Looking for a 2nd carseat to fit these needs

[chicagojo]

Hi folks,

I have a RA in my car, which is the primary car DD rides in, but am hoping to purchase a 2nd seat to use for the following purposes:
1) Occasional use in DH's car (a 2-dr Acura Integra)
2) Occasional use in nanny's car (a Toyota Tercel)
3) Occasional use in grandma's cars (both 4-dr sedans)
4) Occasional use for air travel

So obviously I'm looking for something that's easy to install/uninstall in tight spaces and not too heavy as it will be getting carted around a lot. It seems from other posts that people like the Cosco Touriva (I think that's the one?) for air travel, but is it a good seat for in the car, too? The BB book gives it a "C" rating, which makes me hesitant. This seat will probably be used relatively rarely - once a week at most, probably more like once or twice a month - so I'm hoping not to have to shell out too much $$$ but safety and quality are definitely a high priority. If anyone has any suggestions, TIA! Oh, I should also note that DH, nanny, and one of grandma's cars do not have LATCH. And - how could I almost forget this - DD is still rear-facing and likely to be for a while longer as she is on the petite side (under 18 lbs at 11 mos). So that makes the "tight spaces" issue especially important.

[Joolsplus2]

Fortunately, it was the old model Touriva that only got a C rating...the new one has really nice straps, and for when your baby's forward facing, you can order a cheap new top tether that has a "tilt lock" adjuster, which is much easier to use than the adjuster you get (they MAY have changed to tilt-lock adjusters now, but hadn't as of a couple months ago).
I find this seat is only easy to install with seatbelts, the LATCH is almost useless, so you won't miss it in the cars that don't have it. It's very small and light and compact. The puzzle buckle can be a pain, but you can usually teach newbies how to use it in a few tries.
OR, you can get a Marathon for your car, and use the RA as your spare, since it is even easier to install and use in most cases than the Touriva (but of course I understand not having $200 to spend on a second seat...just throwing it out there as an option, since the Roundabout is almost foolproof to use for all these folks who aren't seat-savvy)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 2 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx

[chicagojo]

Thanks for the advice. It's good to know that the Touriva has been improved since that rating. I will check it out next time I'm near a Walmart. I also saw them on Target's website - does anyone know if they actually stock them in Target stores (we have about 4 Targets near our house but Walmart is kind of a trek...)

[new_mommy25]

Jo, I have seen them at Target.

[chicagojo]

Great - I will check it out next time we're there! Thanks!

[Joolsplus2]

Yeah, it's at Target, but it might be called the "Regal Ride"...it's the same thing, exactly :)
Julie CPS Tech and mom to 2 in seats
http://www.cpsafety.com/articles/RFAlbum/SarahMA.aspx