car seats...

Mamas of older toddlers, what carseat do you have and what do you think of it?

It looks like we're in the market for a new one for Tristan. After three years of heavy use, his Evenflo Triumph convertible has gotten very, very difficult to fasten. It's like the chest clip has warped or something. He's also getting closer to the top weight for it, though that's not the pressing issue at the moment. Anywho, we're looking for a new one, preferably a 5 point that will go up to at least 65lbs. I don't want to jump to booster yet.

I have heard some pretty bad stuff about the Cosco Alpha Omega, but Cosco also has a new 'Apex 65' one which can be used as a booster after 65lbs as well. I can't find much info on it, though. The other major option is Britax, which looks really fabulous---the Britax Boulevard, in particular, is designed to do especially well in the case of side impact accidents and all the reviews I've found for both it and the Marathon are really excellent. However, Britax seats are pricey and there is only one small boutique that carries them locally (not sure if they even have the Boulevard...).

Anyway, that's my round about way of asking for opinions. We aren't planning on passing down this one, we just want it to last Tristan as long as possible. Oh, and have a washable cover :)