Graco Chauffeur Travel System...the Ford Excursion of Strollers
Written: Aug 10 '01
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Pros: Fantastic 5-point infant seat, nostalgic "Baby Buggy" feel to stroller
Cons: Huge, heavy,impossible to fit in a compact car, expensive, useless parent's console
The Bottom Line: This should be renamed the Graco Goliath. If you own an SUV, go for it. Own a full-size sedan? Proceed with caution. If you own a compact, forget it!
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| nursingmom's Full Review: Graco CoachRider Chauffeur 7512BNT Travel System S... |
They say there's a sucker born every minute, and if that's the case, call me a Blo-pop! Let me save all you mothers-to-be the heartache...if you own a smaller vehicle and think you'll be able to fit this Graco Goliath into your trunk...it ain't gonna happen. I cursed the day I ever laid eyes upon it. I gave up after the second week and bought a mid-size Graco which serves its purpose well. But...if you own an SUV, you'll love this stroller. Here's the low-down:
Intelligence Level Required For Use:
The fool-proof level located on the car seat ensures that the seat is always installed at the correct angle. The seat attaches and detaches from the base with ease. The rear or forward facing stroller is easy to configure and easy to collapse.
The Time Test:
Because I cannot fit this monstrosity into my compact car, I use the stroller for neighborhood walks and although it squeaks and creaks horribly, I'll still say it's holding up pretty well. The car seat and base are as durable and safe as you could ask for.
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly:
What attracted me to the stroller in the first place was the Olive and Gold plaid color scheme which Graco calls "Sawgrass". It hides spit-up well, and it's different from all the tired navy polka dot strollers out there. There's also something nostalgic about having a classic "Baby Buggy", which is also convenient if your child wants to nap. The fully adjustable canopies on the seat and stroller are awesome, because no matter where the sun is, you can shield your child. The detachable rain and wind guard on the stroller is a nice extra. The stroller supports up to 40 lbs., and the car seat maxes out at 20 lbs.
The only major design flaw is the parent's console, or tray. What a disappointment! Although the compartment for holding sunglasses and keys is nifty, the dual cup holders are shallow and too small. The cup holders will securely hold a small cup, but it won't hold a standard sized sports or water bottle. It doesn't provide enough support at the bottom, and the bottle rolls right out, which is so frustrating.
The tragic thing is this- if I had known better, I wouldn't have bought this travel system because I just don't have a big enough vehicle, and I would have appreciated it if Graco had clearly stated on the stroller box and informed sales people that it is unrealistic to fit into a compact trunk. Graco is a great company with years of experience and trusted by many consumers. I would have bought a smaller Graco stroller and bought one of their infant seats. I am now the slightly bitter owner of TWO strollers...what a waste of money! It is nearly impossible to shove it into a compact car, especially without damaging the stroller. It will definitely fit into a full sized sedan trunk, but there's hardly any room left for groceries and additional baby gear. If you own an SUV though, I recommend this stroller because it's big and roomy, just like your car.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 239
Age Range of Child: 0 to 12 Months
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Epinions.com ID:
nursingmom
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Member: Lisa Schoeneberger
Location: Lake Forest, California, USA
Reviews written: 7
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
Trying to write when Max isn't suffering from baby Acid Reflux Disease!
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