How old is too old for a second hand carseat?

My friend's friend has been kind enough to offer me a carseat that she no longer needs. We will need 3 by the spring, so I am hoping to be able to use this one in my husband's car for 'sometimes' use. How do I know if this is safe? How old is too old? It is a Britax ROundabout.

Re: How old is too old for a second hand carseat?

6 years from the date of manufacture.

Re: How old is too old for a second hand carseat?

They usually have an "expiration date" of 5 years. The manufacturer label on the carseat should say when the carseat was manufactured.

I believe it's because of the integrity of the plastic. That in case of an accident, the strap loops etc.. of the plastic may break because it is an older carseat.

There is nothing that legally says it should be up to 5 year use only though.

Re: How old is too old for a second hand carseat?

The car seat should have a manufactured date listed on it. While some of them say they are safer longer than 6 years, I would use the 6 year rule of thumb too.