ONE stroller for NYC; good on stairs and in car

I've been researching strollers and I am SO confused. I have read all the back posts and am still confused. Right now I have the Kolcraft UCSC and a car seat. My 3 mo DS loves it - it's the only place he will sleep for more than 15 minutes.

However, it is cumbersome and big for our Honda civic. Plus, I want my son to start to be able to look around more when we are out. We can only afford to get ONE stroller so I want to get one that is durable.

Here are my requirements:

1) folds small (UCSC takes up 1/2 the trunk)
2) comfortable for a 3 mo and older as a place to rest
3) steers one handed
4) can take abuse (goes down and up stairs well)
5) reclines
6) lighter is better.
7) works for a short wife and a tall DH

Here's what I have heard about

Techno XT - The new one sounds great. Everyone with one seems to like it, and says it is better than the older model - does the seat slump? Also it seems rather heavy for a mac which is one of the plusses of a mac. And I have not been able to find it for less than $289. My DH can't understand spending that kind of money unless it is necessary.

Quest - The quest is light - only 12 lbs. plus it has an extendable leg rest. Is it comfy though? Will it be ok for the 1 and only stroller?

Zooper z-street - it looks like a techno wannabe for way less $$$. It also has a lot of great features that the techno doesn't have that I want - a napper bar, a boot, rain shield and it looks plush and comfortable to relax in. But it weighs 2 lbs more. Would that make a huge difference in luggability and work in NYC?

P3s - it looked good , but I just read a post that the axle got bent going down stairs and I am not easy on my stroller and need the stroller to be able to take some abuse.

I've heard that the older Macs are better - which models would you get and where to get them?

Any other ideas?

if you live in new york or close by: once you decide what you want (and i would guess people will say zippy or P3--neither of which i own) check out the ebay store of mgm1997. i bought a bunch of stuff from him and just picked it up from his store in brooklyn so i ddin't have to pay for shipping so you can save some money there. i know he has some zippys but don't know how much for.
just bought a techno XT from him yesterday (and am very excited to use it)

[emilyf]

I really like my zooper z-street. Up til now it has been my only stroller, but I just bought another stroller for serious walking. I didn't really need it though, the z-street is great on most terrain and ds seems to be happy in it. My only complaints are: basket is hard to access when seat is reclined, handles seem sort of short, (although I was walking with my friend who has a mac and they actually looked the same, in any case we bought handle extenders) and the canopy is somewhat skimpy. Otherwise, it is very easy to steer, easy to fold, doesn't take up a lot of room and seems very sturdy. I used the boot a lot this winter, and love both the rain and the sun shade. If you have any questions feel free to ask.
Emily
mom of Charlie born 11/02

To give you an idea of his price, I bought a Zippy on eBay from mgm1997 and paid $199 plus shipping since I'm in California. He has all of the patterns available as well.

is it heavy to take in and out of the car? How easy is it to go up the stairs holding a baby in one arm and the stroller in the other? Also what is the quality like? Does it break often.

Thanks SO much.

[emilyf]

It is not heavy-17 lbs and easy to get in and out of the car. I do not usually carry it and the baby in my arms, I either walk backwards up the stairs w/baby strapped in (carefully) or take him out first, put him down and then get the stroller. We only have 4 steps to our house though-not sure what I'd do if there were more. The quality is very good, it has withstood pretty heavy use for 7 months and still seems great.
Emily
mom of Charlie born 11/02

I have one as well.

I just carry it up and down the subway steps with DS strapped into it. It's heavy, and if DS gets heavier than he currently is (about 21 pounds), I 'm not sure what I'll do. DH has even carried the stroller and sleeping baby together up 4 flights of stairs to our apartment. But I wouldn't recommend that.

Paula, Mama to Dante 8/1/02
http://www.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=...21b339c8d20516