What Car? Q&A - Should I buy a child seat on the web?

I have seen a number of baby and child seats for sale on internet auction sites, and the prices look good. Are these sites a good place to buy a child seat?
Victor Smith

A: The problem with buying a car seat for a child or baby over the internet is that you can’t check if it fits or be sure of its quality. High-street retailers should let you check the seat in your car to see if it fits, but it’s impossible to do this with an online seller.

If you can’t match the internet price on the high street, first check it in the shop and then order it online.

Prices may be low for second-hand seats via an internet auction site but it is difficult to know if a seat has been damaged or if it is working correctly. Additionally, if the original fitting instructions are missing, you may not be able to install the seat correctly.

Even if the seat is being advertised as new and unused, satisfy yourself beyond any doubt that it will be supplied intact, with all instructions and with no parts missing.

See also: Baby dies in ill-fitted car seat