FTM and carseat

dbliesmer

I'm wondering what the norm is for buying a carseat.  I'm a FTM, so I don't have one from another child.  Is everyone buying theirs brand new or do you buy used ones?  I know carseats are unique in that you wouldn't want to buy from just anyone since you wouldn't know if it's been in an accident.

I have 2 friends that had babies last year and would be willing to sell me their carseats for $50 and it's a nice brand, Chico key fit 30.  Does anyone have any advice for buying used carseats?  Things to ask/check for, etc.