at a 2008 Mini One, we took it for a test drive earlier today, she's fallen for it (has always wanted a Mini since selling her old Paul Smith Mini after uni)... anyway we have a 1 year old, who's a small baby (currently weights 16lbs- too small to go into a forward facing seat (until they're 20lbs or similar)).

We have a Maxi Cosi Easyfix Fit Base (ISOFIX) along with the Cabrio Fix Rear Facing Seat. Took it down to Mother Care earlier today to get their input on the next seat up (was looking after searching on here at the Britax Evolve 123). Before I go on that, apparently the seat we currently have can go in fine on seat belts (I'm not keen on it, I feel it's too easy to not do it correctly)- hence the reason we bought the base. The base does fit in, but according to Mother Care we shouldn't be using it, because its not in their approved list. I read this thread: http://www.mini2.com/forum/3438613-post21.html but am a bit concerned about using the base as the advisor at mothercare suggested that as it's not been tested (or has been, but not updated) it's not quite right... or something that shouldn't happen in an accident does (i.e. isofix points bending or similar). Does anyone else have experience of using this base in a Mini?

I've not yet been to Mini to see about their seat (despite everyone saying it's expensive - I'd rather our child be safe - and I prefer ISO Fix) - is this suitable for stage 1?

Next up (sorry - long post) the floor of the Mini doesn't seem solid like in my car. When the isofix base is clipped in, the leg needs to rest on the floor - even when removing the matt it's still sort of soft, is that normal? We've only looked at one car currently so haven't had chance to compare it yet.

For the next stage seat, we were looking at the Britax 123 Evolva - had that tried in the car, and the assistant had to pull out something underneath the seat forward to make the seat fit more flush, and suggested a non slip matt type thing. Said the fit wasn't ideal and we'd need to be tightening it up a lot of the time... Does anyone with this seat notice this?

I've read the stickied thread, but can't seem to find the answers I'm after.

Thanks in advance!

[lil red mini]

from my experience (i have a mini one 2003model hatch) the maxi cosi fits fine with or without the base you have. personally i prefered using the base as it made it easier to get it in and out. cannt really comment much more on this seat as i only used a friends twice when giving her a lift.


however...the britax evolva 123 fits really well in my mini ! the "thing underneeth" that the guy fillipped forward was the recline on the carseat. personally ive found that it fits just as solidly when reclined as when not reclined. i have found it a VERY solid carseat ( and prefer it to both my old maxi cosi sps and maxi cosi tobi). it can take a bit to fit it the first few times and you need to put you knee in it to tighten the belt but once its it i doesnt budge at all (once youve fitted it a few times you will find its really easy). the head support on the evolva is great to for sleepy heads where as other seats i found baby or toddlers head flopped about when going round corners. oh and as for the guy saying the fit wasnt ideal they guy who fitted my first evolva in halfords said the fit was great and the lady in the baby shop whi fitted my second (she wouldnt sell it to me if she hadnt fitted it) said she was very impressed how solid the fit is!

as for the mini not feeling solid..........i have found it feels very solid compaire to other cars, i surpose its a personal thing.


hope this helps!
Pip

[marksy]

Thanks, we have the car now (just picked up) - pretty good fun to drive, just off to fit the base in

[lemony]

we have 2 britax evolva 123 in the back of a 53 plate cooper and fit like a glove,little bit fiddly to fit the first time but you soon get the hang off it.Both children love the seats and sleep without their chins ending up on their chests thou you do have to have the seat in the recline postion (flap under seat forward) and the headrests up.these are the best fitting seats we have had in any car and we have had few.